What is the ruling on option contracts on shares?

QUESTION: What is the ruling on dealing in so-called option contracts? This refers to an exclusive right which is sold to people, according to which the purchaser has the right to buy or sell a particular share for a price that is agreed upon, within a certain period, or until a certain date.

ANSWER:

Praise be to Allah

With regard to option contracts, this kind of contract is described as being a contract of exchange which gives the exclusive right to one of two parties, entitling the bearer to sell or buy something specific in return for a specific price, within a set period or until a certain date, either directly or through a separate body that guarantees the rights of both parties.

End quote from al-Ikhtiyaaraat: Diraasah Fiqhiyyah by Dr ‘Abd al-Wahhaab Abu Sulaymaan, in Majallat Majma‘ al-Fiqh (no. 7, 1/279).

The most prominent types of option contracts are two: 

1.     Call option 

This is an agreement that entitles the bearer (but does not force him) to buy a specific share or any other financial certificate, for a set price within a set period, which is usually ninety days. The price that is agreed upon between the two parties is called the strike price. 

Based on that, this option gives the purchaser the right to go ahead with the purchase or cancel it within a specific period. As for the seller, he has no right to change his mind about the deal, so long as he has received the price for this option, which is known as the premium. The purchaser is protected against any rise in the price of the deal, and the seller gets the premium in addition to the value of the deal at the time of the contract, if the purchaser goes ahead with the purchase. 

2.     Put option 

This is an agreement which gives the purchaser of this option – who is the owner of the financial certificates – the right to sell a specific number of shares or other financial certificates for a certain price within a specific period, but he is not obliged to sell, so it is optional. As for the one who receives the money for this option, he is compelled to buy if the purchaser of this right decides to sell for the price agreed upon, during the specified period. 

For more information, please see the book: Ahkaam at-Ta‘aamul fi’l-Aswaaq al-Maaliyyah al-Mu‘aasirah(2/1005-10 79) 

From the above it is clear that the object of the contract – in these kinds of contracts – is merely the right to buy or sell for a certain price. The object of the contract is not any specific shares. So what is being sold is the option itself, and this contract is binding upon one of the two parties, namely the seller of the option, whilst it is not binding upon the other party, namely the buyer of the option. 

With regard to this type of contract, and the form in which it now appears in the financial markets, because of what it involves of ambiguity and gambling, resolutions and fatwas have been issued stating that it is prohibited to sell or deal in such contracts. 

It says in a resolution of the Islamic Fiqh Council, no. 63 (1/7): 

Option contracts – as they are known today in the global financial markets – are a new kind of contract that does not come under the heading of any kind of shar‘i contracts. 

Because the object of the contract is not a specific item or benefit, or a financial right that could be compensated with something else, this type of contract is not permissible according to Islam. 

As these contracts are not permissible in the first place, it is not permissible to deal in them. End quote. 

This is supported by the resolution of the seventeenth Barakah Conference on Islamic Economics, in which it says the following: 

Because options refers to the right to buy or sell a product on the basis of specific conditions in return for some compensation for that right, and the people involved in the contract have contradictory expectations regarding the fluctuation of prices, the conference, on the basis that what the two parties want and wish for is not something that can be subject to a contract, or be compensated for, reiterates the resolution of the Islamic Fiqh Council, no. 63 (1/7)… End quote. 

http://www.islamicfeqh.com/Kshaf/List/ViewDecisionDetails.aspx?DecisionID=1639 

Dr. Saami ibn Ibraaheem as-Suwaylim said: 

Option contracts that are traded in the global markets, whether they are call options or put options, come under the heading of ambiguous contracts which are prohibited according to Islamic teaching. This was stated in a resolution issued by the Islamic Fiqh Council in Jeddah in 1992 CE, no. 63. 

What makes these contracts come under the heading of ambiguity is the fact that the entire function of the contract is connected to fluctuation in prices, to the extent that it does not allow both parties to win. In the case of the option to buy, the purchaser pays a specific amount (the premium) so that he will have the right to buy the share or shares for a fixed price during the option period. If the market price of these shares rises within the stated timeframe, the purchaser will go ahead and he will gain the difference between the market price and the actual price (the strike price). Similarly, with regard to the option to sell, the owner of the shares pays a specific amount in return for having the right to sell the shares for a fixed price during the contract period. If the market price falls within the stated timeframe, the owner will ahead with the sale and gain the difference between the market price and the strike price. Naturally, this gain in itself represents a loss to the other party; if it were known beforehand in what direction the price would go, this contract would not have been agreed to, because it represents certain loss for one of the two parties. 

Options are tools of speculation and risk-taking with regard to prices. Therefore this contract comes under the heading of contracts that made the French economist Maurice Allais describe the global stock exchanges as “huge casinos for gambling”, because the essence of gambling means that one of the two parties gains at the expense of the other, and this is exactly what happens in the case of option contracts in the international markets. 

This is in contrast to regular buying and selling of shares (that does not involve anything that is disallowed according to Islamic teaching), because the sale contract is a contract that takes effect immediately and ends as soon as the deal is done. Thus each party has complete freedom to dispose of what he has gained through the contract immediately after the deal is concluded, without any commitment from one party to the other. As for the option contract, it is a deferred contract in which one party makes a commitment to the other to take the risk of price fluctuations during the period of the option contract. Thus the true nature of the contract is that the one who is offering the option gives a commitment or a guarantee to the other party to go ahead with the contract at the agreed-upon price. Hence it is a contract in which one party pays something in order to guarantee the price. Therefore the option contract is regarded as a kind of insurance contract in reality, and thus it is used as insurance for investment (portfolio insurance). It is well-known that commercial insurance contracts are contracts that involve ambiguity, according to the unanimous agreement of fiqh councils. 

Conclusion: 

This kind of transaction comes under the heading of haraam transactions that it is not permissible to initiate or deal in. 

And Allah knows best.

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What should I ask From Allah SWT..

*Have you made your list of Duas to ask of Allah (swt)? Here are some you can include in your list, In-sha'-Allah:*

1. Ya Allah grant me Ultimate Success - safety from the Fire and entry into Jannatul Firdous

2. Ya Allah make me and my family of those companions of the Right. Who receive the book of deeds in our right hands.

3. Ya Allah, Grant me a blessed death. Let me utter the shahada before I die. Grant me the intercession of Prophet Mohammed(pbuh).

4. Ya Allah grant me the companionship of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), his family and the Sahaba's in Jannatul Firdous.

5. Ya Allah save my non-Muslim friends from the Fire. Guide them to Islam.

6. Ya Allah, reunite me in Jannathul Firdous with those whom I love for Your sake alone.

7. Ya Rabb, perfect my Deen and my Worship.

8. Ya Allah accept my good deeds and increase me in reward and Your Mercy. Wipe away my sins and pardon me completely. Shower your Mercy upon me and save me from disgrace on the Day of Reckoning.

9. Ya Allah, when I die, let my soul and my record of Deeds be with the Illiyeen.

10. Ya Allah grant me, my parents, family and children guidance, steadfastness and increased Imaan.

11. Ya Allah, make me of the few You love, You Pardon and You shade on a Day when there is no shade but from Your Majestic Arsh (Throne).

12. Oh my Lord, increase me in Yakeen and Tawakkul in you. Let there be no doubt in my belief in Your Oneness, Your Majesty and Power.

13. Ya Allah increase me in my love for You and Your Prophet Mohammed (pbuh).

14. Ya Allah forgive me and increase me in Your Blessings and Provisions.

15. Ya Allah lead me to more opportunities to do good and seeking Your Pleasure.

16. Ya Rabb, Purify my intentions for Your Sake alone and let me not show off or take false pride. Save me from arrogance, pride, showing off and reminding of favors.

17. Oh my Creator and Sustainer, do not leave me alone. Bless me with a righteous spouse and children who will be the coolness of my eyes.

18. Oh my Lord, make me of those who are patient and obedient to You and my parents.

19. Save me from the Fitnah of Dajjal.

20. Save me from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Hell Fire.

21. Ya Allah, increase me in Sadakatul Jariya work.

22. Ya Allah, bless me with good health, so I can make sajdah with ease till my dying day.

23. Ya Allah, protect me and the Muslim Ummah against wicked oppressors. Save us from Fitnah and give us ease in our times of trial.

24. My Lord, bless me with the best in this world, the best in the Hereafter and save me from the fire. I am indeed in need of the good You have in store for me.

25. Ya Allah increase me in gratitude towards You alone.

26. Oh my Rabb, save me from hypocrisy.

27. Ya Allah, let me and my spouse be among the pilgrims to perform Hajj in 2016.

28. Ya Allah protect me against Evil Jinns and Spirits. Safeguard me from their evil incitements and plots.

29. Ya Allah forgive and have Mercy upon my parents, as they looked after me when I was young.

30. Ya Allah, I pray and beg of you for the guidance of the Muslim Youth and Ummah. Save us all from Kufr, Despair, Misdeeds and Shirk.

31. Ya Allah grant me the strength to battle laziness and sleep, so I may wake up for #Tahajjud and #Fajr everyday.

Ameen ya Rabb

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As-Salaam – The Perfection & Giver of Peace

Allah calls Himself As-Salaam— The Giver and Source of Peace, The Perfection — on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is the source of all peace and safety. As-Salaam is perfect and whole and He is the only one who can bestow safety and security as well as inner peace!

The Bestower of Peace, the Perfection

Salaam comes from the root seen-laam-meem, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be peaceful, content, and tranquil. The second is to be free from imperfections, and the third main meaning is to be safe, secure, and well.

This root appears 140 times in the Quran in 16 derived forms. Examples of these forms are aslama (“submits”) , salaamun (“peace”), saleemin (“sound”), al-islaami (“Islam”) and al-muslimeen (“the Muslims”).

Linguistically, salaam and salaamah mean immunity or to be free of something; another opinion is it means wellbeing and to be safe. Allah As-Salaam is the One who is free from all imperfections. He is perfect in essence and in all His attributes and actions. He is the Perfection. As-Salaam is safe from all deficiencies and His creation is safe from any injustice on His Part.

As-Salaam Himself says: He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, The Perfection. [Quran, 59:23].

Examples of salaam

The root salama makes Islam, to enter into salam. Islam means to enter into peace and to be at peace with or reconciled with the decrees and commands of Allah; the Muslim surrenders or submits to Allah ‘azza wajal.

Paradise is called Daar us Salaam: And Allah invites to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path [Quran, 10:25] because it is free from all pain, death, worries, and ill-speech, and it is a place of safety.
The greeting of Islam assalaamu alaykum really means: you are safe from me; you will not receive any evil from me. And for example, qalbun saleem, means a sound heart which is unblemished.

How can you live by this name?

1. Submit.
Surrender to As-Salaam so you can be secure. If you submit– Islam— you will get Allah’s salaam. Believing is to follow the guidance and do the actions (deeds). For them therein is fruit, and for them is whatever they request [or wish] [And] “Peace,” a word from a Merciful Lord. [Quran, 36:57-58] Continually remind yourself of Daar us Salaam so you will strive to do as many good deeds as possible in order to receive the salaam of Allah and be safe and secure in Paradise.

2. Strive for a clean heart.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Verily, Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your hearts and to your deeds. [Muslim] Just like you are alert for physical diseases, constantly assess your heart for diseases like lying, backbiting, swearing, hypocrisy, jealousy, showing off, etc, and seek cure for them in the Quran and Sunnah as all that matters is that you arrive to Al-Quddus with ‘qalbun saleem’— a sound heart.

3. Be patient in trials.
No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah- He will guide his heart.[Quran, 64:11] Show patience and perseverance in hard times and As-Salaam will give you peace inside: your heart will have salaam, a feeling of well being, serenity, and peace.

4. Spread the salaam.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: O People! Spread salaam, feed the hungry, be in touch with your kin, and pray while people are asleep (at night) you shall enter paradise peacefully. [At-Tirmidhee] And he salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said about the best actions: Feeding the hungry, and saying salaam to those you know and those you don’t know. [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim] And he said: When two Muslims meet (give salaam) and shake hands, they are forgiven their sins before they part [Abu Dawood]: the salaam is a pure blessing to us from Allah As-Salaam.

5. Don’t say salaam upon Allah.
Say salaam upon the Prophet Muhammad – for example by saying salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam- and upon the Prophets and the righteous – by saying ‘alayhi, ‘alayha or ‘alayhim sallam – as Allah ‘azza wa jall does in the Quran, but never say salaam upon Allah, because He is As-Salaam! He does not need security and safety, because He is the source of peace and perfection.

6. Ask As-Salaam.
When you are very worried, supplicate to Allah ‘azza wajal by this name. You can say, Allahumma antas Salaam (O Allah, You are As-Salaam), save me from this or ask for the safety of others. Ask As-Salaam to make Islam your safe harbour and to bring peace to your heart.

7. Don’t wrong yourself.
If you want the salaam, the security, and the protection of As-Salaam don’t wrong yourself, don’t wrong others, and don’t do wrong in your relationship with Allah ‘azza wajal. Allah is As-Salaam, which means He cannot be unjust. You wrong yourself by sinning and not fulfilling the rights of others, such as obedience to parents, protecting someone else’s honour, and helping the needy.

8. Supplicate after prayer.
When you finish your salah, supplicate as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did with:
Astaghfirullah (3 times). Allahumma antas salaam wa minkas salaam, tabaarakta yaa Dhal Jalaali wal Ikraam. I seek Allah’s Forgiveness. O Allah, You are As-Salaam and from You is all peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of majesty and honour [Muslim]. Straight after your prayer you amazingly ask protection and safety from the mistakes committed during the salah.

O Allah, As-Salaam, we know that all peace and safety comes from You alone. Keep us safe in this world and the next, guide us to patience and inner peace, and make us of those from whom others are safe and make us safe from the injustice of others. Adorn us with sound hearts and make us of those who receive Your salaam in Paradise, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

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Al-Quddoos – The Absolutely Pure

Allah calls Himself Al-Quddoos— The Most Pure, The All-Perfect— on two occasions in the Quran. He is the One who is the absolutely pure in essence and attributes. Al-Quddoos is free from and far above any worldly imperfection, and He is beyond all human understanding of purity and perfection!

The Most Pure, the All-Perfect

Quddoos comes from the root qaaf-daal-seen, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be pure and clean. The second is to be far removed from impurity or imperfection, and the third main meaning is to be sacred or blessed.

This root appears ten times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-qudusi (“the Holy [spirit]”) and al-muqadasi (“the sacred”).

Linguistically, quddoos is on the intense structure of the attribute of quds, which refers to cleanliness or tahaarah and comes from the verb qadasa. Al-Quddoos is ‘clean’ or free from any partner, spouse, or child, from death, from injustice, lying, forgetfulness, error, poverty, and stinginess. Laa ilaaha illa huwa– there is no God but He.

Al-Quddoos Himself says: He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure . . . [Quran, 59:23] Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is exalting Allah, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. [Quran, 62:1]

Subhanallah and alhamdulillah

They said, ‘Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?’ [Quran, 2:30]. The angels glorify and praise Allah al-Quddoos continuously and so does the whole universe. Al-Quddoos created us human beings to worship, glorify, and praise Him as He gave us something different: our hearts.
Using the human heart to reflect on His creations, His perfection and greatness, it realizes that glorification and praise of the Creator is inevitable. So we praise and thank Al-Quddoos (alhamdulillah) and glorify Him (subhanAllah) as He is high above anything that does not befit Him. Isn’t it a blessing to have such a perfect lord, and aren’t we blessed to be able to praise Him?

How can you live by this name?

1.Have a pure belief in Al-Quddoos.
Believe in the oneness of Al-Quddoos and make sure your creed (or aqeedah) is pure by studying the types of tawheed and their practical meanings in your daily life from trustworthy sources, like Kitaab ut -Tawheed (The Book of Tawheed) by ibn Abd Al-Wahhab.

2. Praise Al-Quddoos.
Say alhamdulilah and subhanAllah from the bottom of your heart. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to say in his prayer while in the bowing position (ruku): subboohun quddoosun Rabbul-malaa’ikati war-rooh (praise and Holiness be to You, Lord of the angels and the Soul). [Muslim] You can add this beautiful invocation to enhance your prayer.

3. Purify yourself through prayer.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked the companions: If someone bathes in a river outside of his house five times a day, will there be any impurity left on him? [Muslim] Visualize your prayer as cleansing your body and soul. Your prayer also protects you: indeed the prayer prevents from the indecency and evil. [Quran, 29:45]

4. Give the best sadaqah.
Give zakah (obligatory) and sadaqah (charity) to “purify” and increase your wealth. Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase. [Quran 9:103] Remind yourself when you give sadaqah to give the best, as Allah is Al-Quddoos and He deserves the best to be given for His sake. Aishah radiyalahu anha used to perfume the charity she gave!

5. Don’t be unjust.
Allah does not wrong a person even to the amount of an atom’s weight [Quran 4:40]. Even if people do dhulm (injustice) to Him, Al-Quddoos never does injustice to people. Allah ‘azza wa jall also made injustice and oppression forbidden for you; so don’t be unjust to anyone, family or stranger, child, adult or even to animals.

6. Be clean.
Be clean inside and out and strive to purify and keep renewing your intentions when you do a good deed. Be thoughtful with your wudu; do your best to not only keep your belongings and house clean, but also your environment by not throwing litter and by removing harmful objects. Consume healthy and permissable food and drink— bought with halaal earnings— and teach children this way of living.

7. Let the Quran purify you.
And who is more truthful than Allah in speech? [Quran, 4:122] The speech of Al-Quddoos is pure and is a cure, healing, and guidance for you to purify yourself. So turn to the Quran to seek cure from the diseases of your heart, let the ayaat help you to improve your character, and recite the Quran daily to clean your heart and bring tranquillity to your body.

8. Ask Al-Quddoos.
The Prophet salallahu’ alayhi wa sallam used to ask Al-Quddoos at the beginning of prayer:
اللهم باعد بيني وبين خطاياي كما باعدت بين المشرق والمغرب اللهم نقني من خطاياي كما ينقى الثوب الأبيض من الدنس اللهم اغسلني من خطاياي بالثلج والماء والب
O Allah, distance me from my sins just as You have distanced The East from The West, O Allah, purify me of my sins as a white robe is purified of filth, O Allah, cleanse me of my sins with snow, water, and ice. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] Use and reflect on this supplication as it contains all forms of purification: distancing (moving far away from dirt and deficiencies), removing dirt or filth, and washing or cleansing, so no impurity remains at the end.

O Allah, Al-Quddoos, we know that You are the absolutely pure beyond imagination. Lead us to a sound belief in Your oneness, help us in purifying our hearts, deeds, and intentions, and guide us to purify our bodies and keep our environment clean. Aid us in performing the best salah, giving the best charity, and helping us to turn to the Quran so we can come to You with a pure heart, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

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Al-Malik – The King & Owner of Dominion

Allah calls Himself Al-Malik— The King and Owner of Dominion— on five occasions in the Quran. He is the King, the owner and ruler of the whole creation. Al-Malik gives authority to whomever He wants in this world, and He has supreme authority and is ruled by no one!

The King, the Ruler, the Owner of Dominion

Malik, Maalik and Maleek all come from the root maa-laa-kaa, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to have possession and ownership. The second is to have power and ability and the third main meaning is to control and have authority.

This root appears 206 times in the Quran in ten derived forms. Examples of these forms are malakat (“possess”), mulku (“dominion”) and al-malaa’ikatu (“the angels)”.

Linguistically malik refers to the attribute of mulk; which points to power and ability: They do not possess ability. [Quran 13:16] Mulk also means possession and ownership: To Him belongs the Ownership of the heavens and earth [Quran 2:107] as well as control and authority: O my people, sovereignty is yours today, [your being] dominant in the land. But who would protect us from the punishment of Allah if it came to us? [Quran 40:29] Al-Malik is simultaneously the Ultimate King, Ruler, and Owner of all beings.

Al-Malik Himself says: So high [above all] is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth . . . [Quran, 20:114] Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is exalting Allah , the Sovereign, the Pure, the Exalted in Might, the Wise . . . [Quran, 62:1] The Sovereign of mankind . . . [Quran, 114:2]

A breathtaking scene with the King

Describing an amazing and humbling moment on the Day of Judgment, the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah will grasp the earth and fold up the heavens with His Right Hand and proclaim, I Am the King! Where are the kings of the earth? Where are the tyrants? Where are the arrogant? [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] No one will speak and the kings and rulers of this world will be left with none of their “power.”

How can you live by this name?

1. Stay within the limits of Al-Malik.
Would you drive 60 mph while in a 30 mph zone when you know a camera is ready to record you and fine you accordingly? In your daily life keep reminding yourself to remain within the bounds set by Allah, al-Malik, your King, and imagine both His punishment and reward.

2. Don’t use the name Al-Malik.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: The most despicable name to Allah is a person who calls himself the king of kings, while there are no owners except Allah [Al-Bukharee, Muslim]. The name Al-Malik belongs to Allah ‘azza wa jall only.

3. Be patient and be a king in the Hereafter.

The real sovereignty in this world for you is to strive for self-control. Don’t be a slave of money, fashion, or desire, but suppress your desires and constantly strive against the whims of your ego to please Al-Malik. As is beautifully quoted: Desire can turn kings into slaves and patience can turn slaves into kings! Recognize His ways of bestowing kingship: Say, O Allah, Possessor of sovereignty, You give kingdom to whom You will and take it away from whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent! [Quran, 3:26] So be patient in times of hardship and in striving to stay away from what is forbidden by Al-Malik and He will give you an eternal kingdom in the Hereafter in-sha-Allah.

4. Ask Al-Malik.

Whenever you feel disheartened tell yourself Allah ‘azza wa jall is your Malik and you are part of His Kingdom. He does whatever He wants [Quran 36:82] and when something “bad” happens to you, know this is from His wisdom and that no matter how impossible your situation or ambitions seem, you can always ask Him only for a way out. Nothing is impossible for Al-Malik.

5. Be just.
All kings and owners, just or unjust, are low compared to Al-Malik. You are responsible for whatever you have authority over, and you will be accountable for it. In reality you don’t own anything; it all belongs to Al-Malik. So be just to your spouses, children, and even animals, and remind yourself that you will be dealt with by the King on the Day of Judgement.

6. Humble yourself in heart and body.

Never be arrogant, and keep reminding yourself that you are an ‘abd (slave) of Al-Malik, no matter how rich or self-sufficient you might feel. Al-Malik reminds you of what your priority in your daily-life should be: Then High above all be Allah, the True King. [Quran 20:114] Be humble in your heart but also in your speech and appearance. Using foul language, speaking poorly of others, or having an arrogant body posture are not features of a believer who humbles himself or herself for Al-Malik— He sees you 24/7.

7. Praise Al-Malik.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, whoever says: la ilaha il Allahu waHadu, la shareeka lahu, lahul Mulk, wa lahul Hamdu, wa huwa ‘alaa kuli shayyin Qadeer -None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He is over all things omnipotent- 100 times he will receive the reward of freeing ten slaves,one hundred hasanaat will be written for him and one hundred misdeeds will be washed away. He will be shielded from shaytan until the evening. No one will be able to present anything better than this except for someone who recited more than this. [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] The Prophet also used to say immediately following the witr prayer: Subhaan al-Malik al-Quddoos (Glory is to the King, the Holy) three times, and raising and extending his voice on the third time and then saying: Rabbil-malaa’ikati warroohi ( Lord of the angels and the spirit) [An-Nasaa’i].

O Allah, Al-Malik, we know that You are our only King and Owner. Help us in following Your commands and in being Your righteous slaves, and adorn us with patience and humility.  Guide us in being just in all our daily affairs, and admit us to Your Kingdom of Paradise, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

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The Pen wrote everything

When he was dying, Ubadah ibnu as-Saamit (radi Allahu anhu) told his son: O son, you will not find the taste of Emaan until you know that whatever you receive, you would have never missed it; and whatever you have missed, you would have never received it. I heard Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) saying: “The first thing which Allah created was the Pen. He commanded it to write. It asked: ‘What should I write?’ He said: ‘Write the Decree (Al-Qadr) of everything until the Day of Judgement.’” O son, I heard the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) say: “He who dies not believing in this is not one of my people.”
[Abu Dawud – Jamu al-Fawaaid]

Where you will be born, where and when you will die, what you will receive, what you will miss, what joys or sorrows will come in your life – these are all written. This is the exam paper of life that you are presented with. How you will deal with these events will determine your rank before Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). Pray to Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) to strengthen your Emaan, pour His tranquility over you and keep you steadfast in faith, whatever your circumstances, Aa'meen Ya Allah.

Concerning the issue of Al-Qadar, the Sahabah, the Tabieen, and all Ahlus-Sunnah have agreed that everything which will be in existence until the Day of Judgement is written in Al-Lawh al-Mahfud (The Book of Decree).

Watching from a high tower you can see which cars are headed which way. You can see where there is construction going on and which cars will have to take a detour. It is in your knowledge but you are not causing the car to detour. Similarly, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) knows what we will do and it is the knowledge of all the events that will take place that is written down in The Book of Decree.

And Allah knows best.

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How to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan

Three (3) pieces of advice on how to spend the last 10 days of Ramdan without missing Lailatul Qadr...

1- Give out sadaqa in each day of the last 10 days at least 1 cedi. If it happens to meet Lailatul Qadr, then it will be like you have giving out sadaqa for about 84 years.

2- Pray at least 2 rak'at as Tahajjud ( Qiyaamullail ) in each night of the last 10 days, if it happens to meet Lailatul Qadr then it will be like you have prayed for about 84 years.

3- Recite Suratul Ikhlaas( Kul huwallahu ) 3 times in each day of the last 10 days. If it happens to meet Lailatul Qadr, then it will be like you have recited th whole Quran for about 84 years.

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Seven Qualities That Allah Love

1. TAWBAH (Repentance)
"For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly (in repentance)" [Surah Al Baqarah 2:222]

2. TAHARAH (Purification)
"Allah loves those who keep themselves pure and clean." [Surah Al Baqarah 2:222]

3. TAQWA (Piety)
"For Allah loves the righteous (the pious)." [Surah Al Tawbah 9:4]

4. IHSAN (Goodness & Perfection)
"For Allah loves those who do good" [Surah Ali 'Imran 3:134]

5. TAWAKKUL (Trust in Allah)
"For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." [Surah Ali 'Imran 3:159]

6. ADL (Justice)
"For Allah loves those who judge in equity." [Surah Al Ma'idah 5:42] "For Allah loves those who are fair (and just)." [Surah Al Hujurat 49:9]

7. SABR (Patience)
"And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast (As-Sabirin (the patient))." [Surah Ali 'Imran 3:14

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Day 20 of Ramadan

Assalamu Alaykum my brothers and sisters in Islam.

Praise be to Allah swt. Day 20 of Ramadan. MashaAllah.

Allah swt says, "As for him who gives out and is godfearing and confirms the Good, We will pave his way to Ease," (92:5-7)

And the Almighty says again, "The most godfearing will be far removed from it: those who give their wealth to purify themselves - not to repay someone else for a favour done - desiring only the Face of their Lord Most High. They will certainly be satisfied." (92:17-21)

Allah says again, "If you make your sadaqa public, that is good. But if you conceal it and give it to the poor, that is better for you, and We will erase some of your bad actions from you. Allah is aware of everything you do." (2:271)

The Almighty related again, "You will not attain true goodness until you give of what you love. Whatever you give away, Allah knows it." (3:92)

'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "You can only have envy for two things: for a man to whom Allah has given wealth which he spends in the way of the truth, and for a man to whom Allah has given wisdom and he acts by it and teaches it." (Agreed upon)

Ibn 'Umar reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "You can only have envy for two things: for a man to whom Allah has given the Qur'an and he gets up and recites it throughout the night, and for a man to whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it throughout the night and the day." (Agreed upon)

Abu Hurayra reported that the poor Muhajirun came to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, "The wealthy have appropriated the high degrees and abiding bliss." He said, "How is that?" He said, "They pray as we pray and they fast as we fast, but they give sadaqa and we do not give sadaqa and they set free slaves and we do not set free slaves." The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Shall I inform you of something by which you will overtake those who have preceded you and precede those who come after you and no one will be better than you unless he does the same as you do?" They said, "By all means, Messenger of Allah." He said, "You should say 'Glory be to Allah,' 'Praise be to Allah,' and 'Allah is greater' thirty-three times after every prayer."

The poor Muhajirun then returned to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, "Our brothers who possess property heard about what we were doing and they have done the same."

The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "That is a favour which Allah gives to anyone He wills." (Agreed upon)

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Dua For The Sick People

`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Prophet (PBUH) visited any ailing member of his family, he would touch the sick person with his right hand and would supplicate: "Allahumma Rabban-nasi, adhhibil-ba'sa, washfi, Antash-Shafi, la shifa'a illa shifa'uka, shifaan la yughadiru saqaman [O Allah! the Rubb of mankind! Remove this disease and cure (him or her)! You are the Great Curer. There is no cure but through You, which leaves behind no disease].''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

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Ar-Raheem – The Especially Merciful

Allah calls Himself Ar-Raheem— The Bestower of Mercy, The Most Compassionate— on 93 occasions in the Quran, 112 times in the basmalah. Ar-Raheem is the One who bestows His continuous mercy on all of creation and who bestows even more grace and greater rewards in response to the good deeds of the believers!

Both raheem and rahmaan come from the root raa-haa-meem, which points to four main meanings. The first meaning is to have gentleness and to love, the second is to have mercy. The third meaning is to show favour, and the fourth meaning is to have all that is required for beneficence.

This root appears 339 times in the Quran in nine derived forms. Examples of these forms are turhamoona (“receive mercy”), ruhman (in affection”), and ar-raahimeena (“[of]those who show mercy”).

Linguistically, raheem shows continuity or repetition (the ending of –ee(m)). For example jameel means beautiful and kareem means honourable or generous, which reflect characteristics or states. Related to Ar-Rahmaan, Ar-Raheem refers to the action or the effect of Allah’s intense mercy on creation, indicating how this mercy encompasses creatures. Imagine a shower of blessings, and imagine the shower as very intense and continuous. Allah is the intensely and the continuously Merciful.

Ar-Raheem Himself says: He said, “I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful [Quran, 12:98] . . . [O Muhammad], inform My servants that it is I who am the Forgiving, the Merciful [Quran, 15:49] and. . . And indeed, your Lord – He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. [Quran, 26:9]

The merciful of the creation

Certain names Allah ‘azza wa jall uses only to describe Himself. He says: Say: Invoke Allah or invoke Ar-Rahmaan, by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to Him belong the Best names. [Quran, 17:110] As for Allah’s name Ar-Raheem, Allah ‘azza wa jall has described others by it: Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He (Muhammad) is anxious over you (to be rightly guided) for the believers kind and merciful. [Quran 9:128]

Being kind to others is a blessing

Know that kind and compassionate treatment is liked by Ar-Raheem and is in fact His blessing from Him to you. A person who is hardhearted is deprived of this divine blessing and mercy. Aishah radiyallahu ‘anha reported that some Bedouins came to the Messenger of Allah salallahu ‘alayhi wasallam and asked, ‘Do you kiss your children?’ He replied, ‘Yes.’ They then said: ‘By Allah, we do not kiss them.’ He then replied, ‘I cannot help you if Allah has snatched kindness from your hearts.’ [Al-Bukharee, Muslim] So open up your heart to others and constantly warm your heart with the remembrance of Allah ‘azza wa jall.

How can you live by this name?

1. Obey Ar-Raheem, hold onto the Quran.
And He is Merciful (Raheem) to the believers [Quran, 33:43]. Allah ‘azza wa jall mentions ways for you in the Quran to receive His special mercy as a believer. He says: and obey Allah and His Messenger so that you all may receive Mercy [3:132]. This mercy is only reserved for those who try their best to hold on to the guidelines, prohibitions, and commandments mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah. And this is a book, We have sent it down as one blessed, so follow it and fear Allah so that you all may receive Mercy [6:155].

2. Strive for taqwa.
O you who have believed, have taqwa of Allah and believe in His Messenger; He will [then] give you a double portion of His mercy and make for you a light by which you will walk and forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful [Quran, 57:28]. Taqwa can be described as consciousness which inspires you to be on guard against wrong action and eager for actions which please Allah ‘azza wa jall and to stay away from those actions which displease and anger him. Tips to increase your taqwa are: be alert to whatever may divert you from Allah, and be alert to your desires that may lead you to the forbidden. Ascribe each success, material or spiritual, to Allah only, and long for His pleasure in everything you do, big or small. Renew your emaan by reflecting on Ar-Raheem’s creation and remember death by living each day with the knowledge it can happen anytime.

3. Pray four units of prayer before ‘asr.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: May Allah have mercy on one who prays four raka’aat before the ‘asr Prayer [At-Tirmidhee].

4. Listen to the Quran attentively.
And when the Quran is recited, listen to it with attention, that you may receive mercy [Quran, 7:204]. Have you noticed the effect on your heart when you sit and listen to the Quran with your ears and heart, with no distractions around you? The more you respect and honour the Book of Allah, the more cure, guidance and mercy you will receive through it.

5. Turn to Ar-Raheem.
Whenever Ar-Raheem gives you a trial, know that no one can give you a way out but Him, so turn to Him as soon as hardship hits you. And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful [Quran, 10:107]. No matter what sin you commit, Allah ‘azza wa jall forgives you if you repent of it. That’s the beauty of Al-Ghafoor Ar-Raheem.

6. Ask Ar-Raheem for compassion.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: He who is not merciful to our young (people) and who shows no respect to our elderly is not one of us. [At-Tirmidhee] Ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to bless you with a soft heart and to enable you to feel compassion towards your relatives, friends, and the whole Muslim nation. How many do not feel responsible or attached to the ummah? The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever. [Muslim]

O Allah, Ar-Raheem, we know that You bestow Your mercy perfectly and continuously on all that exists. Guide us to hold onto Your book and the sunnah so we may attain your special mercy and adorn our actions, speech, and thoughts with a deep sense of taqwa. Make us turn to You at all times, asking for Your Mercy, and make us compassionate so we will enter through the gates of Your paradise by Your mercy, ameen!

And Allah knows best.


Source:www.islamic-reminders.com

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Ar-Rahman – The Entirely Merciful

Rahmaan comes from the root raa-haa-meem, which points to four main meanings. The first meaning is to have gentleness and to love, and the second is to have mercy. The third meaning is to show favour, and the fourth meaning is to have all that is required for beneficence.

This root appears 339 times in the Quran in nine derived forms. Examples of these forms are rahima (“bestows mercy”), al-arhaam (the wombs”) and rahmatan (“mercy”).

Linguistically, rahmaan shows intensity (thus the ending is –aan). For example ghadbaan means extremely angry. Ar-Rahmaan points out to the intensity, abundance, and vastness of the mercy (rahmah) of Allah ‘azza wajal, and the attribute of grace is inseperable from the Almighty.
Allah first mentioned His name – Allah – that is exclusively His and described this name by Ar-Rahmaan, which no one else is allowed to use, just as Allah said, Say (O Muhammad) invoke Allah or invoke Ar-Rahmaan, by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to Him belong the Best names. [Quran, 17:110] [Tafseer ibn Katheer]

Ar-Rahmaan Himself says: [This is] a revelation from the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful . . . [Quran, 41:2] That Day, no intercession will benefit except [that of] one to whom the Most Merciful has given permission and has accepted his word. [Quran, 20:109]

The mercy of Allah

Explaining the mercy of Allah, ar-Rahmaan, the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah has divided mercy into 100 parts, and He retained with Him 99 parts, and sent down to earth one part. Through this one part creatures deal with one another with compassion, so much so that an animal lifts its hoof over its young lest it should hurt it. [Al-Bukharee] Be amazed at the fact that the other 99 parts are yet to come and they are with Allah Himself. You will not enter Jannah because of your deeds, but by the rahmah of Allah only.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said, When Allah created the creatures, He wrote in the Book, which is with Him over His Throne: Verily, My Mercy prevailed over My Wrath. [Al-Bukharee]

How can you live by this name?

1. Never despair.

No matter how many sins you commit, He can have mercy on you if you just turn to Ar-Rahmaan. Every mistake or sin is an opportunity and a sign that it’s time to get closer to Him! Whenever you commit a sin, call Him by this name to have mercy on you and remind yourself of one of the most optimistic ayaat in the Quran: Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful. [Quran 39:53].

2.Be merciful to others.

Be merciful to not only the needy but also to your family if you want the mercy of Ar-Rahmaan! The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to the people. [Al-Bukharee] The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave a simple formula on how to deal with others: Whoever wishes to be delivered from the fire and enter the garden should die with faith in Allah and the Last Day and should treat the people as he wishes to be treated by them. [Muslim] So no matter how big or small, think how you would like to be treated in the same situation.

3.Keep family ties.

Be active in being in touch with your family: regularly visit, call, and exchange gifts, and never abandon your family. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: . . The womb (rahm) is derived from the Merciful, so whoever keeps relations with his family then Allah will keep relations with him, and whoever abandons his family then Allah will abandon him. [At-Tirmidhee] Be the first to make up after an argument. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: It is not permitted for a Muslim to forsake his brother for more than three (days); whoever does this and dies, he will enter Hell. [Abu Dawud]

4. Be good to your parents.

Daily ask Ar-Rahmaan to have mercy on your parents! Ar-Rahmaan instructs you: And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small. [Quran, 17:23-24]

5. Recognize mercy and be grateful.

Reflect upon Allah’s mercy when you see all the blessings around you; food, water, oxygen. Only Ar-Rahmaan can make it rain and He made the rain sweet and not salty. When you love someone or are loved, know that this feeling was manifested by the mercy of Allah. Think about the mercy of Ar-Rahmaan in sending the Prophet Muhammad salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to you, and be intensely happy and grateful to have such a merciful Lord.

We have to be careful if translating the names of Allah ‘azza wa jall into a different language. The name Ar-Rahmaan is most commonly translated as The Most Merciful, The Entirely Merciful, The Most Gracious.

O Allah, Ar-Rahmaan, we know that Your mercy is perfect. Let us never despair of Your mercy, guide us to be merciful to others, to maintain our family ties, and to seek Your pleasure. Enable us to reflect on Your mercy around us, adorn us with gratefulness, and enter us into Paradise by Your mercy, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

SOURCE: www.islamic-reminders.com

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Istigfar: Do Not Stop Making Istigfar

Don't stop asking Almighty Allah for forgiveness.

A man once came to Hasan Al-Basri and said," I am poverty stricken". He replied: 'seek ALLAH'S forgiveness'.

Another came and said, "My wife is barren" yet again he replied: Seek ALLAH'S forgiveness". Another came and complained of lack of rain for the farm crops, again he replied  "Do istighfar"! The people who were present said to him : "Everytime a person came complaining of a problem, you instructed them to seek ALLAH'S forgiveness?" He Hasan al-Basri said "Have you not read the statement of Allah?". It says: Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Truly HE is Oft-Forgiving. HE will send rain to you in abundance; increase you in wealth and children; grant you gardens and bestow on you rivers"-  Nuh 71: 10-12

Only two things on earth gives you safety and security from the punishment of ALLAH. One has been removed, the second still remains. As for the first, it was Muhammad-the messenger of ALLAH. Allah SWT  said to Muhammad (SAW)  "ALLAH will not punish them while you were among them" - Anfal 8:33

The second is Istighfar: "ALLAH will not punish them as long as they sought forgiveness" Anfal 8:33

Do not leave ISTIGHFAR!

I Beseech ALMIGHTY ALLAH subhanahu wata'ala to forgive us, help us make easy our affairs and bless us with all good that we desire.

Amin ya rabbi

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Is purity essential for reading Qur’aan from one’s mobile phone?

Some mobile phones have a Quraan programs which enable one to read the Quraan anytime on the mobile’s screen. Is Taharah a condition before one starts reciting?.


Praise be to Allaah.

These mobile phones in which Qur’aan is put in written or recorded form do not come under the same ruling as the Mus-haf, so it is permissible to touch them without having purified oneself and it is permissible to take them into the washroom with one, because writing Qur’aan on the mobile phone is not like writing it in a Mus-haf. It takes the form of waves that appear and disappear, and its letters are not fixed, and the mobile phone may contain Qur’aan and other things. 

Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Naasir al-Barraak was asked; What is the ruling on reading Qur’aan from mobile phones without having purified oneself? 

He replied (may Allaah preserve him): Answer: Praise be to Allaah and blessings and peace be upon the one after whom there is no Prophet. To proceed: It is well known that it is not essential to be free from minor impurity when reciting Qur’aan from memory, or even from major impurity, but purifying oneself before reciting Qur'aan, even from memory, is better, because it is the Word of Allaah and it is more respectful towards Him to only recite it when in a state of purity. 

When reading from the Mus-haf it is essential to be in a state of purity in order to touch the Mus-haf, because of what it says in the famous hadeeth: “No one should touch the Qur’aan but one who is pure.” And because of what it says in many reports from the Sahaabah and Taabi’een. This is the view of the majority of scholars, which is that it is haraam for one who is in a state of impurity to touch the Mus-haf, whether that is for reading or otherwise. 

Based on this, it seems that mobile phones and similar devices on which Qur’aan may be recorded do not come under the same rules as the Mus-haf, because the letters of the Qur’aan in these devices are different than the letters in the Mus-haf. They do not exist in the form in which they are read, rather they exist in the form of waves that form the letters when needed, so they appear in the screen then disappear when one moves to another verse. Based on this, it is permissible to touch the mobile phone or tape on which Qur’aan is recorded, and it is permissible to read from it, even if one is not in a state of purity. And Allaah knows best. End quote from the Noor al-Islam website. 

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) was asked: I am keen to read Qur’aan and I am usually in the mosque early and I have one of these modern mobile phones with me on which there is a program containing the entire Holy Qur’aan. Sometimes I am not in a state of purity but I read what I can and I read some juz’. Is purity essential when reading from a mobile phone? 

He replied: This is a kind of luxury that has appeared among the people. Mus-hafs – praise be to Allaah – are readily available in the mosques and in fine printed editions, and there is no need to read it from mobile phones. But if that happens then we do not think that it comes under the same ruling as the Mus-haf. 

The Mus-haf cannot be touched by anyone but one who is pure, as it says in the hadeeth, “No one should touch the Qur’aan but one who is pure.”  As for a mobile phone, it cannot be called a Mus-haf. End quote. 

Reading Qur’aan on a mobile phone makes it easy for women who are menstruating and one who cannot easily carry a Mus-haf with him, or one who is in a place where it is difficult for him to do wudoo’, because it is not essential for the one who touches it to be in a state of purity, as mentioned above.

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