Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Book Review of Sirat-Un-Nabi By Shibli Nomani

(In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the merciful. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May blessings and peace be on His messenger, Muhammad, and his descendents and his companions, every one of them.)


Author’s Biography.
The authors of the book are:
Allama Shibli Nomani.
Syed Sulaiman Nadvi.


1.     Allama Shibli Nomani:
                                                 
Muhammad Shibli Nomani was Born on  3rd June 1857 in Bindawal Azamgarh (UP).His  father’s name was  Shaikh Habibullah and his Mother name was  Moqeema Khatoon

His brothers were Mahdi Hasan, Mohammad Ishaq and Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad
His wife’s name was Majidunnisa (Married 1876-77)

Maulana’s teachers were Maulana Farooq Chirayyakuti, Chirayyakot AzamgarhMaulana Irshad Husain, Rampur, Maulana Faiz ul Hasan Saharanpuri and, Maulana Ahmad Ali Saharanpuri
Maulana’s famous Students were Hamid ud din Farahi, Abul Kalam Azad, Saiyid Sulaiman Nadvi, Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Zafar Ali Khan, Sajjad Haider Yaldram, Aziz Mirza and Masud Ali Mahvi
He died in 18th November 1914 in Azamgarh (UP)
Mawlana Shibli Nu'mani   was an Indian Muslim scholar (1857 – 1914). He went to Makkah for the Hajj and there he devoted his time to furthering his studies in Muslim theology, history, philosophy and Sufism from different scholars in Arabia. An orthodox Hanafi Muslim, he was a staunch supporter of the Sharia and an opponent of the Wahhabi movement.
When he returned to
India he met Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (1817-1898) who had just established Aligarh Muslim University. Nomani was offered and accepted a teaching position at the university. He taught at Aligarh for sixteen years where he met Thomas Arnold and other British scholars from whom he learned first hand modern Western ideas and thoughts. He traveled with Thomas Arnold in 1892 to Syria, Egypt, Turkey and other countries of the Middle East and got direct and practical experience of their societies.  

He collected much material on the life of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, but could write only first two volumes of the planned book Sirat-un-Nabi. His disciple, Syed Suleman Nadvi, made use of this material and added his own and wrote remaining five volumes of the book after the death of his mentor.


2. Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadvi:
Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadvi (November 22, 1884 - November 22, 1953) was an eminent Indian and Pakistani historian, biographer, littérateur and scholar of Islam. He is the author of monumental works, "Sirat-un-Nabi" (Life of holy prophet(pbuh)) and "Khutbat-e-Madras". Sulaiman Nadvi was born on November 22, 1884, in Desna village of Patna, British India. His father, Hakeem Syed Abdul Hasan was a pious Sufi.
His first teachers were Khalifa Anwar Ali of Desna and Maulvi Maqsood Ali of Ookhdi. Later he received his education from his elder brother, Hakeem Syed Abu Habeeb and his father, who was a physician at Islampur near Patna. In 1899 he went to Phulwari Sharif (Bihar) where at the famous Khanqah-e-Mojeebia he became a disciple of Maulana Mohiuddin and of Shah Sulaiman Phulwari. From there he went to Darbhanga where he studied for a few months at Madrasa-e-Imdadia. Aligarh Muslim University conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctorate of Literature in 1940.
Contribution to Islamic literature
            In 1910, Shibli Nomani had begun the monumental task of writing "Sirat-un-Nabi" (biography of Muhammad in Urdu). Sulaiman Nadvi became Shibli's literary assistant in the writing of Sirat. But Maulana Shibli Nomani could not complete the Sirat in his life. After death of his mentor on November 18 1914, Sulaiman Nadvi left the job of Professor in Deccan College, Pune and came over to Azamgarh. Sulaiman edited and published the two volumes of Sirat-un-Nabi penned by Shibli and himself wrote and published third, forth, fifth and sixth volume of this Magnum Opus. The work started through the munificence of late Nawab Sulatan Jehan Begum of Bhopal and later through the aid of Nizam of Hyderabad. It is the grandest biography of Muhammad (PBUH) ever attempted in any language of the world.
In October-November 1925, Sulaiman Nadvi delivered a series of eight lectures on the life of Muhammad at Madras. These lectures which are a masterpiece of erudition later published as "Khutbat-e-Madras".
In 1940, he published "Rahmat-e-Aalam", a book written for children on the life of Muhammad.
In 1933, he brought out his monumental work, "Khayyam". The nucleus of this book was an article on noted Persian scholar and poet Omar Khayyam.
His mentor, Maulana Shibli Nomani had made plans for Dar-ul-Mosannefeen (Academy of Authors) but could not implement this scheme. After his death, Sulaiman Nadvi founded Dar-ul-Mosannefeen at Azamgarh. The first book published was Ard-ul-Quran (2 volumes).

Sirat-un-Nabi
The Sirat-un-Nabi (PBUH) comprising seven volumes is that reliable and authentic Urdu book which no other composition has equaled in acclaim and authority. This book is the result of a deep research and it convincingly answers the objections raised by orientalists. It presents the Islamic philosophy of life and proves from the life the Messenger of Allah that no other religion is a natural and practical as Islam.
The work started through the munificence of late Nawab Sultana Jehan Begum of Bhopal and later through the aid of Nizam of Hyderabad.
Nomani had only managed to complete the first two volumes when he died in 1914. His loyal disciple Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, who was working with him as his literary assistant on the project, collected his research papers and manuscripts and had published them.
In 1953 Syed Sulaiman Nadvi also died before completing and publishing the 7th volume of the book.

 The series became very popular with the readers and admirers who were very eager for volume7 to be compiled and published. Syed Sabahuddin Abdul Rahman was approached to complete the work. He was initially very reluctant to undertake it but when persistent requests were made and he found that Syed Sulaiman had already written a good deal of the book and left extensive notes, he agreed to take up the work. Accordingly he collected and put together the work the material and compiled it in the form of the book published as volume 7.

Originally in Urdu, the book since has been translated into many languages. The Arabic translation of the first part of this work was done by late Muhammad Ismail Madrasi of Algiers University.  Mr. Rizwan Uddin Ahmad and Haji Muhammad Aslam have by translating it into simple and readable English made it available to those who can only read or speak English. This work remains Nomani's most famous work

Although the book was written about sixty years back, it would still be found useful for understanding the aims and objects benefits and advantages and nature and wisdom of devotion prescribed by Islam. At a time when the materialistic patterns of thought and culture have relegated to the obscure background all the things ethical and spiritual, and English rendering of this classical work was the need of the hour.


Review of Sirat-un-Nabi.
This book consists of 7 volumes and here is the review of all the volumes one by one.

Volume No 1:
                       The name of the Volume 1 is Life OF The Prophet Including Battles.
          It is the foremost obligation of everyone, and the most sacred service, that they reform and perfect the morals and up-bringing of fellow man. That is a proper standard of morals and etiquette should first be determined and then they should be demonstrated practically before all men. These include piety and God fearing attitude, chastity and forgiveness, determination and perseverance, self-sacrifice and Loveland self respect and dignity.
This chapter further discuss about
Sirah as Ilm Al-Klaam, first step in Sirah and written sources, Sirah by different scholars, reliability of sources, second principle? Ascertaining and also the beginning of principle of Ascertaining.                      
Second chapter is about comments on the writing of sirah. Difference in rank of Hadith and sirah, sirah works ignore books of Hadith, Sirah writers Deceit, Reasoning in narration, interpretation in narration and conclusion of the foregoing essay.
Then writer discus about the works of Europeans as the Europeans writer may be divided in to three kinds, the common basis of European work and then reference and sources.
In the  third chapter the writer discus about Arab’s geography, there  civilization and culture, sources of ancient history, Arab tribes, religion of the Arabs, site of offering and the reality of sacrifice.
The fourth chapter is about Makkah, The scared city, the writer tells us about raising the Ka’bah and the sacrifice of Sayyidna Ismail.
Fifth chapter is Genealogy which tells us about Isma’il, The beginning of Quraysh, Qussay and Hashim.
Chapter no six is about the life of the Prophet (PBUH) As his date of birth, Sulking, Foster brother and sister, his journey to Madinah, the guardianship of Abdul Muttalib and Abu Talib, prophets journey to Syria, his participations in battels, marriage with Khadijah, number of journeys in his life, abstaining from Polytheistic Customs, meting worshippers of one God and also discus his close associates.
Chapter no seven is about the beginning of Prophecy. This chapter tells about the reason for the Quraysh opposition, why did the Quraysh tolerate, Hamza and Omar embrace Islam in 6th year of prophet hood, methods of torture against Muslims, beginning of Islam among Ansars, Hijrah (migration) to Ethiopia then second pledge at Aqabah 12th year of the call.
Chapter no eight describes about the Muslims migrations and different events and Series of Ghazwat.
Then the writer discuss about different battels as Battle of Badar, Battle of Uhud, Battle of Azhab, treaties and wars against Jews.
The writer further discuses about different Ghazwat like Ghazwa Mutah, Ghazwa Tabook and then at the end he gives us the Review of the Battels.

Volume No 2:

This second volume of the series of the Sirat-Un-Nabi covers the era of peace.
Islam was born when Arabia was in a state of utter unrest. Then Islam had to face violent opposition of the hard-hearted idolaters at Makkah, the hypocrites and Jews at Medina and some external forces. Gradually, it got over the obstacles and an era of peace dawned upon it.
This was an opportunity to spread out. Various deputations came to Madinah and letters of invitation were sent abroad.
This book also deals with worship, mutual dealings, prophet’s characteristics, his wives and children.
It was first published in 1920 in Urdu and ever since it is being reprinted regularly. It is the last word of the subject with which it deals exhaustively. It was conceived by Allama Shibli Nomani and after his death; Syed Sulaiman Nadvi gave it the final shape.
The English translation is published through painstaking effort of Darul-Ishaat.  It is rendered into English by Rafiq Abdur Rehman
This book consists of 19 chapters and these are as follows:
Islamic Years of Peace:
The Islamic years of peace were 9, 10 and 11 AH.
In start the condition of Arab was very bad and historically and politically they were never a united nation under one banner. Every house had his own god and every tribe has his own chief. Their were external dangers also, the Jews were also powerful and had strength, but in the end this pathetic condition was replaced by true peace and the Quraysh-Jewish concert had broken, tribal warfare was eliminated, highwaymen and criminals had been stamped out, and external threats was done away with. It was time to attend to the real objective with determination.
Propagation of Islam:
The Chapter informs us that at that time Tufayal ibn Amr, Abu Zarr and Dimad Ibn Tha’labah embraces Islam. The Azd tribe, Ghifar tribe, Aslam tribe and Aws and Kharaj tribe embraces Islam. Islam was propagated at Madinah and Islam was also spread in Bahrain, Uman and the limits of the Syria.
Foundation of Divine Rule:
This chapter discloses that the foundation of Divine rule was laid down their and state administration was created. commander of the forces was selected and court judges appointed Governors and representatives were their for the first time to run day to day affairs like passing judgments , dispensing justice and ensuring peace etc. collection of Zakah and Jizyah was also started .
Religious Measures:
Preachers and teachers of Islam were selected and they were educated and trained. Mosques were built and imam and muazzins were appointed. The establishment and perfection of Shariah was also done.
Beliefs and basic principles of Islam:
The basic beliefs of Islam for example worship, purification, Tayammum (Dry Ablution), Salah, Salah of Eids and Friday, Fasting, Zakah and Hajj are discussed in this chapter.
Mutual Dealings:
The rulings about Inheritance, Will, Waqf (Endowment), Marriage and divorce and limits and prescribed punishments are discussed in this portion.
The Lawful and Unlawful:
The legitimate and illegitimate about eatables, wine and interest and usury is discussed.
The Last Year Hajjat ul Wada’ Mission completed:
This chapter discloses about the mission completed and the Hajjat ul Wada and the Khutba Hajjat ul Wada.
Death:
The sacred soul hat to remain in the worldly body till such a time as Shariah was perfected and task of purifying souls had achieved a degree of perfection. This important responsibility was discharged during Hajjat ul Wada. When He returned from there, he was not feeling well. it was the turn of sayyidah Maymoonah and the day was Wednesday. For five days He observed fairness and though He was unwell He went to the house of each wife on her turn. On Monday the illness became severe, so he sought permissions of His wives to stay on at the house of Sayyidah Ayshah. All the incidences before his death is recorded in this chapter. His last words were:
‘’Nay, the companion of High’’
The next day preparations to busy Him were completed. Their was no imam who conduct the funeral payer of Prophet (PBUH). Sayyidna Ali, Fadal ibn Abbas, Usamah ibn Zayd and Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf lowered the body into the grave.
Legacy:
His legacy includes pieces of land, Animals, Luhayf or Lukhayf, Ufayr, Abda and Qaswa, Duldul, Arms/Weapons, Auspicious Relics, Residence, Nurse, Maids and personal servants.
Shamail:
This chapter informs us about His Physical Description, appearance, hair, speech, laughter and style. His dress, sheet of cloth, ABA(Cloak), blanket and Hullah Humara(striped Arabian Gown).it also describes his diet, liking disliking, favorite color, his way of worship, and principle of meeting etc….
The prophet’s Assemblies:
This shows information about his courts, special sittings, etiquette of Assembly, timings and teaching women etc
Sermons of the Prophets:
This chapter describes his style of speech and kinds of sermons.
The prophets devotional exercises:
Here the information is given about his supplications and Salah, fasting, Zakah, Hajj and perpetual ziker, his fear of Allah and love for Allah and trust in Allah is mentioned here too.
The Prophet’s Character:
A comprehensive study of prophets manners are described here. He has the best qualities of Constancy, good manners, fair dealings, generosity, sacrifice, hospitality, equality, humbleness, modesty, bravery, truthfulness, fidelity, humor and many many more….
The Prophet’s Wives:
He had 11 wives and this chapter tells about all his wives, their features, and deaths are also mentioned.
The Prophets Children:
This chapter gives us information about Sayyidna Qasim, Sayyidah Zaynab, Sayyidah Ruqayah, Sayyidah Umm Kuthum, Sayyidah Fatima Zahra and Sayyidna Ibrahim Razi Allah.
The Prophet’s life with His Wives:
The chapter discloses information about the simplicity of His life even He was the king of the kings, His private matters and management of His family expenses.

Volume No 3:

The name of the volume no 3 is Miracles.
The third volume of the series of Sirat-un-Nabi was first published in 1924 in Urdu.
The subject is mainly miracles which are covered comprehensively.
Apart from discussing ancient and modern philosophy and explaining their working, some miracles are also being counted. Relative verses of the quran and hadith cited liberally. But as the book says the real miracle of the prophet is their very existence. The Qur’an too is a miracle. Miracles were seen in little every day things. Stubborn horses became swift, prayers were answered, and dry animals yielded milk. the Sikh recovered, little food was more than sufficient for as many, as seventy people, water poured out where no water was found and future events were foretold.
This book also discloses unreliable stories on the subject.
The volume 3 has 26 chapters.

The first chapter is about evidences of miracles, existence of spiritual laws, the natural and spiritual footprints of Prophet Hood, causes and motives of spiritual law. This chapter also deals with evidences, proofs and signs in lives of the prophet and evidences and miracles in the light of intelligence.

The second chapter is about the arguments and miracles ancients and philosophy and scholastic theology.
Third chapter is revelation and observation.
Next is mu’jizat (miracles).
The penetrating influence of heavenly bodies, hidden reasons, power of reflection, mental power is discussed. In this chapter the writer tells us about different events and also discusses the views of different scholars.
Proofs and miracles in the light of modern thought:
The meaning of prophet hood and miracles, the possibility of miracles, evidences of miracles, the unlike hood of miracles and the belief in miracles.
Objectives of miracles:
Miracle is not a logical proof, the real purpose, first and second possibility and objections on miracles.
Signs, evidences and The Qur’an prophets and signs:
The terminologies in the Qur’an, the signs of Allah, the unseen sign of the prophethood are discussed here. .This chapter also through light on the attitude of enemies, Quranic meaning of Sunnatullah and Fitratullah.
Details of signs and proofs of prophethood:
Wahy (revelation).
Coming down of the angels:
Coming down of Gabriel, angel mika'il and angel generally the world of dreams are described here by the author.
Seeing and hearing with the mind's eye and ear:
This chapter tells us about the Miraj (ascension to the heavens).prophet journey to the higher world exact time, date and frequency, Rejection of disbelievers, interpretation of true vision and Ru'ya is spirtual.
Miraj and the Qur’an:
 The writer discuses the event of Miraj in this chapter.
The opening of the heart:
Opening of the Prophet's heart and frailty of splitting of heart is described here.
Signs and evidences of Prophet hood in the Qur’an:          
Why all miracles are not mentioned in the Qur’an.
The miracles of the Qur’an.
This chapter discuss about the eloquence, uniformity and teaching and guidance of Qur’an.
Other signs and evidences of Prophet hood in the Qur’an:
In this the writer give the complete detail of different signs  of prophet hood in the Qur’an.
Signs and evidences of prophet hood:
Transmission in things;
Cure of sickness:
These chapter discuses about different methods of curing our self from sickness.
Granting prayers:
In this chapter the information is given about punishment descends on Quraysh, about famine and supplications for rain, for anas, for learning of ibn abbas,for urwah,for Abu  umamah bahili and for Abu hurayrh’s mother.
Supplication for guidance of child.
Increase in things
In this chapter writer discusses about the miracles of prophet
(PBUH) regarding increase in things. for instance: more than seventy feed on little food, blessing in butter oil, dates multiply, blessing in sheep’s udders and tiffin carrier always full.
Water in abundance:
This part discloses miracles of prophet(PBUH) that how water increase, pours out from fingers and plenty of blessing in little water.
News of the unseen foretelling:
Man’s helplessness is marked most in his inability to know, and unawareness of the future. his restless nature tries to probe in the dark sea of future but when he tries, he concedes his foolishness and ignorance.
The common man set standards for prophets that they should be able to read in the future. Holy prophet was up to the mark in predicting the future. His predictions include the following:
Qaisar and kisra will perish, Abu suffayan will be murdered, conquest of Yemen, Shaam, Iraq, khuz and Kirman, Egypt, Bayt al-maqdis, Constantinople, Rome, and Ajam.he also predict about the battle between  Ali and Mu’awiyah, reconciliation of Imam Hassan, Yazeed enthroned, martyrdom of Imam Husayn, rejecter of hadith and separation of the Hijaz from Egypt and Syria and Iraq.
Unauthentic traditions concerning the miracles of prophet:
It was in the third and fourth centuries (Hijrah) that books were written on this subject very carelessly and scholars of hadith classified most of them as unreliable. The objective of writers of these books of Dalil(evidences) was not to place together the authentic ahadith of miracles but to collect a large number of material of the uncanny and supernatural so that their may be a large volume of virtues and praise of the seal of prophets .
In this book these false miracles are also recorded only to aware the readers that there are also some miracles which are attributed to holy prophet (PBUH) on false grounds and just the exaggeration.
The status of well known signs and miracles.
The evidences and miracles are made up of so many invented, rejected, weak and unacceptable stories. This volume discusses only those of them which are very popular and recount in meelad assemblies with great zest.
Glad Tidings.
This chapter discloses about the glad tidings present in the other scriptures of other religions like torah and bible etc
The singular characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
It tells about the characteristics of prophet pbuh and what Qur’an says about him.
Personal Distinctions:
This shows information about the marriages of prophet pbuh Salah in night, continuous fasting and he was not allowed to receive sadaqa and Zakah


Seerat UN Nabi (volume 4)

Prophet hood and Beliefs:
Introduction:
I6 chapters are included in this volume and the first chapter is about:
1. The Prophethis characteristics, innocence, reforme.
This chapter also tells us about Prophet’s mission and his success. Distinguishing a Prophet from a non prophet, inherent capabilities of a prophet wohy and skills of prophet hood, ijtihad of the prophet.
This chapter also tells us about different teachings of prophet and the exclusive result of the prophet’s teachings. His preaching and objectives of prophet hood and his victory.
2. Second chapter discuss the Religious and moral condition in the world at the time of the prophet.
3. Third chapter is about the Religious and moral condition of the Arabs at the coming of Islam. The writer discusses their belief in Allah and he also discuss about their bad habits as Theft, Gambling, adultery, cruelty to women and savage ignorance.
4. The fourth chapter is about Distinctive characteristics of the Arabs that they are best of nations they had pure decent, practiced no previous religion, brave and courageous and their other qualities.
5. Fifth chapter is about the auspicious dawn and it was the dawn of prophet hood, darkness was driven away as the rays of sun dominated. Tribal wars also prevented propagation of Islam. There were political causes prevented the Quraysh or any other Arab tribe to submit to Islam. It also discus that another deterrent to joining Islam was that it disallowed unlawful means of earning.
6. In the sixth chapter the writer discuss about the Preaching of the prophet principles and causes of success.
Prophet gain success due to his wisdom, soft speech and winning over hearts. He also discusses the natural sequence of spreading Islam, causes and means of propagation of Islam.
7. Chapter number seven is about Islam or Prophetic work of Muhammad (PBUH) and beliefs on Allah, His messenger, His angels, books and the Day of Judgment.
8. Chapter number eight is about Beliefs in Allah the Exalted.
The religions before Islam include belief in oneness of Allah and in His attributes. This chapter also tells us that denial of this very fact is a crime and He will never forgive.
9. In chapter number nine the writer discuss about Tawheed
(Monotheism)and its fundamental principles, Belief in Allah’s existence and then faith in His oneness, true greatness of Allah, and this chapter further tells us about the attributes of beauty, perfection ,unity, existence, knowledge and power and at the end the result of these teachings on human being.
10. Chapter number ten is about Belief in angels, the messengers and in the books of Allah.
11. Chapter number eleven tells us about Belief in the last day (And in the Hereafter)
Barzakh….stages of life and death, pleasure and pain in dream and this chapter further discuss about different stages after death.
In chapter number twelve the writer discuss The second and real station of The Hereafter, The reality of qiyyamah and Arabs rejection and kinds of body in Hereafter.
12. Reward and punishment:
This chapter discusses that reward and punishment is reaction of deeds and the concept of paradise and Hell.
13. Hell:
This chapter discusses about Hell that is Hell a blessing and also discuss about different punishments after death.
14: Paradise:
This chapter discuss about paradise in detail as names of Jannah, Allegory of the garden, and idea of pleasure, abode of peace and good and pure place.
15: Chapter no fifteen is about Divine Decree and measure.
16: At the end of this volume the writer discuss about the result of Faith.



Volume No 5

Here we are concerned with volume no 5.  This is dedicated to worship in Islam and its importance in Islam’s teachings. It emphasizes on righteous deeds and on monotheism. We are told that simplicity is the essence of worship in Islam, and a life of celibacy is no worship. Then we are taught what makes up worship in Islam. The basic things are salat, Zakah, fasting hajj and jihad
The book also tells us what the advantages of these components of worship are. For instance Salah teaches us cleanliness and punctuality and Zakah helps in purification of self and supports the poor. Fasting crows takwa and curbs sexual desires. Hajj promotes brotherhood.
This volume is translated by Dr Rizwan Uddin Ahmed and Haji Muhammad Aslam. They have done a great job affording those who speaks English an opportunity to know about this subject.

The volume 5 has 14 chapters.
Righteous deeds:
It tells us about the importance of righteous deeds and categories of righteous deeds.
The details of these deeds given by Syed Sulaiman Nadvi are as follows.
Worship (ibadat)
The writer tells us that we should worship only one God and should remain free from extraneous aids. special places for worship is not required in Islam and Islam prohibit human sacrifice and allow animal sacrifices with reforms. Celibacy, abstinence from pleasure of life, sufferings and extreme hardships are no worships and seclusion and severance of worldly relationship is no worship and describes the concept of worship in Islam.
Salat (prayer)
Salat is the first command of Islam after declaration of oneness of Allah. Book tells us about the status, importance, and true meaning of salat. it describes the purpose of salat and inform us about need of certain etiquettes and condition in salat. It tells about the supplications of salat. Comparison of salat with other prophets and religions prayers like mosses etc. it tells about the time of salat in other religions also, the method and timing of slat in Islam. The five times salat in hadith and Sunnah, about Qibla, the spiritual quality of salat which reflects in establishing salat (aqamat salat). Devotion to Allah( Qunoot), Humility(Khushu), Single mindedness(Tabattal), Supplication with utmost humility( Tadarro), Sincerity(Ikhlas) and remembrance of Allah( Dhikr).
At the end of the chapter it tells about the moral cultural and social benefits of salat.
Zakah
The meaning and implication of Zakah and Zakah in earlier religions are discussed in the chapter by the author. The completion brought about in Zakah by Islam. The importance of Zakah in isalm.the rates of zakat.which is on animals, wealth, the purpose of Zakah and to prefer the needy in giving
 Zakat and  Sawm(Fasting):
The book tells about the meaning of fasting, early history of fasting, religious history of fasting, purpose of fasting and importance and reality of Ramadan.

Hajj (pilgrimage)
The discussion was on the History about the house of Allah, including the sacrifice of Ismail, and construction of kaba for the first time. The hajj is in the memory of Abraham. The purpose, reforms and articles of Hajj.
Jihad:
Definition of jihad and the categories of jihad including jihad al akbar, jihad bil mall and jihad bil ilm.ever lasting and continual jihad.
Spirtual worship:
In this part the spiritual worship is explained.
Taqwa (piety)
Taqwa is the object of Islamic commands and reward in the hereafter rightfully belong to the people with takwa.
The meaning of taqwa and the benefits of Taqwa in this and after this world.
Ikhlas (Sincerity):
Tawwakkul (trust in Allah)
Sabr (Patience and steadfastness)
The litteral meaning of Sabr, Islam teaches to be patient, to forgive others, to have self control. The rewards and virtues of saber,
Shukr (Gratefulness)


Volume No 6:
The name of the volume 6 is Ethics:
This volume comprises of 12 chapters
Morality:
In this chapter introduction to morality and good behavior is given by the author. when a baby born the relationship between him and his surroundings creates and slowly and gradually the relation of fulfilling duties and getting rights also emerged.
The world’s happiness, prosperity and the peace is only because of good morality.
Islam and Ethics:
            In this chapter the focus was on purification of heart and soul, wisdom, importance of rights of people, 5 pillars of Islam and morality, good behavior and faith, good behavior and fear of God, morality and the honor of being servant of God.

Distinction of Prophet (PBUH) on the morality teachers:
The chapter shows that Prophet (PBUH) have the open life like a book, he was practical demonstrator. He is perfect. The diversity of teaching of morality is also discussed.
Islamic Philosophy and Morality:
            In this chapter the Islamic philosophy of morality is discussed which includes selflessness, intention, support of philosophy of modern way of life. Monasticism and morality, curiosity and backbiting is forbidden, modesty justice, laws and morality, forgiveness and revenge, teaching of forgiveness and virtues instead of evils also discussed.
Complementary mastermind behind Islam's moral education:
How Islam covers the moral teachings, moral teaching in bible, morality teaching in Torah, morality teachings of Qur’an, ethics in the saying of Prophet (PBUH), the short comings in the moral behavior of Christians, Islam and lofty character, fate, trust, patience, gratitude, love the enemy, legitimate chance of strictness, Islam never gives chronic or inherently hate education to its followers and morality and love  of Allah
Teaching method and style of morality:
            In this chapter the teaching methods of morality and its styles are discussed/
Types of moral teachings:
            Rights and duties, virtues of morality and evils of morality and manners are discussed in the chapter.
Rights and Responsibilities:
Meaning of Rights, expansion of rights, parents right’s, offspring’s rights, principal education, rights of wives, relatives rights, neighbors rights, rights of poor, Muslims rights and animals rights are discussed in detail in this chapter.
Virtues of morality:
            Truthfulness, generosity, honesty, modesty, mercy, sacrifice, bravery, consistency and speaking truth are some of the virtues which are discussed in the chapter
Immorality:
Meaning of immorality is discussed by the author and some immoral behaviors are discussed which includes Lies, fail to fulfill promises, dishonesty, Treason, crimes, ,fabrication, doubts, covetousness, theft, interest addiction, alcohol, hatred, hypocrisy, and back biting.
Manners:
Natural moral behavior, cleanliness and its manners, manners of eating, manners of gathering, manners of meeting, dressing, and manners of journey and philosophy of manners are discussed.

Volume No 7:
The name of the volume no 7 is Conducts.. It has 7 chapters.
Introduction:
Jurists have divided the Shariah rulings as follows. if they are related to the day of judgment it will be named as worship and if they are related to the worldly affairs they have further divided into three kinds.
Transactions, which are related to the economic activities etc.
Family laws which are related to the marriage, divorce etc.
Judiciary laws, which are related to the punishment and ransom etc.
The importance and status of Government in Islam:
Islam gives too much importance to the governments and sate owner ship of Muslims and it commands Muslims to conquest the land and start Islamic ruling their.
Government system in the era of Prophet (PBUH):
Before the time of prophet the condition of Arab was pathetic but at his time due to His efforts He laid the foundation of Islamic government under which every one was living with peace and was prospering in every walk of life.
Relationship of state and religion:
There are two types of government system, one in which religion have nothing to do with the government and the second, in which the government and religion is integrated and the combination of both became the rule of law for the citizens. Islam also commands to have Islamic rulings in Islamic countries as Islam is complete code of life.
Revelation of Muslim Ummah:
Muslim Ummah is the blessed Ummah if it follows the righteous path of islam and preaches good and virtues things and forbid others from doing evil deeds,
Executive power or power of dictator:
Islam never believes on dictatorship but on the executive power of the leader is appreciated as it orders the ruler of the country that its great responsibility on your shoulders and you will be answerable to people and to God as well
Real ruler is the Almighty Allah only:
 The only commanding power is of Allah Almighty, he is the law giver, he is the legislator he is the lord, so people in the world are only the servants of Allah and all of us have to follow the injunctions given by Allah Almighty.


Review By:
Amna Hanif.
Asma Hameed.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Some statistics about Quran

Underneath the useful and the valuable collection about the Quran is
given in form of questions and answers .

The aim is to know more about the Book with a one glance.

1. How many Sura are in Holy Quran ? 114
2. How many Verses are in Holy Quran ? 6666.
3. How many dots are in Holy Quran ? 1015030.
4. How many over bar (zaber) are in Holy Quran ? 93243
5. How many under bar ( Zaer ) are in Holy Quran ? 39586
6. How many Raque are in Holy Quran ? 1000.
7. How many stop ( Waqf ) are in Holy Quran ? 5098.
8. How many Thashdeed are in Holy Quran ? 19253.
9. How many letters are in Holy Quran ? 323671
10 How many pash are in Holy Quran ? 4808.
11. How many Madd are in Holy Quran ? 1771
12 How many words are in Holy Quran ? 77701.
13 How many parts of Holy Quran ? 30.
14 How many time Besmillah Al-Rahmaan Al-Raheem is repeated ? 114.
15 How many Sura start with Besmillah Al-Rahmaan Al-Raheem ? 113.
16 How many time the word 'Quran' is repeated in Holy Quran ? 70.
17 Which is the longest Sura of Holy Quran ? Al-Baqarah.
18 Which is the best drink mentioned in Holy Quran ? Milk.
19 The best eatable thing mentioned in Holy Quran is ? Honey.
20 Which is the shortest Sura of Holy Quran ? Qausar.
21 The longest verse of Holy Quran is in which Sura? Al-Baqarah No.282
22 The most disliked thing by the God though Halal is ? Divorce
23 Which letter is used for the most time in Holy Quran.? Alaph
24 Which letter is used for the lest time in Holy Quran ? Zaa.
25 Which is the best night mentioned in Holy Quran ? Night of Qadar.
26 Which is the best month mentioned in Holy Quran ? Ramzan.
27 Which is the biggest animal mentioned in Holy Quran ? Elephant.
28 Which is the smallest animal mentioned in Holy Quran ? Mosquito
29 How many words are in the longest Sura of Holy Quran ? 25500.
30 How many words are in the smallest Sura of Holy Quran ? 42
31 Which Sura of Holy Quran is called the mother of Quran ? Sura Hamd
32 How many Sura start with Al-Hamdullelah ? Five_ Hamd, Inaam, Kahf,
Saba & Fatr.
33 Which Sura has the same number of verses as the number of Sura of
Holy Quran ? Taqveer, 114 verses.
34 How many Sura's name is only one letter ? Three, Qaf, Sad & Noon.
35 How many Sura start with word " Inna " ? Four sura - Fatha,
Nuh,Qadr, Qausar.
36 Which Sura has the number of its verses equal to the number of
Masumeen ? Saf, 14 verses.
37 Which sura are called Musabbahat ? Esra, Hadeed, Hsar, Juma,
Taghabun & Aala.
38 How many sura are Makkahi and how many are Madni ? Macci 86, Madni
28.
39 Which sura is on the name of tribe of Holy Prophet ? Quresh
40 Which sura is called the heart of Holy Quran ? Yaseen.
41 In which sura the name of Allah is repeated five time ? Sura al-Haj.
42 Which sura are named Azaiam ? Sajdah, Fusselat, Najum & Alaq.
43 Which sura is on the name of one Holy war ? Sura Ahzaab.
44 Which sura is on the name of one metal ? Sura Hadeed
45 Which sura does not starts with Bismellah ? Sura Tauba.
46 Which sura is called ' Aroos-ul-Quran ? Sura Rehman.
47 Which sura is considered as 1/3 of holy Quran ? Sura tauheed.
48 The name of how many sura are with out dot ? Hamd, Raad, Toor, Room,
Masad.
49 In which sura Besmillah came twice ? Sura Naml.
50 How many sura start with the Initials ( Mukette'at ) 29 Sura.
51 Which Sura was revealed twice ? Sura Hamd.
52 In which Sura the back biter are condemned ? Sura Humzah.
53 In which Sura the name of Allah is repeated in every verse ? Sura
Mujadala.
54 In which Sura the letter 'Fa' did not come ? Hamd.
55 Which Sura are called Muzetain ? Falk & Nas.
56 Which are those Sura if their name are reversed remain the same ?
Lael & Tabbat.
57 Which is that Sura if its first letter is remove becomes the name of
one of the city of Saudi Arab? Sajdah
58 Which Sura start with word ' Tabara Kallazi' ' Mulk & Furkan
59 Macci Sura were revealed in how many years ? 13 years
60 Madani Sura were revealed in how many years ? 10 years.
61 Which sura start with word Kad ? Mujadala & Momenoon.
62 Which Sura is related to Hazrat Ali ? Sura Adiat.
63 How many Sura are in 30th. Chapter ? 37.
64 Which sura every verse ends with letter 'Dal ' ? Tauheed.
65 Which Sura is revealed in respect of Ahllelbayet ? Sura Dahr.
66 Which sura every verse ends with letter ' Ra ' Qauser.
67 In which sura the creation of human being is mentioned ? Sura Hijr
V-26.
68 In which sura the regulations for prisoner of war is mentioned ?
Sura Nesa
69 Which sura is having the laws about marriage ? Sura Nesa.
70 Which sura if its name is reversed becomes the name of one bird ?
Sura Room.
71 In which sura the story of the worship of cow of Bani Esra'iel is
mentioned ? Sura Taha.
72 In which sura the law of inheritance is mentioned? Sura Nesa.
73 In which sura the Hegira of Holy Prophet is mentioned ? Sura Infall.
74 In which Sura the 27 Attributes of God are mentioned ? Sura Hadeed.
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Wednesday, September 15, 2010



The Importance of Hadith in Islam




Consultant to IslamOnline.net — India



Image
The two fundamental sources of Islam are the Qur'an (the word of God) and the Sunnah (the example) of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). By Sunnah, we mean the actions, sayings and silent permissions (or disapprovals) of the Prophet.The word "Sunnah" is also used to refer to religious duties that are optional. Here, we are concerned with Sunnah in the sense of the recorded sayings (Hadiths) of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In this sense, Hadith is considered to be second to the Qur'an. It is impossible to understand the Qur'an without reference to the Hadith; and it is impossible to explain a hadith without relating it to the Qur'an.
The Qur'an is the message, while the Hadith is the verbal translation of the message into pragmatic terms, as exemplified by the Prophet. While the Qur'an is the metaphysical basis of the Sunnah, the Sunnah is the practical demonstration of the precepts laid down in the Qur'an.
The duty of the Messenger was not just to communicate the message, rather, he was entrusted with the most important task of explaining and illustrating that message. That is the reason why Allah Himself has commanded the following:
[Say: Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, he (the Prophet) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allah's Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way.] (An-Nur 24:54)
This verse clearly tells us the overriding importance of Hadith to Muslims. They should be eager to learn and follow the teachings of the Prophet as expressed in Hadith. If we are negligent in this respect, it is we who have to answer before Allah.
Speaking of the importance of Hadith, we need to take into consideration two broad aspects of the subject. We know that Allah Almighty revealed the Qur'an to His chosen Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). So it is through the Prophet we come to hear the word of Allah; and it is the Prophet himself who can properly explain and demonstrate the precepts in the Qur'an. Without the required explanations and illustrations given by the Prophet, the Qur'an may be misunderstood and misinterpreted by people. So the Prophet took care to explain and demonstrate to his companions how the Qur'anic verses must be read and understood. That is to say, the importance of Hadith is linked to the importance of the Qur'an.
For example, the details of how to perform 
salah (ritual prayer), for instance, were given by the Prophet through his words and action, and not by the Qur'an. This means that we wouldn't know how to pray, fast, pay zakah, or perform Hajj without the examples given by the Prophet as recorded in the Hadith. Indeed, all necessary details are given in the Hadith, not in the Qur'an.

The revelation of each of the verses of the Qur'an took place at some critical junctures in the life of the Prophet. Of course, there are verses of universal application and significance, irrespective of the context in which those verses were revealed. But there are other verses that can be understood or interpreted only in the light of the actual context in the life of the Prophet, which called for that revelation. There are many examples. For instance, the following verse in the Surah Aali `Imran:
[If any one disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge hath come to thee, Say: Come! Let us gather together, our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: then let us earnestly pray. And invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie.] (Aali `Imran 3:61)
This verse talks about mubahala (invoking the curse of Allah on those who take a dishonest stand); and was revealed when the Prophet was conferring with the Christian delegation from Najran in 631 CE This example clearly shows how we need to refer to the life and example of the Prophet to understand the context, as well as the meaning of verses, such as the above mentioned one in the Qur'an.
The foregoing shows how Hadith, in practical terms, explains, clarifies, and paraphrases the Qur'an. If we reject the Hadith, we may misread the Qur'an; so Hadith is central to a proper understanding of the Qur'an.
In the Qur'an, Allah Almighty commands us not only to obey the Messenger, but also to abide by his decisions as follows:
[But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make you (the Prophet] judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction."] (An-Nisaa' 4:65)
And surely we find such decisions only in the Hadith; the duty of Muslims is to accept the Prophet's decisions whole-heartedly. The Qur'an also orders the faithful to emulate the role model of the Messenger and reckons it to be the only way to gain the pleasure of Allah.
It is therefore obligatory that we look up to the Prophet's morals and exemplary character and carry them out in our lives. We can never do so without studying Hadith. It is most illuminating in this respect to learn that when `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked to describe the character of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), her definitive answer was, "His character was that of the Qur'an." In other words, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) personified the best ideals and values of the Qur'an. How could we then neglect the Hadith, which alone can lead us to the precise ways in which the Prophet exemplified the Qur'anic ideals?


Read more:http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah/LSELayout&cid=1158658489489#ixzz0zcs5aIDJ

The Importance of Hadith in Islam - IslamOnline.net - Living Sharia'h

The Importance of Hadith in Islam - IslamOnline.net - Living Sharia'h

Wednesday, September 8, 2010