TEN FOLDS 

(An Anthology of Poems for the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah)

Reminders are meant for the believers. They reap the benefits not just in this world and the hereafter. It is my pleasure to present to you this maiden publication from  the stables of Ashraf’s scribbles with the theme – “Ten folds-” in commemoration of  the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, which are the best days in the sight of Allah.

Narrated by Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلمSollah llahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “No  good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja).” Then some companions of the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلمSollah llahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Not even Jihad?” He replied, “Not even Jihad, except that of a man
who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and
does not return with any of those things.“

It is in this spirit that we made a call for submission of literary pieces that reflect the
theme and it will interest you to know that we have 32 contributors to this anthology submitting 32 wonderful poetic pieces of history, reminders, spiritual guidance, Soul up lifters, secrets of jannah, abundant blessings, shared love and the golden favour of time. These works are eye-openers and again enliven you with the aura of living in perpetual unison with Allah through HIS remembrance.

— Akintola Ashraf Akintayo
    Initiator

Ten folds- DhulHijjah 1440(Click here to Download)

NEVER LOSE HOPE IN ALLAH 

— Abolaji Abdullah

As Muslims, we are open to trial from the Almighty. He would definitely test us to know our level of faith as He has done to our predecessors. He afflicted them with pains that are strange to them and despite the afflictions, they withstood it and never lost hope. We should recall when Allah the Almighty says:

Do you think that you will enter paradise without such trials as came to those who passed away before you? They experienced suffering and adversity and were so shaken in spirit that even the Prophet and the faithful who were with him cried, “When will Allah’s help come?” Ah, verily the help of Allah is near. – Quran Chapter 2, verse 214.

In line with the above verse it is unquestionably that the path to paradise is full of trials, sufferings and adversities. However, as, Muslims we should be positive minded, we should not think like the unbelievers who are carried away with the enjoyment of this world. The difference between us and them is that we are positive minded on everything that happens to us, we are always hopeful that the Almighty will reward us here in this world and in the hereafter. The Quran supports the assertion:

Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: but the things that endure, Good Deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hopes. – Qur’an Chapter 18, verse 46.

One of the important qualities of a Muslim is to always be ready for anything that comes his way be it challenges at home, work, school or anywhere, and to expect a greater reward from that. Also, we need to believe that Allah knows what is best for us. A Muslim is never in despair, not even in the most difficult moments. That is because they believe that Allah is the Creator of all things; that He has the power to create whatever He wants by saying it to “Be!” and it will be.

The faithful knows that any trying times, he finds himself in, are God-sent tests. He takes things in his stride, recalling that Allah Almighty has advised him:
“…it may be that you hate something when it is good for you and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.” – Qur’an Chapter 2, verse 216.

At times, we crave for material items; houses, cars, and what have you, but we do not get them, we turn the table around and start thinking or even uttering that the Almighty is not being merciful to us. Never! We should not switch our thoughts and or actions towards that direction for Allah is Merciful. He knows what is best for us. He knows if what we crave for might destroy us or might hinder us from remembering and rendering His praise.

Furthermore, we have our fallible, we are prone to errors, but notwithstanding, we should be hopeful that Allah is ever ready to forgive our mistakes. We should never despair of His mercy. Why? because He is merciful. Do not think about your past let by gone be by gone. Never lose hope! The Almighty Allah says:

Say: “My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all wrong actions. He is the Ever Forgiving, the Most Merciful. – Qur’an Chapter 39, verse 53.

Lastly, keep trying and keep pushing, the Almighty is always there for you, ask Him for every step you intend to take in life. Be hopeful and patient. Prophet Ibraheem was hopeful and was rewarded, his heritage is never forgotten. Prophet Yakub was hopeful and he was reunited with his lost son. Prophet Ayyub never lost hope in Allah and he was healed. Remember Allah has promised us that “after difficulty there is ease”. Never lose hope!

“Do not lose heart nor fall into despair! You shall triumph if you are believers.
Qur’an Chapter 3, verse 139.

Remember, true success comes to those who believe.

FASTING ‘ARAFAH ON A SATURDAY 

— Sanni Kay Yusuf 

Jurisprudencial matters which have no scholarly consensus from time immemorial shouldn’t heat up our mosques. I urge our brothers not to prove more intelligent than the custodians of knowledge.

The hadeeth urging Muslims to fast on Arafat day as expiation for 2-year sins is incontrovertible. The one forbidding us to single out Saturday for fasting is as well indisputable. May Allah keep His mercies showered on our model, Muhammad.

Where scholars are of different views regarding this issue is where Arafah or any other special day (Muharram, Ayyaamul bid etc.) falls on a Saturday. While some hold that fasting Arafah on a Saturday is not permissible given the hadeeth aforementioned, others say doing so is permissible since the fast falling on the day isn’t out of personal volition.

The above summary is an indication that our scholars – past and present – aren’t on the same page on the issue. And each party has a formidable foundation upon which their claims are laid.

I, in my small studentship head, give to the view that fasting Arafah on a Saturday – or even a Friday for that matter – is permissible. Therefore, whoever wants to fast come Saturday 9th Dhul-hijjah, 1440AH (i.e. 10th August, 2019) should feel free to do so. And whoever desires otherwise should enjoy his three-square meal for the day.

Our mosques should not be heated up with inexpert arguments, after all, those who have the expertise aren’t on a single page.

May Allah accept our ibaadaat and our good intentions.

TRILOGY OF CREATION: THE PAST, PRESENT, AND THE FUTURE (3)

— SHEHU, Abdus-Salam Aladodo.

To (The Future)

When a supposed green plant dries off, it is termed to have died. It returns back to its previous position i.e. The plant was nothing before its seeds were planted, until it blossomed and became green, then with time, it dried off and that signifies the end of it. Or a barren land which was watered and made fertile by the rain, when the rain ceases, it will go back to it former state or barrenness. Humans are like that as well. Allah has written our destinies, and part of it is that we will die at a decreed time. It is important to note the word “decreed time”. This is because one will never die except when Allah has decreed for death to come. So, it is wrong to say: “So-so-and-so person died because he had an accident, because he was afflicted with a trial” and all other reasons we give for death. No. Those reasons are the ‘Sabab’ (the cause) which has also been written. Just like an Arab poet rightly said:

Whoever does not die by the sword
will die by another thing
(different from the sword),
the causes of death changes,
but death is only one.

In reference to death being decreed at a certain time, the Qur’an says:

And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined.

-Sura Aal-E-Imran, Ayah 145

Also, it is wrong to ascribe death to age or think it is not fair enough for young people to die. All has been written. Whether young or old, agile or feeble. The time of death has been written and nothing will change it:

And among you is he who is taken in [early] death, and among you is he who is returned to the most decrepit [old] age so that he knows, after [once having] knowledge, nothing.

-Sura Al-Hajj, Ayah 5

This is why our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) advised us to take charge of our life before death comes calling. Whatever goodness we strive towards doing whilst we still have control over our lives will earn us greater reward than when we are on the sick bed expecting death to take over the reins. One is enjoined to worship Allah until the last point of death, this is in the hope to have a favourable ending. There has been several reports of righteous predecessors whom death came upon while praying, remembering Allah, reciting the Qur’an or even whilst on the battlefield, these are beautiful endings. Whatever we die upon is what we will be resurrected upon. Whoever dies upon goodness will be resurrected upon it, and one who dies upon evil will be resurrected upon it as well. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Everyone will be raised in the condition in which he dies”. [Muslim].

Death cannot be averted, neither can it be delayed. If it could be averted or delayed, or even people were meant to live eternally, our beloved Prophet would be alive, we would not need anyone to tell us the tales of the tyrants who once ruled the lands, or the tales of giants as tall as the mountains. No matter how heavily guarded or highly placed one is in the society, when death comes knocking, it bypasses all protocol and do what it has been assigned.

Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you should be within towers of lofty construction. -Sura An-Nisa’, Ayah 78

In yet another verse, Allah informs us:

Say, “Indeed, the death from which you flee – indeed, it will meet you. -Sura Al-Jumu’ah, Ayah 8

When we die, it is not the end. Rather, it is the beginning of another journey back to our Maker. Many things will happen after death, after one has been buried underneath the ground. The Angels of the grave will come for questioning, the believers will be laid to rest, till the day of resurrection (once they pass the questions), and the disbelievers will be subjected to torments until the day of resurrection.

There, [on that Day], every soul will be put to trial for what it did previously, and they will be returned to Allah, their master, the Truth.

-Sura Yunus, Ayah 30

This is the whole of our life, this is our journey. Our life is nothing but a triangle. From Allah – For Allah – To Allah. Knowing that our life has been designed by Him is a good way to keep us on our feet and strive towards earning His mercy, strive towards achieving success in the hereafter and not amassing wealth that cannot avail us the bounties of the day of judgement. So, worship your Lord until certainty (death) enters upon youm Verily, from Allah we come, and to Him we shall be returned.

For,
Knowislam.com.ng

Read previous article: TRILOGY OF CREATION: THE PAST, PRESENT AND THE FUTURE.

For Present.

Allah who created us from nothingness, from a drop of semen which we detest definitely created us for a purpose. The purpose of our creation is not far fetched. Allah says:

And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).

-Sura Adh-Dhariyat, Ayah 56

This purpose of creation is greatly established with the creation of the first man; Adam. When Allah wanted to begin His creation, He informed the angels saying:

“Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth.” They said: “Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, – while we glorify You with praises and thanks (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You.” He (Allah) said: “I know that which you do not know.”

-Sura Al-Baqarah, Ayah 30

So, when Allah created Adam, he made him a Prophet calling to His way and enjoining people to worship no one but Allah alone. After Adam, several Prophets were also raised amidst their people to worship no one but Allah alone. Some believed, others disbelieved. The worship of Allah is found in following His injunctions and doing away from His prohibitions. To show us how to properly worship Him, Allah sent messages and messengers in different generations: Adam, Nuh, Lut, Ibrahim, Isma’il, Ya’kūb, Yunus, Yusuf, Musa, Issa, lot of Prophets to different races, but with the same message: ‘’Worship Allah without taking partners with Him’’. Then Allah made Muhammad (Peace be upon him) the seal of Prophethood. He sent him with the message of Islam, with the Qur’an and with glad tidings to the believers. The Qur’an informs us:

It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion. And sufficient is Allah as Witness.

-Sura Al-Fath, Ayah 28

So, our main purpose of creation is to worship Allah. To be able to engage in worship, Allah legislated the pillars of Islam which are five. This is encompassed in the hadith related by Abdullah bn Umar that:

I heard the messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Verily, al-Islam is founded on five (pillars): testifying the fact that there is no god but Allah, establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, fast of Ramadan and Pilgrimage to the House. (Sahih Muslim).

Also, one’s Islam is termed to be null and void except with staunch advocacy and believe in the six articles of faith which was mentioned by the Prophet to Jibril as:

“Faith means to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and the Divine Decree, both good and bad.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).

After having known the purpose of creation, the pillars of Islam and the important aspect of faith, one is then enjoined to follow them strictly without having a counter decision against the legislation of Allah and His prophet. This is because it is only obedience to Allah and His Prophet that will bring worldly and eternal success. The Qur’an instructs:

And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.

-Sura Aal-E-Imran, Ayah 132.

Also, it is important for a Muslim to know that all his body parts are for Allah, because He created them in the first place, and all rights are duly reserved to Allah. If he uses them for that which is permissible, he will be rewarded, if he uses them for that which is forbidden, he will have sins recorded for him. There are acts of goodness which are enjoined upon us to engage in as they will earn us reward in the hereafter. Abu Dharr related from the Prophet as thus:

“Every morning there is on the bones and joints of any of you a charitable act. Every tasbeehah is a charitable act; every tahmeedah is a charitable act; every tahleelah is a charitable act; every takbeerah is a charitable act; ordering good is a charitable act; eradicating evil is a charitable act. To fulfill that charity, it is sufficient to pray two rakats of Duha.” (Muslim).

To fulfill our purpose of creation, our thoughts, actions and inactions must be aligned in obedience to Allah and His Prophet, one of the ways to do that is through the remembrance of Allah, this can either be done by reading the Qur’an or saying the Prophetic supplications. The Prophet once told his companions:

“Shall I inform you of the best of your deeds, the one that raises you most in rank, most purifying to your Lord, which is better for you than giving gold and silver and better for you than meeting your enemy and striking their necks and them striking your necks?” They said, “Certainly, [tell us].” He said, “It is the remembrance of Allah, the Exalted.” (Recorded by Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah). In another narration, the Prophet said:

“There are two statements that are light on the tongue but heavy in the scale
and beloved to the Most Merciful [Allah]: Subhaanallaahi-l-Adheem (‘High is Allah above any imperfection or want, the Great, from every imperfection) and Subhaanallaahi wa bihamdihi (Far above is Allah from every imperfection and I glorify His praises’).” (Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

The Qur’an is a guide for Muslims, it relates to us the past, present and future. The Qur’an serves as a reminder and reflection. Each time we go through the pages, we will always find a part of ourselves and remain in the remembrance of Allah through it. Allah informed His Prophet about the Qur’an:

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,

-Sura Ta-Ha, Ayah 2-4.

Also, the Qur’an guides the believing one upon the straight path, as clearly stated:

Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.

-Sura Al-Isra’, Ayah 9

When one sticks to the Qur’an, it will endear them to worshipping Allah more, thus, serving their purpose of creation.

Thereafter, having fulfilled our religious obligations and reached what Allah has destined for us in age, certainty comes upon us all. What is certainty? The last part of this trilogy will explain that.

Have you ever wondered who, what, or where you were before the skies, seas and mountains ever existed? Have you ever pondered about your own creation, how simple, yet complex it seems? Have you ever ponder that you could not have been made to spend nine months in your mother’s belly, only to be born and engage in frivolities? Have you ever wondered why the cycle of weakness and helplessness repeats itself when old age sets in for people and the grim reaper is making for their throat? Have you ever wondered where you are from?

What purpose do you serve here? And where are you going later on? Questions upon questions without a definite answer will make confusion set in, I know. But I really want you to think deep and ponder, but if you need my help doing that, read on. Let us summarize the whole of our life as a journey of “From, for, & to”. From where or what were we created? For what were we created? And to where will we be returned? Why do so much sadness exist, and maybe, little joy. Why do people see life as nothingness, and why do some see it as a playground?

FROM (PAST)

Fifty thousand years before the creation of the heavens and the earth, we were nothing. Nothing to be ever remembered. Fifty thousand years before the creation of the heavens and the earth Allah ordained the measures (of quality) of the creation. The first thing Allah created was the pen, and when the pen was created, it was told to write. The pen asked what should be written, and Allah instructed it to write what was decreed about everything till the last hour. Part of what the pen wrote was the creation of human beings, which indicates that we began from nothingness — unnamed in any form. The Qur’an relates:

“Has there not been over man a period of time, when he was nothing to be mentioned?”

-Sura Al-Insan, Ayah 1

So, we started as nothingness, never to be mentioned. Then when Allah began creation and He created the angels who worshipped Him without break, He then made the creation of man happened, starting from Adam (May Allah be pleased with him) and his wife Hawwa (May Allah be pleased with her). Adam was created from clay, Hawwau was created from his rib whilst he was asleep, and they were both made to procreate and the result of their procreation is we. But our creation is different from theirs. Ours involve the meeting of a pair (Male and female) as it is only through that reproduction can happen.

The Qur’an is explicit about our creation:

• So let man see from what he is created!

• He is created from a water gushing forth.

• Proceeding from between the back-bone and the ribs,

-Sura At-Tariq, Ayah 5-7

Read Also: THE LAST BONE STANDING

This process only happens when a man and woman meets, and even when they meet, there is no guarantee that their cohabitation will bring forth any being except if it has been decreed. So, when this happens, the creation of man has not ended. The sexual relation is the first phase to it (the phase which ends the father’s contribution), the next phase is totally controlled by Allah through the female (Mother to-be after having being impregnated), the Qur’an tells us:

“O mankind! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily! We have created you (i.e. Adam) from dust, then from a Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge i.e. offspring of Adam), then from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood) then from a little lump of flesh, some formed and some unformed (miscarriage), that We may make (it) clear to you (i.e. to show you Our Power and Ability to do what We will). And We cause whom We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as infants, then (give you growth) that you may reach your age of full strength. And among you there is he who dies (young), and among you there is he who is brought back to the miserable old age, so that he knows nothing after having known. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down water (rain) on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells and puts forth every lovely kind (of growth).”

-Sura Al-Hajj, Ayah 5

So, the entire creation of man was explained in the above verse. To buttress the verse, the Prophet also related in one of the hadiths narrated by Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud:

“The creation of you (humans) is gathered in the form of semen in the womb of your mother for forty days, then it becomes a clinging thing in similar (period), then it becomes a lump of flesh like that, then Allah sends an angel who breathes life into it; and (the angel) is commanded to record four things about it: Its provision, its term of life (in this world), its conduct; and whether it will be happy or miserable.” (Al-Bukhari).

Going by the aforementioned, we were totally fashioned by Allah in the best of forms that we are today. Our entire journey has been from Him, if He has then planned our creation and we have been brought to life, what purpose do we then serve? Why are we here? That brings us to the second stage. The present.

SHEHU, Abdus-Salam Aladodo.

Click here for the second part.