Hardships Benefit the Believer

Allah has decreed that, in this life, hardships and disasters strike both believers and non-believers. For a non-believer, they are inconveniences that hinder him from proceeding with his normal involvement in the worldly life. For a believer, on the other hand, they are instances of rest and remembrance, tests that promise great rewards, and indications of atonement and expiation of sins. 

Regardless of how little is the harm that strikes a believer, it carries with it good news of forgiveness and elevated rank ( in Jannah ). The Righteous Predecessors used to be pleased when a hardship afflicted them, seeing it as a token of Allah's forgiveness and benevolence.

"Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere." [Quran 2:155]

Expiation of Sins

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet said: " Hardships continue to befall a believing man and woman in their body, family, and property, until they meet Allah (S) burdened with no sins. " [Tirmithee]

Sign of Allahs Love

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Whenever Allah wills good for a person, He subjects him to adversity" [Bukharee and others]

Sign of Emaan (Faith)

Abu Hurayrah (RA) and Kab Bin Maalik (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "The parable of a believer is that of a fresh and moist plant; the wind tilts it this way and that way; and so is the believer; he continues to be subject to affliction. And the parable of a hypocrite is that of a firm cedar tree; it does not shake - until it is uprooted all at once." [Bukhari and Muslim]

Sign of Righteousness

The prophets and righteous people are afflicted the most, and their rewards are the highest. Saad (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "The most in their suffering among the people are the prophets, then the best, then the (next) best. One is afflicted in accordance with his deen (faith). If his deen is firm his affliction is hard, and if his deen is weak, his affliction is light. Indeed, one would be so much subjected to adversity until he walks among the people without any sins." [Ahmad, Tirmithee]

Early Punishment

Anas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "When Allah wills good for a servant of His, He expedites his punishment in this life; and when He wills retribution for a servant of His, He holds his sins for Him to judge him by them on the Day of Resurrection." [Tirmithee]

Multiplication of Rewards

Anas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "The amount of reward is in accordance with the amount of suffering. When Allah (SWT) loves some people, He tries them (with affliction). He who then is content (with Allahs decree) has achieved the acceptance (of Allah), and he who is dissatisfied (with Allahs decree) will attain the anger (of Allah)." [Tirmithee]

Rewards for Sickness

One should not look to sickness as a gloomy episode, but should remember the great good in it. It is one form of affliction with which Allah (SWT) tests His servants, giving them a chance to acquire rewards, as was explained above, as is further emphasized below.

Removal of Sins and Elevation in Ranks

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Whenever a Muslim is afflicted by harm from sickness or other matters, Allah will drop his sins because of that, like a tree drops its leaves." [Bukharee and Muslim]

Abu Saeed al-Khudree (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "A Muslim is not afflicted by hardship, sickness, sadness, worry, harm, or depression - even if pricked by a thorn, but Allah expiates his sins because of that." [Bukhari and Muslim]

Aishah (RA) narrated that once some pain afflicted the Prophet (SAW) causing him to suffer and turn about in his bed. she said: "Had one of us done this, you would have blamed him." He (SAW) replied: " An ailment is intensified for the righteous. whenever a believer is afflicted by a hardship, whether it is a thorn or more, a sin is taken off from him because of it, and he is elevated by one rank (in Jannah). " [Ahmad]

Retaining Rewards for Deeds Before Sickness

Usually, when a believer falls sick, he would not be able to do the same amount of good (prayer, fasting, helping Muslims etc) that he used to do when he was well. But Allah out of His great mercy, continues to record for him the good deeds that he was forced to stop because of his sickness. 

Abu Moosa Al-Asharee narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: "For a traveling or sick person, his deeds will be recorded in accordance with what he used to do when he was resident or well." [Bukhari]

Abdullah Bin Amr reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "No (believing) person gets sick, but (his deeds) will be recorded for him in accordance with what he used to do when he was well." [Bukhari] 

Uqbah Bin Aamir reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Each days deeds are sealed with it. thus, when a believer gets sick, the angels say, " Our lord! Your servant such and such, You have restrained him (from doing good this day)." And the lord replies, " Seal his day in accordance with his (usual) deeds, until he is cured or dies". [Ahmad]

Reason for the Reward

Atta Bin Rabaah reported that Ibn Abbaas (RA) told him, "Do you want to see a woman from the people of Jannah (paradise)?" He said "Yes". He said: " It is this black woman. She came to the Prophet (SAW) saying, " I have (epileptic) seizures, and I get exposed, so supplicate to Allah for me." He (SAW) said: " If you wish, be patient and you will attain Jannah; or if you wish, I will ask Allah to cure you." She replied, " I will be patient ! But my body gets exposed (because of the fall), so supplicate to Allah for me that I do not become exposed." and he (SAW) did." [Bukhari and Muslim]

The scholars have differed in opinion as to whether a sick person will be rewarded for the sickness itself or for being patient during it. the correct opinion is that if he is patient and submits to Allah's will, as in the above hadeeth, he would be rewarded for both the submission and the sickness, otherwise, he would not be rewarded at all; because he resented Allah's decree. This is what should be understood from Ibn hajar al-Asqalaanees words: "The authentic hadeeths are clear in that the rewards are recorded once affliction strikes a Muslim. As for patience and acceptance, they are virtues for which a person may get additional rewards over those for the affliction." 'Abdullah Bin 'Amr reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "If a Muslim is pricked by (as little as) a thorn in the worldly life, and he seeks its reward from Allah, some of his sins will be removed, because of it, on the Day of Judgement."[Bukhari]

"For, Believers are those who, when God is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put (all) their trust in their Lord;"  [Quran8: 2]

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A Successful Marriage: The Missing Link

“And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between you; verily, in that are signs for people who reflect.”  [Qur’an, 30:21]

We’ve all read this verse on countless marriage announcements.

But how many have actualized it?

How many of our marriages really embody that love and mercy described by Allah? What is going wrong when so many of our marriages are ending in divorce?

According to Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, author of Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs, the answer is simple. In his book, Eggerichs explains that extensive research has found that a man’s primary need is for respect, while a woman’s primary need is for love.

He describes what he calls the “crazy cycle”— the pattern of argumentation that results when the wife does not show respect and the husband does not show love.

He explains how the two reinforce and cause one another.  In other words, when a wife feels that her husband is acting unloving, she often reacts with disrespect, which in turn makes the husband act even more unloving.

Eggerichs argues that the solution to the “crazy cycle” is for the wife to show unconditional respect to her husband and for the husband to show unconditional love to his wife. 

This means that a wife should not say that first her husband must be loving before she will show him respect.  By doing so, she will only bring about more unloving behavior.  And a husband should not say that first his wife must be respectful before he will show her love.  By doing so, he will only bring about more disrespectful behavior.

The two must be unconditional.

When I reflected on this concept, I realized that looking at the Qur’an and prophetic wisdom, there are no two concepts more stressed with regards to the marital relationship.

To men, the Prophet, upon Him peace and blessings said,

“Take good care of women, for they were created from a bent rib, and the most curved part of it is its top; if you try to straighten it, you will break it, and if you leave it, it will remain arched, so take good care of women.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

The beloved Prophet(Upon Him peace and blessings) has further stressed:

“The most perfect believer in the matter of faith is one who has excellent behavior; and the best among you are those who behave best towards their wives.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

The Prophet(Upon Him peace and blessings) has also said,

“A believing man should not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another.” (Muslim)

Allah, Almighty says: “…Live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” [Qur’an, 4:19]

In these jewels of wisdom, men are urged to be kind and loving towards their wives.

Moreover, they are urged to overlook their wife’s faults when showing that kindness and love.

On the other hand, when addressing the wife, the focus is different.  Why are women not told again and again to be kind and loving towards their husbands?

Perhaps it is because unconditional love already comes naturally to women.

Few men complain that their wives do not love them. 

But many complain that their wives do not respect them. 

And it is this sentiment which is most stressed in the Qur’an and sunnah, with regards to wives.

Respect can be manifest in a number of ways. One of the most important ways to show respect is the respect of one’s wishes. When someone says, “I respect your advice,” they mean “I will follow your advice.” Respecting a leader, means doing what they say. Respecting our parents means not going against their wishes.

And respecting one’s husband means respecting his wishes. 

The Prophet (Upon Him peace and blessings) has said: “When any woman prays her five, fasts her month, guards her body and obeys her husband, it is said to her: ‘Enter paradise from whichever of its doors you wish.’” [At-Tirmidhi]

Why are we as women told to respect and follow the wishes of our husbands?

It is because men are given an extra degree of responsibility. Allah says: “Men are the protectors and maintainers [qawwamun] of women, because Allah has given the one more [strength] than the other, and because they support them from their means . . .”[Qur’an, 4:34]

But won’t this unconditional respect towards one’s husband put us, as women, in a weak, submissive position?

Won’t we set ourselves up to be taken advantage of and abused?

Quite the contrary. The Quran, the prophetic example, and even contemporary research have proven the exact opposite.

The more respect a woman shows her husband, the more love and kindness he will show her.

And in fact, the more disrespect she shows, the more harsh and unloving he becomes.

Similarly, a man may question why he should show kindness and love towards even a disrespectful wife. To answer this question, one only needs to look at the example of Omar Ibn ul-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with Him).

When a man came to Hazrat Omar (who was Khalifah at the time) to complain of his wife, he heard Omar’s own wife yelling at him. While the man turned to leave, Hazrat Omar called him back. The man told Hazrat Omar that he had come to complain of the same problem that Omar himself had.

To this Omar replied that his wife tolerated him, washed his clothes, cleaned his home, made him comfortable, and took care of his children. If she did all of this for him, how could he not tolerate her when she raised her voice?

This story provides a beautiful example for all of us—not only for the men.

This story is a priceless illustration of tolerance and patience, which is essential for any successful marriage. 

Moreover, consider the reward in the hereafter for those who show patience: Allah says, “Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full without reckoning (or measure).” [Qur’an, 39:10]

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Related Posts:

• Islam on Dowry
• Forced Marriages and Islam
• The Marriage Contract: Its Basic Elements
• LOVE EVERYDAY, not in VALENTINES'S DAY
• Beautiful woman, Who wanted to get married
• The Business of Marriage

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The Life Trip

One day of the many days

There was a man traveling on a trip with his Wife and Kids
And on the way he met someone standing in the roadway


So he asked him: Who are you? 
He said: I am the money 

So the man asked his wife and kids :
Should we ask him to ride with us? 

They said together:
Yes of course because with the money it can help 
us if we wanted to do anything, and if we wanted to get anything we 
desired, So they took the Money to ride with them.

And the vehicle continued its way until the man
met someone else on the road

So the Father asked: Who are you? 
He said: I am the high position and power 

So the father asked his wife and kids :
Should we ask him to ride with us? 

So they all answered together in one voice:
Yes of course because with the high position and power we have the 
ability to do anything we want and own anything we desired. 

So they took the high position and power with them
And the vehicle continued to finish its trip .

And likewise he met in the same manner many people which give the
pleasures and desires of this life, UNTIL ..
They met one person on the way..

The Father asks him Who are you?
He said: I am the Deen (Islam) 

So the father, wife, and kids said all together in one voice: No no 
this isn't the time, we desire the pleasures of this life and 
dunyah, and the Deen will prevent us and ban us from these things 
and it will take control over us, and we will be worn-out from being 
loyal to it and its learning. And the halal and the Haram, and this 
thing prayer and that thing hijab, and this fasting , and and and 
and and etc, It will be a burden upon us!!!

But what is certain is that we will definitely return for you to
pick you up but only after we enjoy this life and everything in it.

So sadly they left him behind and the vehicle continued its trip.

And out of no where something appeared in the middle of the road ,
It was a check point in the road and it had a sign saying STOP!!!


And they found a man gesturing for the father to get out of the vehicle.

So the man said to the father:
The trip has ended as far as you are concerned!!! ! 
And it is upon you to get out and come with me. 

The father was shocked with fear and didn't say a word.
So the man said to him: I am searching for the DEEN.e Islam Is he 
with you? 

He answered: No I left him not too far back. So if you can let me go 
back, I can get him for you.

You do not have the ability to go back, your trip has ended and 
there is no going back now.. returning is impossible said the man.

But I have The Money, The high position and power,My Wife, My Kids, 
and and and and and and on.

The man said to him:
They will not benefit you nor will they 
protect you in front of Allah. Not one bit!

And you will leave all of this, and not one of them will help you 
except for The Deen e Islam you know? The one which YOU left back in 
the road.

So the father asked: And who are you exactly? 

I AM DEATH 

The one which you were needless 
of and didn't take into account in your trip!! 

The father looked at his vehicle and found his wife taking control
of it and continuing the trip with all of its passengers but him

And none of them stayed with him, and none of them helped him in any
way.

His Majesty said:
"Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your 
mates, or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce 
in which ye fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight - 
are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or the striving in 
His cause;- then wait until Allah brings about His decision: and 
Allah guides not the rebellious." [Quran 9:24]

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The Meaning and Excellence of Adhan

Click on the image to enlarge

Listen to the Adhan

THE EXCELLENCE OF GIVING ADHAN.

1. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Were people to know the blessing of pronouncing Adhan and the standing in the first row, they would even draw lots to secure these privileges. And were they to realize the reward of performing Salat early, they would race for it; and were they to know the merits of Salat after nightfall (`Isha') and the dawn (Fajr) Salat, they would come to them even if they had to crawl.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

COMMENTARY: This expression 'to crawl' is used to illustrate the high merit of praying `Isha and Fajr in congregation in the mosque. This Hadith also urges to make best to occupy the first rows, as the `Angels of Mercy' pray for the Imam first, then for those who pray immediately behind him in the first row, then those behind them, and so on. The Hadith also points out the excellence of Adhan and the great reward of the person who pronounces it.

2.Mu`awiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying:

"The Mu'adhdhinun (callers to prayer) will have the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection.''
[Muslim].

COMMENTARY:The phrase "will have the longest necks'' has been given different interpretations. One of them is that they are those who long for the Mercy of Allah more than anyone else. Another interpretation is that their necks will grow longer on the Day of Requital and so sweat will not reach them, for every one will sweat on that day depending on his deeds: sweat will reach up to one's ankles or knees or waists. In the case of some people, sweat will reach up to their mouths. Another interpretation is that those who call Adhan will have an honourable and great status on the Day of Requital.

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Was Islam Spread By The Sword?

It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.

1. Islam means peace.Islam comes from the root word ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also means submitting one’s will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).

2. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace.Each and every human being in this world is not in favour of maintaining peace and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and anti-social elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time, Islam exhort it followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force can only be used to promote peace and justice.

3. Opinion of historian De Lacy O’Leary.The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book "Islam at the cross road" (Page 8):

"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated."

4. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years.Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan, that is the call for prayers.

5. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians.Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian.

6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India.The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today more than 80% of the population of India are non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword.

7. Indonesia and Malaysia.Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, "Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?"

8. East Coast of Africa.Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, "Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?"

9. Thomas Carlyle.The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book "Heroes and Hero worship", refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: "The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can."

10. No compulsion in religion.With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam because the Qur’an says in the following verse:

"Let there be no compulsion in religion:Truth stands out clear from error" [Quran 2:256]

11. Sword of the Intellect.It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur’an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:

"Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious."[Quran 16:125]

12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this century which converted millions of people to Islam?

13. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe.Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe is Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers?

14. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson.Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, "People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born".

*******************************

ALLAH THE MOST HIGH SAYS:

The Life of this World is Fleeting Enjoyment

"Know that the life of this world is only play & amusement, pomp & mutual boasting among you, & rivalry in respect of wealth and children.  (It is) like a rain (Ghayth), thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up & you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw.  But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah & (His) pleasure.  And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment." [Quran 57:20]

Allah the Exalted degrades the significance of this life and belittles it (and describes the traits of those who prefer this fading life over the everlasting life). Allah the Exalted also sets a parable for this life, declaring that its joys are fading and its delights are perishable. The disbelievers admire this life; they are the most eager to acquire the traits of life, and life is most dear to them.

This is also the parable of mankind in this life; they are young and strong in the beginning. Slowly, they begin growing older, their mannerism changes and their strength weakens.  They then grow old and feeble; moving becomes difficult for them, while doing easy things becomes beyond their ability. 

Allah the Exalted said,

"Allah is He Who created you in (a state of) weakness, then gave you strength after weakness, then after strength gave (you) weakness and gray hair.  He creates what He wills.  And He is the All-Knowing, the All-Powerful." [Quran 30:54]

This parable indicates the near demise of this life and the imminent end of it, while in contrast, the Hereafter is surely coming.

Surely, the Hereafter that will certainly come contains two things either severe punishment or forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure.

This life is only a form of enjoyment that deceives those who incline to it.

Surely, those who recline to this life will admire it and feel that it is dear to them, so much so, that they might think that this is the only life, no life or dwelling after it.

Yet, in reality, this life is insignificant as compared to the Hereafter.

[Excerpts from Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

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Curse of the Consumer Society

Wealth = Happiness? "Feed the greed" or control the greed? Where is the satisfaction in life? How do I attain the inner peace of the heart and soul?

Truly the world today is suffering from a terrible illness, a disease, a sickness. This disease and sickness is effecting all of us. It is the sickness of a philosophy, an ideology, that is permeating almost every single aspect of our existence. It is destroying us individually, it is destroying our families, it is destroying our societies, and it is destroying the world in which we live. And this is the religion and ideology of CONSUMERISM of MATERIALISM.

This is probably one of the most powerful lectures by sheikh Abdur Raheem Green. The QA session is also very beneficial.

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Picture Perfect: Children & Wealth

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Husband and Wife rights and duties

Islam has enjoined upon the husband duties towards his wife, and vice versa, and among these duties are some which are shared by both husband and wife.

We will mention some of the texts of the Qur'aan and Hadeeth which have to do with the duties of the spouses towards one another, quoting also from the commentaries and views of the scholars.

Firstly:

The rights of the wife which are hers alone:

The wife has financial rights over her husband, which are the dowry (mahr), spending and accommodation. And she has non-financial rights, such as fair division between co-wives, being treated in a decent and reasonable manner, and not being treated in a harmful way by her husband.

1.     Financial rights

(a)   The mahr (dowry).

This is the money to which the wife is entitled from her husband when the marriage contract is completed or when the marriage is consummated. It is a right which the man is obliged to pay to the woman regardless of the amount or type of mahr, even one riyal, a book, a promise of certain education or a silver/golden ring, …etc.

 Allaah says:

"And give to the women (whom you marry) their Mahr (obligatory bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) with a good heart" [Quran 4:4]

The prescription of the mahr demonstrates the seriousness and importance of the marriage contract, and is a token of respect and honour to the woman.

The mahr is not a condition or essential part of the marriage contract, according to the majority of scholars; rather it is one of the consequences of the contract. If the marriage contract is done without any mention of the mahr, it is still valid, according to the consensus of the majority.

 Allaah says:

"There is no sin on you, if you divorce women while yet you have not touched (had sexual relation with) them, nor appointed unto them their Mahr (bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage)" [Quran 2:236]

The fact that divorce is permitted before consummation of the marriage or before stipulating the mahr indicates that it is permissible not to stipulate the mahr in the marriage contract.

If the mahr is stipulated, it becomes obligatory upon the husband; if it is not stipulated, then he must give the mahr that is given to women of similar status to his wife. 

(b) Spending.

The scholars of Islam are agreed that it is obligatory for husbands to spend on their wives, on the condition that the wife makes herself available to her husband. If she refuses him or rebels, then she is not entitled to that spending.

The reason why it is obligatory to spend on her is that the woman is available only to her husband, because of the marriage contract, and she is not allowed to leave the marital home except with his permission. So he has to spend on her and provide for her, and this is in return for her making herself available to him for his pleasure.

What is meant by spending is providing what the wife needs of food and accommodation. She has the right to these things even if she is rich,

 Allaah says:

"but the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother's food and clothing on a reasonable basis" [Quran 2:233]

"Let the rich man spend according to his means; and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allaah has given him" [Quran 65:7]

From the Hadeeth:

It was narrated that `Aa'ishah said: "Hind bint `Utbah, the wife of Abu Sufyaan, entered upon the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said, `O Messenger of Allaah, Abu Sufyaan is a stingy man who does not spend enough on me and my children, except for what I take from his wealth without his knowledge. Is there any sin on me for doing that?' The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Take from his wealth on a reasonable basis, only what is sufficient for you and your children." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5049; Muslim, 1714)

It was narrated from Jaabir that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said in his Farewell Sermon:

"Fear Allah concerning women! Verily you have taken them on the security of Allah, and intercourse with them has been made lawful unto you by words of Allah. You too have rights over them, and that they should not allow anyone to sit on your bed [i.e., not let them into the house] whom you do not like. But if they do that, you can chastise them but not severely. Their rights upon you are that you should provide them with food and clothing in a fitting manner" (Narrated by Muslim, 1218)

(c)  Accommodation.

This is also one of the wife's rights, which means that her husband should prepare for her accommodation according to his means and ability.

 Allaah says:

"Lodge them (the divorced women) where you dwell, according to your means" [Quran 65:6]

2.  Non-financial rights

(i) Fair treatment of co-wives. One of the rights that a wife has over her husband is that she and her co-wives should be treated fairly, if the husband has other wives, with regard to nights spent with them, spending and clothing.

(ii) Kind treatment. The husband must have a good attitude towards his wife and be kind to her, and offer her everything that may soften her heart towards him.

 Allaah says:

"and live with them honourably" [Quran 4:19]

"And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable" [Quran 2:228]

From the Hadeeth:

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: '' Be kind to women."(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3153; Muslim, 1468).

It was narrated from Zaynab bint Abi Salamah that Umm Salamah said: "I got my menses when I was lying with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) under a single woolen sheet. I slipped away and put on the clothes I usually wore for menstruation, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me, `Have you got your menses?' I said, `Yes.' Then he called me and made me lie with him under the same sheet." She said: And she told me that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to kiss her when he was fasting, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and I used to take a bath to cleanse ourselves from janaabah from one vessel.(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 316; Muslim, 296)

It was narrated that `Urwah ibn al-Zubayr said: " `Aa'ishah said: '' By Allaah, I saw the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) standing at the door of my apartment when the Abyssinians were playing with their spears in the Mosque of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). He covered me with his cloak so that I could watch their games, then he stood there for my sake until I was the one who had had enough. So you should appreciate the fact that young girls like to have fun.'"

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 443; Muslim, 892)

(c)  Not harming one's wife. 

This is one of the basic principles of Islam. Because harming others is prohibited in the case of strangers, it is even more so in the case of harming one's wife.

It was narrated from `Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ruled, "There should be no harming nor reciprocating harm." (Narrated by Ibn Maajah,, 2340)

Secondly:

The husband's rights over his wife:

Allah said:

"And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them" [Quran 2:228]

This text states that the husband has some preference over his wife with regard to rights and duties of marriage.

These rights include:

(a) The obligation of obedience. Allaah has made the man a protector and maintainer of the woman by teaching, commanding, directing and taking care of her, just as guardians take care of their charges, by virtue of the physical and mental faculties that Allaah has given only to men and the financial obligations that He has enjoined upon them.

 Allaah says:

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allaah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means" [Quran 4:34]

`Ali ibn Abi Talhah said, narrating from Ibn `Abbaas: "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women" means, they are in charge of them, i.e., she should obey him in matters of obedience that Allaah has enjoined upon her, and obey him by treating his family well and taking care of his wealth.

(b)    Making herself available to her husband. One of the rights that the husband has over his wife is that he should be able to enjoy her (physically). If he marries a woman and she is able to have intercourse, she is obliged to submit herself to him according to the contract, if he asks her. That is after he gives her the immediate mahr (dowry), if a wife refuses to respond to her husband's request for intercourse, she has done something prohibited and has committed a major sin, unless she has a valid excuse such as menses, obligatory fasting, sickness, etc.

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: '' When a man calls his wife to his bed and she refuses, and he went to sleep angry with her, the angels will curse her until morning.'" (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3065; Muslim, 1436)

(c)     Not admitting anyone whom the husband dislikes. One of the rights that the husband has over his wife is that she should not permit anyone whom he dislikes to enter his house.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "It is not permitted for a woman to fast when her husband is present without his permission, or to admit anyone into his house without his permission. And whatever she spends (in charity) of his wealth without his consent, …." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4899; Muslim, 1026)

 (d)    Not going out of the house except with the husband's permission. One of the rights of the husband over his wife is that she should not go out of the house except with his permission. 

(e)     The husband has the right to discipline his wife if she disobeys him in something good, not if she disobeys him in something sinful, because Allaah has enjoined disciplining women by forsaking them in bed when they do not obey. 

Allaah said:

"O you who believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones" [Quran 66:6]

Husbands should command their wives to obey Allaah, and forbid them to disobey Allaah; they should be in charge of them in accordance with the command of Allaah, and instruct them to follow the commands of Allaah, and help them to do so.

(f)      The wife serving her husband. There is a great deal of evidence for this, some of which has been mentioned above.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said:

She is obliged to serve her husband according to what is reasonable among people of similar standing. That varies according to circumstances: the way in which a Bedouin woman serves (her husband) will not be like the way of a town-dweller, and the way of a strong woman will not be like the way of a weak woman. (al-Fataawa al-Kubraa, 4/561) 

(g)     The wife should treat her husband in a good manner.

 Allaah says:

"And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable" [Quran 2:228]

Husbands have the right to good companionship, kind and reasonable treatment from their wives. They both should fear Allaah concerning each other. 

Courtesy: Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

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How Can we Prove There is a God?

Note: "Proving" God exists is really not our purpose. We are only interested in providing clear statements based on facts and logic and then allow the individual decide for themselves who they would like to believe. There have always been people who believed in the existence of God and there have always been those who have denied in His existence. We must realize there are those who will never believe no matter how much proof or evidence we produce. The reason is some people don't want to believe in a Creator or Sustainer. They would not like to consider one day they will have to answer for their actions and for their refusal to acknowledge their Benefactor to whom they owe their very existence. We come to know it is not so much a matter of us trying to convey our beliefs as it is for them to set aside preconceived prejudices against proper belief. Meaning: this is really a matter of guidance from Above. If they refuse even with evident proofs in front of them, this is not between us and them; it is between them and their Creator. Again, it is not our job to "prove" anything to anyone. We only need to present the facts in truth and allow the listener to make up their own mind.

We just begin with simple logic. When something is right in front of our eyes it is difficult to deny it, right? Asking rhetorical questions can be very helpful in presenting our case. Begin by asking the question; "Can you prove you exist?" Yes, of course you can. You merely use your senses to determine what you can see, hear, feel, smell, taste and you have emotions as well. All of this is a part of your existence. But this is not how we perceive God in Islam. We can look to the things He has created and the way He cares for things and sustains us, to know there is no doubt of His existence.

One approach is to suggest simple yet convincing experiments anyone could comprehend. For instance, say to someone, "Consider this the next time you are looking up at the moon or the stars on a clear night; could you drop a drinking glass on the sidewalk and expect it would hit the ground and on impact it would not shatter, but it would divide up into little small drinking glasses, with iced tea in them? Of course not."

Another example is have them consider what might happen if a tornado came through a junkyard and tore through the old cars; would it leave behind a nice new Mercedes with the engine running and no parts left around? Naturally not.

Or ask someone to consider what it would be like if someone told us about a fast food restaurant operating itself without any people there? The food just cooks itself, flys from the kitchen to the table and then when we are done, the dishes jump back the kitchen to wash themselves. This is too crazy for anyone to even think about.

After reflecting on all of the above, how could we look to the universe above us through a telescope or observe the cells in a microscope and then think all of this came about as a result of a "big bang" or some "accident"?

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Source: Knowingallah.com

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