Al-Muhaymin - The Guardian, the Overseer

 

Al-Muhaymin is the Overseer, the Guardian of this whole universe, the heavens, the unseen and all that is with Allah's knowledge. He preserves and protects.

He watches over us, witnesses everything and is the Protector.

"And, [O Muhammad], you are not [engaged] in any matter or recite any of the Qur'an and you [people] do not do any deed except that We are a witness over you when you are involved in it. and not absent  from your Lord is there any [part] of an atom's weight within the earth or within the heaven or [anything] smaller than that or greater but that it is in a clear register." (Qur'an: Surah Yunus 10, verse 61)

 Allah is watching over His creations and creatures, He knows everything that we do, whether we publicize it or conceal it. Allah oversees everything, He provides sustenance to whom He wills and decrees the life span of every living thing. 

When a bird stretches out its wings to protect their chicks, this is them being muhaymin over them, guarding and protecting.

"He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him." (Qur'an; Surah al-Hashr [the Gathering] 59, verse 23)

 Remember that Allah is ever watchful and fully aware of you and even your inner thoughts. He is the Guardian, the Overseer of every little thing that we are not aware of. He is the most Powerful the Exalted.

"We have not sent down to you the Qur'an that you be distressed, but only as a reminder for those who fear [Allah] - A revelation from He who created the earth and highest heavens, The Most Merciful [who is] above the Throne established. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and what is on the earth and what is between them and what is under the soil. And if you speak aloud - then indeed, He knows the secret and what is [even] more hidden. Allah - there is no deity except Him. To Him belong the best of names." (Qur'an: Surah Ta'ha 20, verses 2-8)

The earth, the sun, the moon, the billions and trillions of stars and galaxies Allah has created, for what purpose only Allah knows and He is ever watchful over them all, nothing goes amiss and He knows everything. Our little minds cannot comprehend how vast this universe that Allah created actually is, Allahu Akbar!

Seeking knowledge

Seeking knowledge

وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدۡنِي عِلۡمٗا

“Rabbi Zidni ilma”

O my Lord increase me in knowledge.

(Qur’an:Surah Ta ha 20, verse 114)

بما علمتني وعلمني ما ينفعني وارزقني علما تنفعني به انفعني للهما

Allahumman fa’nee bi-maa ‘allam-ta-nee wa ‘allim-nee maa yanfa’u-nee war zuq-nee ‘ilman yanfa’u-nee

‘O Allah benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me, and grant me knowledge which will benefit me.’

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Hadith:Sunan Ibn Majah 224, Sahih) The Qur'an urges the Muslim to not only acquire knowledge but to think, reflect, ponder upon it and use the knowledge in everyday life; it would bring them closer to Allah. (SubhanAllahu wa Ta'ala - the Most Glorified, the Most High) ﷻ And be pleasing to the Most High. 

The Prophet ﷺ (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam - may Allahs peace and blessings be upon him) said that the scholars are the heirs of the Prophets and that the Prophets never left behind money or property, nevertheless, they left behind something of much more value - knowledge, so whoever acquires it has gained a great share. [Jami’at-Tirmidhi, Book 41, hadith 38]-[English translation:vol.5, book 39, hadith 2682]

Abu Huraira, (RadhiAllahu Anhu), reported that Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “Whoever travels a path in the search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. People do not gather in the houses of Allah and study it together, but that tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will cover them, angels will surround them, and Allah will mention them to those near him.” [Sahih Muslim 2699, Hadith]

The meaning of the word Qur'an is the recitation, the reading. It stems from the root word Iqr'a which translates in English as read. Some scholars say it stems from the Arabic word al-Qar meaning to collect and qara which also means to recite.

The first verse that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam - may Allahs peace and blessings be upon him, “Read! in the name of your Lord...” (Qur'an: Surah al-‘alaq 96, verse 1) Islam is the religion of knowledge. The fact that the very first word to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam - may Allahs peace and blessings be upon him) was 'read' or 'recite’, implying its importance and that it is the key thing one has to do in order to accumulate knowledge. “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.” (Qur'an: Surah al-Isra 17, verse 36)

“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Qur’an: Surah al-Mujadilah 58, verse 11) Allah here is simply implying that those who follow the commands of Allah ﷻ (SubhanAllahu wa Ta'ala - the Most Glorified, the Most High), by seeking knowledge and applying it in their day-to-day life will In Shaa Allah be those elevated in his status in this world and/or the next, only Allah knows. Indeed, Allah knows who deserves this reward and those who do not.

“And so those who were given knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord and [therefore] believe in it, and their hearts humbly submit to it. And indeed is Allah the guide of those who have believed to a straight path.” (Qur’an:Surat l-Hajj 22, verse 54)

“Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and guidance, which We have sent down after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers. Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they concealed). These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.” (Qur’an:Surah al-Baqarah 2, verses 159-160)

This verse warns those who conceal and hide the truth and do not share their knowledge. They are said to be the ones cursed by Allah and further by the cursers themselves. But the next verse is a solution for those who have been hoarders of knowledge, for those who have kept the truth under wraps from people who could have benefited from it. Allah states that for those who repent from their sins and openly share the knowledge which they conceal and do righteous deeds, they will be of a group who will be forgiven by the Most Merciful (al-Raheem), the Great Forgiver (al-Ghafoor).

The Prophet ﷺ SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam - may Allahs peace and blessings be upon him said, “The superior rank the learned man holds in relation to the worshipper is like the superior rank I hold in relation to the best of men.” (Hadith: Masabih vol 1, P.14) See how he (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam - may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ﷺ placed knowledge on an equal footing with prophethood and belittled the value of practice without knowledge, despite the fact that the worshipper may not be ignorant of the worship which he observes. Moreover, without this knowledge, there would have been no worship. (The Book of Knowledge- al Ghazali: translated by Nabih Amin Faris)

Knowledge brings great rewards, in this life by sowing the seeds for the Hereafter. When the knowledgeable person is to die, his reward with Allah does not cease, rather they continue to increase as long as people benefit from their knowledge.

The Prophet ﷺ (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam - may Allahs peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When a man dies, all his deeds come to an end except three - an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge or a righteous son (child) who will pray for him.” (Hadith: Narrated by Muslim 1631)

Just think about this, if you are to share some good, beneficial knowledge with somebody and they were to act upon it, you would not only be rewarded for acting upon the knowledge yourself, but you also will gain some reward for the person who is still practising that knowledge, and if that person was to share that knowledge they would too benefit and gain some rewards for those who act and follow the knowledge, whilst you will too still be gaining rewards for whosoever benefits from the knowledge which you shared, SubhanAllah!

For example, we read the Hadith (which is the way of the Prophet documented and recorded by his close companions etc. About what he did, what he said and descriptions of what the Prophet was like.etc.) and the Holy Qur'an each verse in the Qur'an is known as an ayah/ayat which is translated as signs/verses. Now we can read a verse in the Qur'an and feel like we have not grasped anything from it, that we can learn to use/practise in order that it may benefit us to draw nearer to Allah by improving our conduct, vigilance or thoughts etc. But within them, there is something to be taken from it, something to learn that we previously did not know or maybe it is a reminder of something that you may have become complacent with or forgetful. But, whatever it may be once you have read it and analysed the words of Allah, you will either grasp knowledge and understanding of the lesson it has in it to teach us or it may give you a reminder, both in order to allow you to use the lesson learnt to better yourself as a person and bring you closer to Allah ﷻ (SubhanAllahu wa Ta'ala - the Most Glorified, the Most High), by practising something which is pleasing and rewarding in this life and the Hereafter.

[And there may be some that you have no understanding but that is OK too, you can always ask someone who is knowledgeable with that area to give some insight for you. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you do not understand something, seeking understanding is beneficial, think of the bigger picture if you did not ask for help and Allah asks you why you did not seek knowledge and understanding. Ask Allah to guide you to better understand and assist you on your journey to acquiring knowledge.]

For instance, Prophet Musa (Alayhis Salaam - Peace be upon Him) fled Egypt because he found out that Pharaoh's army was after him after he had accidentally killed a man. Musa fled with just the clothes upon his back.

“So he left the city afraid and cautious. He said, ‘My lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.’” [Qur’an:Surah al-Qasas 28, verse 21]

“And when he directed himself towards Madyan, he said, ‘Perhaps my Lord will guide me to the sound way.’ And when he came to the well of Madyan, he found there a group of men watering [their flocks], and he found aside from them two women driving back [their flocks]. He said ‘What is the matter with you?’ They said, ‘We cannot water our sheep until the shepherds take away [their flocks] and our father is an old man.’ So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he went back to the shade and said, ‘My Lord!! Truly I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!’“[Qur’an: Surah al-Qasas 28, verses 22-24]

“Then one of the two young women came to him walking with shyness. She said, ‘Indeed, my father invites you for having watered for us.’’ So when he came to him and related him the story, he said, ‘Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people.’” [Qur’an:Surah al-Qasas 28, verse 25]

From these few verses, what do you learn?

Firstly from reading it all, you can see that his supplication/Du’a was answered and Allah the most Generous granted him safety from the wrongdoing people and guided him to the right path, SubhanAllah. This then teaches us that making du’a in difficult circumstances is necessary and will be answered in Shaa Allah. You just have to possess trust, hope and patience in Allah that He will answer your du’as.

Also, he was inspired to be vigilant, courteous and kind to the two young women. He saw them knowing that shepherding is a man's job as it is hard work and tiresome. Even though he was very thirsty and tired, he was polite and respectful upon talking to them and helping them, ensuring that their flock got watered. What did you learn?

To be aware and considerate of others. Also, the women pose a lesson that should be learnt through this and that is to have modesty and for women not to be mixing freely with the opposite gender.

Being desperate Musa then again made supplication to Allah ﷻ (SubhanAllahu wa Ta'ala - the Most Glorified, the Most High), he didn't run out of hope, he didn't ask anyone else to help him but asked Allah. This is an important message to be learnt here. We shouldn't rely upon others for help, we should only rely upon Allah the Generous, the Giver, the Trustworthy. And right there in his time of need, Allah answered him by inspiring the father of the women to go to Musa and invite him over to say thank you, personally.

When the woman approached Musa she came over bashfully and shyly, another of the possessions a woman should have included in modesty. She didn't walk over in a pompous, ostentatious manner, but in a humble, reserved manner, something women should take into consideration when approaching men who are unlawful to us and when out and about.

By being respectful you will receive respect is also a lesson, Musa showed respect to the young women and was respectfully invited to their family home. Musa was then respectful to their father who was respectful in his response.

So the knowledge hidden in these few verses is something you have just learnt, that ought to be practised from this point on in order for the Creator to be pleased with you and benefit you with rewards in this life and the next, in Shaa Allah.

It is important to always read over verses in order to find the lessons you are to take with you, implementing and utilising them in your day-to-day life in order to please the Creator and reap rewards. If you don’t understand search for understanding, firstly by asking Allah the all-Knowledgeable for help and then put in the work to search for answers by reading the Tafsir, which is an explanation of the Qur’anic commentary or by asking a knowledgeable person or imam at your local Mosque.

Taking care of your ♡

Al-Baqarah 2:204

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعْجِبُكَ قَوْلُهُۥ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَيُشْهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلْبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلْخِصَامِ

And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.

“…And no one will be reminded except those of understanding, [who say], ‘Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself Mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” (Surat al-Imran 3:7-8)

Hearts are the home of our souls. We must take special care of our hearts to ensure that they are nourished. 

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught, “The pure ones are those who clean themselves from sin, doubt, cheating, lying and jealousy.”

A pure heart loves to please Allah (SWT) and to follow Islamic values such as patience, kindness, honesty, etc. Here are some ways in which one can become closer to Allah (SWT) and purify their hearts, in Shaa Allah.

• Prioritize the 5 daily prayers.

By doing your prayers you are serving your Lord. “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (51:56)

The importance of prayer is conveyed in the Qur’an many times and has been emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ); “Know that among your duties, prayer is foremost”. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to pray well before the revelation was sent down to him. He would regularly seclude himself in the cave Hira to meditate and pray. From the cave, the Ka’aba was visible to him and his attention was drawn to Allah, yet Allah's attributes had not yet been revealed to him, he was still inclined to worship even before Allah commanded him to.

It is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, if you are Muslim you are then obligated to pray your 5 prayers or as many as you can each day, (making up any that you may have missed). Prayer is a way to reap many rewards from Allah SWT (in this world and the Hereafter), such as spiritual and physical benefits:

-Reminding us of the essence of life in this world and the Hereafter.

-Reduces cholesterol levels.

-Direct communication with your Lord.

-Boosts the supply of blood to the brain, when in sajdah.

-Practicing patience, modesty and genuineness.

-Express gratitude to Allah SWT.

-Reduces the chance of developing arthritis.

• Read the Qur’an with understanding.

“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah – “ (2:2)

The Qur’an is the medicine for the soul. It should be read daily and with understanding. There are translations for many languages in order for us to have a better understanding of what He is saying. And it is written in such a way that the messages within are for every generation that has come and that is yet to come. Without understanding how would we put certain things into practice, in order to become the best we can be, in Shaa Allah.

• Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr, Duas, etc).

“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (13:28)

Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) related how the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) would remember Allah SWT, within every moment of his life. He would remember Allah SWT before, during and after eating, going to sleep, waking up, entering a house, wearing new clothes, entering and leaving a mosque, looking into a mirror and so on. The times are endless. And with the help of those who put together the authentic hadiths (Sunnah: the way of the Holy Prophet ﷺ), Sahih Al Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, with the many narrations of those close to the Prophet ﷺ. They have and can help us to follow the ways of the Prophet in order to do things the right way, the way that is most pleasing to our Creator.

“Remember Allah so that He will remember you and pray to Him and He will accept your prayers and remembrance of Allah is the greatest virtue.”

• Call upon Allah by His beautiful names.

“Say, 'Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful. Whichever [name] you call – to Him belong the best names.’” (17:110)

Whether it be a happy time, a sad time or a cry for help, know that you can call upon Allah SWT at any time during the day and night. Allah tells us in the Quran:

“And when My servants ask you (O Muhammad), concerning Me- Indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So, let them respond to Me (by obedience) and believe in Me that they may be (rightly) guided.” [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:186]

• Seek Allah's forgiveness.

“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.” (3:133)

It is amazing that such a flawless man (Prophet Muhammad, may Allah send peace and blessings upon him) would ask Allah more than 100 times a day for forgiveness and be constantly praying and worshipping Allah SWT. Allahu Akbar!

• Make Dua (supplication) to Allah for all your needs.

“And He answers [the supplication of] those who have believed and done righteous deeds and increases [for] them from His bounty.” (42:26)

“There is no Muslim who offers a Dua – in which there is no sin or severing of family ties – but that Allah will give him one of the three things in return: either He will answer his dua shortly, or He will store it up for him in the Hereafter, or He will divert an equivalent evil away from him because of it. The companions said: ‘We will say a lot of dua’. He said: ‘Allah is more generous’.” [Ahmad]

This is the supplication that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ shared with his followers which were to comprehend all of his supplications that which they could not remember:

 ‘Allah, I beg of Thee of good all that Thy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) begged of Thee and seek Thy Protection against all the evil against which Thy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ sought Thy protection. Thou art the One who is asked for help and it is for Thee to convey the guidance. There is no strength to resist evil, nor power to do good, except through Allah’.

Look at just how passionate the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Muslims of his time were, about the importance of making dua. Dua nowadays has become an auto-pilot task to tick off our lists (not all Muslims) when in fact it should be something that we should be putting our heart into it, with some only making Dua at times of hardship and then forgetting to make Duas and be thankful in times when things are easy. We should make it our task as practising Muslims to make heartfelt, sincere and humble duas to our Creator every day, what does it take to make a dua? At the very least 2 minutes, you still have 23 hours and 58 minutes remaining!

• Think positively about Allah

How Perfect You are O Allah, praise be to You. Blessed is Your name and lofty is Your position and none has the right to be worshipped except You.

“Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us.” (9:40)

Without a positive attitude to your Creator, you are doomed. In order to become good Muslims and head down the straight wonderous path towards your Creator. You first have to have some positive thoughts towards Him.

Reading the Quran is one way to gain some positive thoughts towards Allah and about His attributes. Also what is beneficial and mandatory is for us to study Allah’s names (Al Asma ul Husna). Studying His Beautiful names allows us to get to know our Creator, ar-Rahman (the most Merciful), al-Fattah (the Opener), al-Kafīd (the Humiliator), al-Basīr (the all Seeing), al-Muqīt (the Nourisher).

• Send peace and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

“Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.” (33:56)

Sending blessing (Salawat) and peace (salaam) upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is a way to show our gratitude towards him. He ﷺ put his life on the line to deliver this message to mankind.

Benefits of Sending Blessings Upon The Prophet ﷺ:

1. All your concerns will be lifted and your sins will be forgiven.

2. Allah will send blessings upon you.

3. It will draw you closer to the Prophet ﷺ, in the Hereafter.

4. The Prophet ﷺ will receive and return our greetings.

5. Your sins will be erased and your status raised.

6. It helps your Dua be accepted.

• Express gratitude to Allah for His blessings upon you.

“O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.” (2:172)

“So, remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (2:152)

20 tips from the Quran and Sunnah for dealing with the evil of the enemy of mankind, Shaytan (Satan).

By: Jamiatul Ulama

Source: Jamiatul Ulama

Here are twenty tips from the Quran and Sunnah for dealing with the evil of the enemy of mankind, Shaytan (Satan).

ONE: One should not travel in a group of less than three. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “One on his own is a shaytān, two travellers are two shaytāns and three people are a travelling party.” [1]

TWO: Do not sit in partial shade and sunlight. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) forbade that a man should sit in partial shade and sunlight. [2] He (ﷺ) forbade that one should sit straddling between sunlight (unshaded) and shaded areas, and he said: “It is the sitting place of shaytān.” [3]

THREE: Do not walk in one shoe. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Indeed Shaytān walks in one shoe.” [4] He also stated, “Let not any of you walk in one sandal, rather wear both together, or take both of them off.” [5]

FOUR: Do not eat and drink with the left hand. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When one of you eats, let him do so with his right hand, and when he drinks, let him do so with his right hand, for indeed Shaytān eats with his left and drinks with his left.” [6]

FIVE: Do not give and take with the left hand. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “…for indeed Shaytān gives with the left and he takes with the left.” [7]

SIX: Shaytān comes with a piece of stick or something else that he throws onto the bed, so do not become angry with your family. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Shaytān comes to the bed of some of you after his family has prepared it for him, and he throws a stick, a stone or something else onto it so as to make him angry with his family. So if someone finds that, let him not become angry with his family because it is from the deeds of Shaytān.” [8]

SEVEN: One should not be in seclusion with an unrelated member of the opposite sex. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “A man is not secluded alone with a woman (who is not permissible for him) except that Shaytān is the third.” [9]

EIGHT: If you are riding a means of transport, isolate yourself on your journey with Allah and remembering Him. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “There is not a rider who isolates himself during his journey with Allah and in His remembrance, except that an angel follows him, and he does not isolate himself with [blameworthy] poetry, or backbiting and tale-carrying except that Shaytān follows him.” [10]

NINE: Try and withhold from yawning as much as possible. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When one of you yawns, he should try his best to stop it, for when one of you yawns, Shaytān laughs at him.” And in a narration, he said, “He should withhold his yawn with his hand because Shaytān enters therein.” [11]

TEN: When mounting a camel, say bismillāh. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), “On the back of every camel there is a Shaytān. So when you mount it, say bismillāh, then you will not be prevented from your needs.” [12]

ELEVEN: Do not speak about the private matters of your spouse. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Perhaps a man will speak about what happens between himself and his wife (of intimacy). Or perhaps a woman will speak about what happens between her and her husband. Do not do so! That is like a devil who meets a female devil on a road and he copulates with her whilst the people look on.” [13]

TWELVE: Do not allow Shaytān come between the gaps whilst standing in congregational prayer. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Come close together in the rows for verily Shaytān stands in the gaps.” [14]

THIRTEEN: Do not narrate your dreams except to one whom you love or a person of knowledge who can interpret dreams. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “The righteous dreams are from Allah and the bad dreams are from Shaytān. So if anyone has a dream and he dislikes something from it, let him spit (lightly without expelling saliva) to his left side and seek refuge with Allah, for verily it will not harm him, and he should not narrate it to any person. If he has a good dream, then it is a glad-tiding and he should not tell anyone of it except one whom he loves.” [15] He also said, “He should not tell anyone what he saw in his (good) dream except a beloved person or one who knows how to interpret it.” [16]

FOURTEEN: Deliberate carefully over affairs, and beware of hastiness. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) stated, “Careful deliberation is from Allah, and haste is from Shaytān.” [17]

FIFTEEN: One should not forget to remember Allah before eating. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Shaytān makes lawful for himself food on which Allah’s name (i.e. bismillāh) has not been mentioned.” [18]

SIXTEEN: Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah and with seeking His forgiveness. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “The Shaytān said: By your Might and Honour my Lord, I will not cease enticing your servants so long their souls are in their bodies. So the Lord said, ‘By my Might and Majesty, I will not cease forgiving them so long as they seek My forgiveness.” [19]

SEVENTEEN: Guarding oneself against secretive speech. Allah, the Most High, said, “Secretive conversation is only from Shaytān that he may grieve those who have believed, but Shaytān will not harm them at all except by the permission of Allah. And let the believers rely upon Allah.” [20] Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When you are in a gathering of three people, then two of you should not engage in a private discussion to the exclusion of the third until you are in the company of a larger number of people otherwise that will bring him sadness.” [21]

EIGHTEEN: Do not go to the marketplaces and shopping malls except for a need. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “If you are able, do not be the first to enter the marketplaces and do not be the last to leave them, for verily the marketplace is the battleground of Shaytān and he plants his standard there.” [22]

NINETEEN: Avoid unnecessary wastage of wealth and provision. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “A sleeping place for a man, a sleeping place for his wife and the third for a guest. The fourth (therefore) is for Shaytān.” [23]

TWENTY: Blowing one’s nose upon waking up from sleep. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) stated, “Whenever any of you wakes up from sleep, let him blow his nose three times for the Shaytān spends the night in his nostrils.” [24] The Prophet used the term istinthār which means to expel water from the nose after istinshāq, and that is to draw water into the nose by sniffing it up so that it reaches the nostrils and the whole interior of the nasal cavity. [25] _____

References:

Benefits were taken from the book “Kayfa Tarqi Nafsak”(Dar al-Qabs Publishing, Riyadh, 1434AH)

[1] Saheeh Abu Dawood (2271), Saheeh At-Tirmidhi (1388).

[2] Al-Hākim in Al-Mustadrak (4/2071) and authenticated by him, Adh-Dhahabi agreed,

[3] Ahmad in Al-Musnad (3/413), As-Saheehah (838),

[4] As-Saheehah (348),

[5] Al-Bukhāri (5855), Muslim (2097). As for the hadeeth ascribed to the Prophet that he would walk in one sandal (Tirmidhi 1777), then it is weak as pointed out in As-Saheehah (348).

[6] Muslim (2020).

[7] Saheeh Ibn Mājah (3266).

[8] Saheeh Adab al-Mufrad (1191).

[9] As-Saheehah (430), Saheeh At-Tirmidhi (1171).

[10] Saheeh Al-Jāmi’ (5706).

[11] Al-Bukhāri (6226), Muslim (2995).

[12] Saheeh Al-Jāmi’ (5706).

[13] Saheeh Al-Jāmi’ (4008).

[14] Ahmad (3/154, 260),

[15] Muslim (2261).

[16] Saheeh Abu Dawood (5020), Saheeh Ibn Mājah (3914).

[17] Saheeh Al-Jāmi’ (3011), As-Saheehah (1795).

[18] Muslim (2017).

[19] Ahmad (3/29,41),

[20] Al-Mujādilah, 10.

[21] Bukhāri (6290), Muslim (2184).

[22] Muslim (2451).

[23] Muslim (2084).

[24] Bukhāri (3295), Muslim (238).

[25] See Muslim (226) Sharh of An-Nawawi (3/90).

77 branches of faith

77 Branches of Faith 

The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: 

“There are over 70 branches of faith. The highest is to bear witness that ‘There is no god but Allāh and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allāh’ (lā ilāha illallāhu Muhammadur rasūlullāh). The lowest is the removal of harm from the road. Modesty is also of faith.” 1 

The ‘Seventy-Seven Branches of Faith’ 2 are a collection of Qur’anic verses and Prophetic narrations compiled by Imām al-Bayhaqī (Allah be pleased with him) in 458 A.H. In it, he explains the essential virtues that reflect true faith (imān). These seventy-seven branches are some of the essential attributes and characteristics that a true believer should have or strive towards having. 

Complete Iman in reality consists of three components: 

Confirmation by heart of all the essentials of Iman 

Confirmation by tongue of all the essentials of Iman 

Confirmation by actions of all the essentials of Iman 

Thus, the ”77 Branches of Faith” are divided into three categories: 

The first of which concern the intention, belief and action of the heart, 

The second concern the use of the tongue, 

and the third concern all the remaining parts of the body. 

Abdul Hakim Murad, professor of Divinity at Cambridge University, was the first to translate this work into the English language 3. As the book is no longer in print, here then are the Seventy-Seven Branches of Faith: 

THIRTY QUALITIES CONNECTED TO THE HEART: 

1. Belief in Allah (Testimony of Faith: La ilaha illallah’ (there is no true god except Allah) 

2. To believe that everything other than Allah was non-existent. Thereafter, Allah Ta’ala created these things and subsequently they came into existence. 

3. To believe in the existence of Angels (Malaaikah). 

4. To believe that all the Heavenly Books (Kutub) that were sent to the different prophets are true. However, apart from the Quran, all other books are not valid anymore. 

5. To believe that all the prophets are true. However, we are commanded to follow Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) alone. 

6. To believe that Allah Ta’ala has knowledge of everything from beforehand and that only that which He sanctions or wishes will occur. 

7. To believe that the Day of Resurrection (Qiyaamah) will definitely occur. 

8. To believe in the existence of Paradise (Jannah). 

9. To believe in the existence of Hell (Jahannam). 

10. To have love for Allah Ta’ala. 

11. To have love for Rasulullah (peace and blessings be upon him). 

12. To love or hate someone solely because of Allah. 

13. To execute all good acts with sincerity (the intention of deen; to please Allah alone). 

14. To regret and express remorse when a sin is committed. 

15. To fear Allah Ta’ala. 

16. To hope for the mercy of Allah Ta’ala. 

17. To be modest. 

18. To express gratitude (Shukr) over a bounty or favour. 

19. To fulfil promises. 

20. To exercise patience (Sabr). 

21. To consider yourself lower than others. 

22. To have mercy on the creation. 

23. To be pleased with whatever you experience (decree) from Allah Ta’ala. 

24. To place your trust in Allah Ta’ala. 

25. Not to boast or brag over any quality that you possess. 

26. Not to have malice or hatred towards anybody. 

27. Not to be envious of anyone. 

28. Not to become angry. 

29. Not to wish harm for anyone. 

30. Not to have love for the world. 

SEVEN QUALITIES CONNECTED TO THE TONGUE:

31. To recite the Kalimah with the tongue. 

32. To recite the Quran. 

33. To acquire knowledge. 

34. To pass on knowledge. 

35. To make dua. 

36. To make the zikr of Allah Ta’ala. 

37. To abstain from the following: lies, backbiting (gheebah), vulgar words, cursing, singing(indecent) that is contrary to the Shariah. 

FORTY QUALITIES CONNECTED TO THE ENTIRE BODY:

38. To make wudhu, ghusl, and keep one’s clothing clean. 

39. To be steadfast in offering Salaat. 

40. To pay zakaat and sadaqatul fitr. 

41. To fast. 

42. To perform the Hajj. 

43. To make i’tikaaf. 

44. To move away or migrate from that place which is harmful for one’s religion (deen). 

45. To fulfil the vows that have been made to Allah. 

46. To fulfil the oaths that are not sinful. 

47. To pay the kaffarah for unfulfilled oaths. 

48. To cover those of the body that are compulsory (fard) to cover. 

49. To make qurbaani (sacrifice for Allah). 

50. To enshroud and bury the deceased. 

51. To fulfil your debts. 

52. To abstain from prohibited things when undertaking monetary transactions. 

53. Not to conceal something true which you may have witnessed. 

54. To get married when the Nafs desires to do so. 

55. To fulfil the rights of those who are under you. 

56. To provide comfort to one’s parents. 

57. To rear children in the proper manner. 

58. Not to sever relations with one’s friends and relatives. 

59. To obey one’s master. 

60. To be just. 

61. Not to initiate any way that is contrary to that of the generality of the Muslims. 

62. To obey the ruler, provided what he orders, is not contrary to the Shariah. 

63. To make peace between two warring groups or individuals. 

64. To assist in noble tasks. 

65. To command the good and prohibit the evil (An Nahyi ‘Anil Munkar). 

66. If it is the government, it should mete out punishments according to the Shariah. 

67. To strive against the enemies of deen (if possible by hand, if not by tongue (pen), if not by heart) whenever such an occasion presents itself. 

68. To fulfil one’s trusts (amaanah). 

69. To give loans to those who are in need. 

70. To see to the needs of one’s neighbour. 

71. To ensure that one’s income is pure. 

72. To spend according to the Shariah. 

73. To reply to one who has greeted you. 

74. To say Yarhamukallah when anyone say Alhamdulillah after sneezing. 

75. Not to cause harm to anyone unjustly. 

76. To abstain from games and amusements that are contrary to the Shariah. 

77. To remove pebbles, stones, thorns, stick etc. from the road. 

References: 

[1] Sahīh Bukhārī 

[2] Al-Bayhaqī, Shu’ab al-Īmān. 

[3] al-Qazwīnī, 1300. Mukhtasar Shu’ab al-Imān. Translated from Arabic by TJ Winter, 1990. India: The Quilliam Press.