Introduction of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is the most auspicious month of the Islamic calendar and all Muslims celebrate it with great enthusiasm and spirit. Almost 1.6 billion people all around the globe observe Ramadan. This makes one-fifth of the people living on the planet.Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The word Ramadan is derived from the arabic word 'al-Ramz' which signifies "to burn." Ramadan burns the sins of the one who fasts in it, and who engages in pious deeds in abundance. This helps to burn the sins, hence the name given to this month is Ramadan.

Allah says in the Holy Quran, "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil)." (2:183)

During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

By Sheikh Yusuf Estes

The fourth pillar of Islam is fasting. Allah prescribes daily fasting for all able, adult Muslims during the whole of the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar, beginning with the sighting of the new moon.On the physical side, fasting is from first light of dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. On the moral, behavioral side, one must abstain from lying, malicious gossip, quarrelling and trivial nonsense.
Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant, or nursing are permitted to break the fast, but must make up an equal number of days later in the year. If physically unable to do so, they must feed a needy person for each day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.

Muslim fast means a complete abstention from eating or drinking between daybreak and sunset. The sighting of the thin sickle of the new moon of Ramadan heralds for the Muslim the beginning of a month of glory and of spiritual elevation, when, at Allah's command, he voluntarily and of his own free will, denies himself between day-break and sunset, the blessing of food and drink, and surrenders himself up wholly to Allah, observing the same abstention throughout the whole month in his thoughts, his speech, his behavior, his every act.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the following words beautifully explains the actual significance of the fast: -
"One who, while fasting, does not guard his tongue from telling lies, does not refrain from doing bad deeds, is not respecting his fast and Allah does not approve of mere abstention from food". When you are keeping fast, you should not speak ill of anybody, nor should you be boisterous and noisy. If anybody speaks ill of you or tries to pick a quarrel with you return him not, but say unto him that you are fasting.

During the month of Ramadan, Allah also blesses those who learns quran and understand its teachings so as to lead their lives according to the principles of Islam.

In addition to reading the Qur’an, Muslims try to spend more time in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) during this month and make an effort to perform Tarawih Prayer, preferably in congregation. Muslims also sometimes perform the late night Prayer called Tahajjud. They may do this before or after eating the pre-dawn meal, just before the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer.

Ramadan is also a favorite time for `Umrah - a visit to the Ka`bah in Makkah. When performed in Ramadan, `Umrah takes the same reward as Hajj (but it does not replace the obligatory Hajj).

Ramadan is the month of soul purification;

The social scientists studying ethics believe that acquiring ideal sublime and ethical conscience passes through three stages:

1. Getting rid of bad habits and attitudes;
2. Acquiring new good traits and habits;
3. Strengthening and crystallizing these traits.

CONCLUSION


The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. The fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to eat well. It is common to have one meal (known as the Suhoor), Sehri just before sunrise and another (known as the Iftar), directly after sunset. This meal will commonly consist of dates, following the example of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad, Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Because Ramadan is a time to spend with friends and family, the fast will often be broken by different Muslim families coming together to share in an evening meal.

Muslims believe that Allah (God) began revealing the Noble Qur'an to the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam during Ramadan (in the year 610 C.E.). The Qur'an commands:

"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..." (Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185).

Fasting during Ramadan did not become an obligation for Muslims until 624 C.E., at which point it became the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. The others are faith (Shahadah); prayer (Salah); charitable giving (Zakah); and the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).

Rights of children in Islam

The word “children” stands for sons and daughters, who are entitled to indisputable rights of rearing represented in promoting their religious orientation and ethical approach in order to be armed with both merits.
 Allah, the Almighty, says:

“O ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones,…” (Surah Al Tahrim 66:6)

{And those who pray, "Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."} (Al-Furqan 25:74)

Children are one of the joys of life that we ask Allah to grant us:

{Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world } (Al-Kahf 18:46)


Children, according to Islam, are entitled to various rights. The first and foremost of these rights is the right to be properly brought up, raised and educated. This means that children should be given suitable, sufficient, sound and adequate religious, ethical and moral guidance to last them for their entire lives. They should be engraved with true values, the meaning of right and wrong, true and false, correct and incorrect, appropriate and inappropriate and so forth and so on. Allah, the Almighty stated in the Glorious Qur’an:

"O ye who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones." (66:6)

Hadiat
Allah’s Apostle, PBUH also said: "Every one of you (people) is a shepherd. And every one is responsible for whatever falls under his responsibility. A man is like a shepherd of his own family, and he is responsible for them." This Hadith is reported by both Bukhari and Muslim

Children, therefore are a trust given to the parents. Parents will be responsible for this trust on the Day of Judgement. Parents are essentially responsible for the moral, ethical and the basic and essential religious teachings of their children.

Allah, the Almighty stated in the Glorious Quran:

"And those who believe and whose families follow them in Faith, to them shall We join their families: Nor shall We deprive them (of the fruit) of aught of their works: (Yet) is each individual in pledge for his deeds." (52:21)

Moreover, Allah's Apostle, PBUH said: "Upon death, man's deeds will (definitely) stop except for three deeds, namely: a continuous charitable fund, endowment or goodwill; knowledge left for people to benefit from; and pious righteous and God-fearing child who continuously prays Allah, the Almighty, for the soul of his parents." This Hadith is reported by Muslim.

Moreover;
The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Everyone of you is a protector and guardian and responsible for your wards and things under your care and a man is a guardian of his family members, and is accountable for those placed under his charge.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)


Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and Loving Children

Once Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was on his way to someone's home; he saw Imam Hussain playing with boys. Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) extended his hands for little Imam Hussain to go up and played with him and made him laugh in front of everybody; then he held him and gave him a kiss.

Once a companion (Sahabi) visited the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), when he was engaged in caressing his two grandchildren, Hasan and Hussain. Being surprised at this act, the companion said:

"O Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)! Do you also caress children, I have ten children but I have never fondled even one of them."

Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) raised his eyes and remarked: "It seems mercy and kindness has left your heart."

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) says: "A good act is written in the record of virtuous deeds for one who gives a kiss to his child."

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was very kind to children and loved them very much. He used to carry them on his shoulders. The children would become very happy and laugh. Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), too, would become happy at the pure happiness and laughter of the children and a smile would appear on his face.

Children are blessings not burden:

Allah (SWT) says in Noble Qur'an: "Kill not your children for fear of want. We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is great sin." Noble Qur'an (17: 31)

Once a Companion, Sahabi (Allah be pleased with him) submitted to the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): "O Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which is the greatest sin?"

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed: "Polytheism"

The Companion, Sahabi (Allah be pleased with him) again submitted: "And what next?"

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed: "Disobedience to parents"

The Companion, Sahabi (Allah be pleased with him) submitted for the third time: "And which sin is the greatest next to it?"

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed: "To kill your children fearing that they will share your sustenance."


Rights before marriage:(children's rights)

Children’s rights over their parents start before their mother and father get married according to Islam. That is to say; one should be very careful with choosing the person whom s/he will marry and should choose his/her spouse very carefully, because his/her descendants will continue through that person. One’s children, who are one’s most precious wealth in the world, will be born through him/her and s/he will play an important role in bringing up the children.

A good education and discipline:
 Another right of children over their parents is receiving a good education. Educating and disciplining children and preparing them for the future is one of the duties of parents.
Parents are responsible not only for feeding and dressing their children but also for providing them with a good education.
Families play an important role in children’s education. Actually, family is the first place where children receive their fist education. Education starts in the family.
Fathers are the primary people who are responsible for the education of children. They are held responsible for this by Allah. It is stated in the Quran that fathers who did not fulfill this responsibility will be the ones in the worst situation and the most devastated fathers on the Day of Judgment.

Child upbringing in Islam:
Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: A virtuous child is a fragrant flower from the flowers of Heaven.

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Be kind to your children, and excel in this kindness.
Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Train your children in three things: The love of your Prophet, to love the Ahlul Bayt, and the recitation of Noble Qur'an.
Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: When your children are grown up to seven years, teach them the prayers, and when they are ten years old, seriously admonish them for it (in order that they establish prayers); and separate their sleeping beds from each other.
Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Among the rights of the child over the parent are three: To give him a good name, to teach him to write and to marry him when he comes of age.
Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: When a person's son matures and he has the financial ability to marry him but does not do so, the boy will commit sin and the sin will be on the father.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: When a father beats his child it is like putting manure on a young crop.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: A child that has to be restrained is like an extra finger: if you let it be, then you dislike it, and if you cut it off, then it is painful.

Treating children equally and justly:
Parents should treat their children equally and justly. Parents should treat all of their children without making any discrimination between girls and boys and younger ones and older ones. This equality should include all kinds of interest and offerings from physical and material things which can be bought and sold to the kisses given to the children. Unfortunately, some parents today do not treat their children equally in material things and affection. Especially, it is a wide-spread attitude that boys are loved more than girls and girls are despised. As a result of this wrong attitude, children feel hatred and jealousy to each other and thus love and respect between them disappears. However, Islam orders parents behave equally and justly to their all children.


Conclusion:

Islam sees that if parents fulfill their duties towards all their children in terms of providing them with necessary training, educational backing, moral, ethical and religious education, this will definitely lead to a more caring child, a better family atmosphere and a better social environment and awareness. On the other hand, any negligence in those parental duties can lead to the loss of a child or ill treatment of the parents at a later age.

Five Pillar of ISLAM

Following are the five pillars of Islam:
1) FAITH

2) PRAYER

3) THE 'ZAKAT'

4) THE FAST

5) PILGRIMAGE (HAJJ)

Narrated Ibn Umar: Allah's Apostle said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):
    To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's apostle.
    To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
    To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity).
    To perform Hajj (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca).
    To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, p. 17).


1st Pillar Iman or Faith:

profession of faith, is the first pillar of Islam. Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the creed "There is no God but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the Messenger of God(Allah)." This simple yet profound statement expresses a Muslim's complete acceptance of and total com"There is none worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is the messenger of God." This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last  Prophet, Muhammad. mitment to Islam.

2nd Pillar Salah or Prayer:

Salah, prayer, is the second pillar. The Islamic faith is based on the belief that individuals have a direct relationship with God. The world's Muslims turn individually and collectively to Makkah, Islam's holiest city, to offer five daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. In addition, Friday congregational service is also required. Although salah can he performed alone, it is meritorious to perform it with another or with a group. It is permissible to pray at home, at work, or even outdoors; however it is recommended that Muslims perform salah in a mosque.
 Before going into the mosque the worshipper must perform an ablution, known as wudhu (or, in certain circumstances, a washing of the whole body known as ghusl), the ritual of which is set out in the Qur'an:

    When ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows) rub your heads (with water), and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. Surah 5.6

Five prayer times each day:

    early morning
    noon
    mid-afternoon
    sunset
    evening

 Five times a day a Muslim is bound to perform the Salaah, the fixed ritual of the Islamic prayer-worship. He should properly go to the nearest mosque to offer his prayers together with the whole congregation. Each of the five periods is preceded by the adhaan (or azaan as it is more commonly called). The muezzin (more correctly mu'adh-dhin) calls out on each occasion:

    A translation of the Call to Prayer is:

God(Allah) is most great. God is most great.
God is most great. God is most great.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)!
Come to success!
God is most great. God is most great.
There is no god except God.

3rd Pillar THE 'ZAKAT'
 
An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakah means  both "purification" and "growth." Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

 Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah individually. This involves the annual payment of a fortieth of one's capital, excluding such items as primary residence, car and professional tools.

An individual may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa-h,  and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as "voluntary charity" it has a wider meaning.
The Prophet said, "Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is an act of charity." The Prophet also said: "Charity is a necessity for every Muslim." He was asked: "What if a person has nothing?" The Prophet  replied: "He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity." The Companions of the Prophet asked: "What if he is not able to work?" The Prophet said: "He should help the poor and needy." The Companions further asked: "What if he cannot do even that?" The Prophet said: "He should urge others to do good." The Companions said: "What if he lacks that also?" The Prophet said: "He should check himself from doing evil. That is also an act of charity."


The Qur'an constantly enjoins on believers the duty of paying Zakaah, a prescribed almsgiving. The book often links the duty of charity with the observance of Salaah (e.g. Surah 9.5) and refers to it as an act of piety to purify the believer (the word comes from the same roots as zakiyya considered in the previous section) and as an act of gratitude to God

    Originally a free-will donation (what is no called Sadaqah).
    Now largely compulsory.
    General rate: 2 1/2% of income annually.
    Given only to needy Muslims, or for religious purposes, etc.

The Qur'an constantly enjoins on believers the duty of paying Zakaah, a prescribed almsgiving. The book often links the duty of charity with the observance of Salaah (e.g. Surah 9.5) and refers to it as an act of piety to purify the believer (the word comes from the same roots as zakiyya considered in the previous section) and as an act of gratitude to God.


4th pillar Sawm or Fasting:

Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier.

Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one's spiritual life.

 Fasting is also prescribed as an obligatory duty of Islam and the Muslim is obliged to fast from sunrise to sunset during the thirty days of the month of Ramadan. The command to fast is found in the Qur'an:

    Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting. But if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Surah 2.185

Abd Allah b. Abbas reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him), referring to Ramadan, declared: Do not begin to fast until you have seen the crescent and do not leave the fast until you see it, and if there are clouds, complete thirty days. (Muwatta Imam Malik, p. 116)

5th pillar Hajj or Pilgrimage:

 The pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.

pasts of this great  events:

    Tawaf: Circling Ka'ba counterclockwise seven times, emphasizing its centrality.

    Touching black stone of Ka'bah

    Sa'y: Running seven times between hills and drinking from Zamam spring (recalling Hagar's running for water)

    Throwing 49 stones at stone "Satan"s (recalling the resistance to Satan's attempts to prevent Abraham from sacrificing Ishmael).

    On eighth day pilgrims move to the desert and live in tents. Rituals performed there include:
        Wuquf: Standing in prayer at the Plain of Arafat and Mount of Mercy.

        'Id al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): Head or household slaughters animal for feast. Meat is also distributed to the poor.
    Return to Mecca for second circling of Ka'bah.
    Most pilgrims also visit Medinah.

Rights of Non-Muslim in ISLAM

Islam is a religion of mercy to all people, both Muslims and non-Muslims. The Prophet was described as being a mercy in the Quran due to the message he brought for humanity:
“And We have not sent you but as a mercy to all the worlds.” (Quran 21:107)
In the world we live in today, the Muslim faith called "Al-Islam" has unfortunately become the most misunderstood faith out of all religions. The primary reason being that anti Islamic propagandists and also some unaware/ignorant Muslims who do not understand Islam itself have given fuel to bigotry against this beautiful faith.

 We are making this post on rights which Islam gives to non-Muslims because currently this world is going through a very delicate phase as was already told by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that near the hour there would be a lot of killing. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) rather analyzed this present situation very deeply when he said about 1450 Years ago



    The Killer would not know why he killed and the one who got killed would not know why he was killed [Two most authentic books of hadith i.e. Sahih Bukhari and Muslim  Hadith # 1356 in the latter]
     Islamic Law protects basic human rights like the preservation of life, property, and honor for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.  Whether the non-Muslims are residents or visitors, they are guaranteed these rights.  These rights cannot be taken away except in a justified case permitted by law.  For instance, a non-Muslim may not be killed unless he is guilty of killing.  God says: “Say, ‘Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you.  (He commands) that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty;  We will provide for you and them.  And do not approach immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed.  And do not kill the soul which God has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right.  This has He instructed you that you may use reason.’” (Quran 6:151)

 God says in the Quran:

“There is no compulsion in religion…” (Quran 2:256)

Not only does Islam demand their freedom to practice religion, but also that they be treated justly as any other fellow human.  Warning against any abuse of non-Muslims in an Islamic society, the Prophet stated:

“Beware!  Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, curtails their rights, burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” (Abu Dawud)

Let us now see what Islam says about rights of non-Muslims.

Qur'an states: O mankind! 

We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you”INTO NATIONS AND TRIBES” that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the ”MOST RIGHTEOUS OF YOU” . And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). [49:13]

Quran states at another place: Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand- hold, that never breaks. And God heareth and knoweth all things. (2:256)

Islam does not allow assaulting a non-Muslim, violating his honor or property, or hurting him. If someone steals from a dhimmi, he must be punished.  If anyone borrows from a dhimmi, the property must be returned.  The Prophet of Islam said: “You must know that it is not lawful for you to take the property of the People of the Covenant unless it is (in payment) for something.”

The Prophet of Islam declared that the life of non-Muslims residents or visitor as inviolable when he said: “Whoever kills a person with whom we have a treaty, will not come close enough to Paradise to smell its scent, and its scent can be found as far away as forty years of travel.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)



He also said: “Indeed God, Mighty and Majestic, has not allowed you to enter the homes of the People of the Book except by their permission, nor has He allowed you to hit their women, nor eat their fruit if they give you what is obligatory upon them [from the jizyah].” (Abu Dawood)

The People of the Covenant had their own courts to settle their disputes, but if they wished, they could resort to Islamic courts.  God commanded His Prophet:

“So if they come to you, (O Muhammad), judge between them or turn away from them.  And if you turn away from them never will they harm you at all.  And if you judge, judge between them with justice.  Indeed, God loves those who act justly.” (Quran 5:42)
Adam Metz, a Western historian, writes in the Islamic Civilization in the Fourth Century of the Hegira:
“Since the Islamic Law was specifically for Muslims, the Islamic state allowed the people of other religious affiliations to their own courts.  What we know about these courts is that they were church courts and prominent spiritual leaders were the chief justices.  They wrote a great number of books on canon law, and their rulings were not confined to matters of personal status.  They included such problems as inheritance and much of the litigations between Christians that did not involve the state.

Gustav LeBon writes:

“The Arabs could have easily been blinded by their first conquests, and committed the injustices that are usually committed by conquerors.  They could have mistreated their defeated opponents or forced them to embrace their religion, which they wished to spread all over the world.  But the Arabs avoided that.  The early caliphs, who had a political genius that was rare in proponents of new religion, realized that religions and systems are not imposed by force.  So they treated the people of Syria, Egypt, Spain, and every country they took over with great kindness, as we have seen.  They left their laws, regulations, and beliefs intact and only imposed on them the jizya, which was paltry when compared to what they had been paying in taxes previously, in exchange for maintaining their security.  The truth is that nations had never known conquerors more tolerant than the Muslims, or a religion more tolerant than Islam.”

Allah says, to the nearest meaning in the English language,
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
"We have sent you as a mercy to all mankind" [TMQ Al-Anbiya: 107].

The way the Creator and therefore Muslims look upon the application and treatment of the Ahl Al-Dhimma is as a means by which practically convince them of Islam. This should not be understood to mean that we force non-Muslims to accept Islam, but we aim to convince, Allah says, again to the nearest meaning in the English language,

لاَ إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ
"Let there be no compulsion in religion" [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 256].

Before directly answering your question, I feel it pertinent to clarify that the Ahl Al-Dhimma by definition are protected by a covenant.

The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alaihi wasallam) said:

"The one who kills a Mu'ahid without right he will not smell the fragrance of Paradise even if its smell was forty years travelling distance" [Ahmed].


During the rule of the second Khaleefah (Caliph) Umar bin al-Khattab, certain Muslims had stolen a piece of land belonging to a Jew and then constructed a mosque upon it. This clearly violated the rights of the Jew who was a dhimmi. Umar (ra) ordered the demolition of the mosque and the restoration of the land to the Jew.

Non-Muslims follow their religions regarding Food and Clothing

in matters of food and clothing, the Non-Muslims are allowed to follow their religions within the framework of public order.

Imam Abu Hanifah's madhab says: "It is agreed upon in Islam that the People of Dhimma, could drink liquor, eat pork and do what their religion allows for them within the scope of the Shari'ah."

So as long as these matters are kept private and do not enter the society, the Islamic State will not interfere in these personal matters. If, for example, a dhimmi opened a shop to sell alcohol then he would be punished according to the Shari'ah.


Punishment System
Muslims and non-Muslims are punished for crimes they have committed according to the Shari'ah. Again, there is no bias in the implementation of the punishments. The following examples clearly indicate this.

Muhammad (saw) said: "By Allah, if Fatimah the daughter of Muhammad stole, I would cut her hand."

Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), when he was Khaleefah, punished his own son.

Ibn Umar (ra) narrated: "Two Jews committed adultery and were brought to the Prophet (saw), and he ordered them stoned."

Anas narrated: "A Jew killed a girl with a rock, so the Messenger (saw) killed him."

Imam Abu Hanifah's madhab says: "If a Muslim kills anyone from the People of the Dhimma, then the killer deserves the same punishment, regardless of being male or female."

Non-Muslims are forbidden from holding positions of authority.

"And Allah will never give the unbelievers any way (of authority) against the believers" [TMQ An-Nisa: 141].

This ayah expresses the categorical prohibition of the non-Muslims (Kafir) from taking a post of authority over the Muslims. Furthermore, the non-Muslim does not have the right to participate in the election of the Khaleefah.

Areas where Non-Muslims cannot live

Non-Muslims are not allowed to live in the Arabian Peninsula because Umar (ra) heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: "I will expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula and will not leave any but Muslims" [Muslim].

Hadits
Narrated Abu Bakrah رضي الله عنه (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم (Peace be upon him) said: If anyone kills a Muaahid (Non-Muslim living in an Islamic State) with out any reason, Allah will forbid him to enter Paradise.

[Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith no. 2760, Authentic]

Narrated Al−Miqdam ibn Madikarib رضي الله عنه (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم (Peace be upon him) said: Beware,Not Lawful for you the "Luqata" (fallen lost thing) of the Muaahid(Non-Muslim living in an Islamic State) except that he did not need it.

[Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith no. 3804, Authentic]

Narrated Abdur Rahman bin Abi Laila رضي الله عنه (May Allah be pleased with him): Sahl bin Hunaif and Qais bin Sad were sitting in the city of Al-Qadisiya. A funeral passed in front of them and they stood up. They were told that funeral procession was of one of the inhabitants of the land i.e. of a non-believer, under the protection of Muslims. They said, "A funeral passed in front of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم (Peace be upon him) and he stood up. When he was told that it was the coffin of a Jew, he said, "Is it not a Human Soul?"He said, "Whenever you see a funeral procession, you should stand up."

[Sahi Bukhari, Hadith no. 1311 and Hadith no. 1312]

Conclusion
By examining how the Shari'ah deals with the non-Muslims, we can see that the Khilafah, far from being something for non-Muslims to fear living under, is a State that will bring them out of the darkness and oppression of the Capitalist system and into the light and justice of Islam. It is this treatment of the non-Muslims by the Khilafah, which led numerous people to become Muslim. The extent of conversion was so great whole tribes came to embrace Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. Rulers of countries have actually been known to write to the Khaleefah requesting that Islam be implemented upon them. This is also the reason the Christians of Ash-sham fought alongside the Muslims against the Christian Crusaders who attacked the State. In India, in the 1920's, there were even Hindus who were part of the Khilafah movement trying to revive this State!

The glorious Qur'an states:

"When the Help of Allah and Victory comes. And you see the people enter Allah's deen in crowds. Celebrate the praises of your Lord and pray for His Forgiveness: for He is Oft-Returning in Grace and Mercy" [TMQ An-Nasr: 1-3].

Shab-e-Barat

Shabaan is called the Month of separation during the Arab history because in this month mostly Arab people leave their families and homes to search the water. In Islamic history Shabaan is the most blessed month for the Muslim Ummah. The Holy Prophet PBUH referred that Shabaan is My Month, during this month our beloved Prophet PBUH used to fast more than any Islamic month except Ramadan.
The Holy Prophet (S.A.) had said that during the night of 15th Shaba'an the Almighty takes decisions in the matters of sustenance, life and death and welfare of the people.
Next to the “Night of Qadr” the night of 15th Sha’—baan is the most auspicious night (also known as “night of Baraat”).


Shab-e-Baraat is a vessel for Mercy, Blessing, Benefit, Pardon and Forgiveness that descends upon the people of the earth. On this great night, Allah Ta’ala descends to the first heaven and proclaims, “Is there anyone who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone who seeks sustenance so that I may grant him sustenance? Is there anyone who seeks freedom from his problems so that I may remove his problems?” This announcement continues until the break of dawn.

Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “On the night of the middle of Shabaan, Allah Ta’ala descends to the heaven of this lower world and forgives every Muslim, except a mushrik (one who associates partners with Allah Ta’ala), the bearer of malice, the breaker of family ties, the adulterer, the miser, the one who is disobedient to his parents and the one who consumes alcohol. He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has also stated that during this night Allah Ta’ala opens 300 doors of Mercy unto his servants and that the slaves of Allah Ta’ala are emancipated from the fire of hell, as numerous as the hairs on the flocks of the tribe of Bani Kalb.

Exchange of Nama-e -Amal

In Shabe-e-Barat the Nama-e –Amal which is also known as the record book of bad and good deeds is exchanged with the new Record book or Nama-e –Amal and kept safe among the other record books since the time of birth to exchanging time, the angels also write the births, deaths of the individuals in the very same night by the commandment of Almighty Allah. It contains all the deeds which the individual has done in the past year, the Almighty Allah has gifted that night to ask the forgiveness by saying prayers.

Hadiat

"Therefore, stay awake this night in prayer and worship and encourage your Ummah to also keep awake this night in order to
 get closer to Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) through their actions since this is a noble night.
I have come to you while all the Angels in the Heavens are together with one another some are glorifying Allah,
others are in Ruku‘, others are in the state of Sujud while others are busy in the Dhikr of Allah.
This is a night in which not a single person supplicates to Allah except that his prayers are accepted.
Nobody asks for a single thing on this night except that it will be given to him. No one asks Allah for forgiveness except that his sins are wiped out.
No one turns in repentance to Allah except that He accepts their repentance.
Whoever is deprived of the goodness of this night has definitely been deprived of something great."

Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Qur’an,

"Therein all matters of wisdom are sorted out for Decree.” [Surah 44, Verse 4]. This Aayat refers to Shab-e-Baraat and it is stated in Tafseer Noorul Irfaan that on this great night, the entire year’s programme of sustenance, death, life, honour and disgrace, in short every affair of man is listed from the Divine Tablet and handed over to the angels of each area on the earth in the form of a book. For example the Angel of Death is given a list of the names of those who would be dying in the coming year.

To keep Fast

According to the Hadith Shareef which is narrated by Ibne Habaan (radi Allahu ta’ala anhu) that Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “When the night of 15th Shabaan arrives spend the night awake and keep fast the next day”.

Hadrat Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu ta’ala anhu) reports that the Most Beloved (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) of Allah ta’ala said often in his Khutba (sermon): “O people! Lighten and cleanse your bodies by way of fasting during Shabaan, so that it shall be easy and helpful to you for the fast during Ramadan. Whoso fasts for three days during Shabaan, all his past sins are wiped off”. (Baihaqi) Fasting is also recommended on the 13th, 14th and 15th of Shabaan.

How to spend the Night?

On this night,

Perform Nawaafil, 

Recite the Qur’an Shareef,  

Recite abundant Durood Shareef,
 
 Istighfaar and Kalima Tayyibah.
 

 It is also mentioned that if one reads Surah Dukhan seven times on this night,
Almighty Allah will reward you with 70 worldly needs and 70 deeds for the Hereafter.

Praise be to Allaah.

Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan (the 15th of Sha’baan) is like any other night, and there is no sound report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to indicate that on this night the fate or destiny of people is decided.

“We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship].

Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments”

[al-Dukhaan 44:3-4]

Ibn Jareer al-Tabari (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: the commentators differed concerning that night, i.e., which night of the year it is. Some of them said that it is Laylat al-Qadr, and it was narrated from Qurtaadah that it is Laylat al-Qadr. Others said that it is the night of the 15th of Sha’baan. The correct view is the view of those who say that it is Laylat al-Qadr, because Allaah has told us of that when He says, ‘Verily, We are ever warning’ [al-Dukhaan 44:3].”

(Tafseer al-Tabari, 11/221)


Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) reports that once on Shab-e-Baraat Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) went into prostration for a long time and she watched him until she thought that Allah Ta’ala had taken His Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) from this world. After a long time had elapsed, she got close enough to touch the soles of his feet. He stirred, and she heard him say in his prostration, “I take refuge with Your pardon from Your punishment. I take refuge with Your approval from Your displeasure. I take refuge in You from You. Glory be to You. I cannot fully praise You, as You have praised Yourself.” After this incident Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) asked Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), “O Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), tonight I have heard you utter something during your prostration that I never heard you mention before.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then asked, “Have you learnt it?” When she said yes, he replied, “Study those words and teach them, for Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) instructed me to repeat them during the prostration.”

SALAT FOR INCREMENT OF {RIZK}SUBSISTANCE:

In the  fifteenth night of  Sha’ban,perform two raka’at[cycle]prayer,in each raka’at  after Sura-tul-Fatiha recite once Aya-tul-kursi and fifteenth times Sura-tul-Ikhlas.After salam recite 100 times Salat And Salam upon Prophet Muhammad{peace be upon him}.Make Dua for the increment of [rizk]subsistence,Insha Allah,Allah ta’ala will increase his subsistence..


SIX NAWAFIL SALAT AFTER THE PRAYER OF MAGHRIB.
In the fifteenth night of Sha’ban after the prayer of Maghrib perform six raka’ats with three slalams.The niyyat[intention]of the first two is for “the long pious life”,the niyyat of the second two is for “being safe from the calamities and misfortunes”and the niyyat for the  third two is “for the incrememt of {rizk}subsistence”.After every two rak’at ,recite once Sura Yaseen and at the end once Dua of Sha’ban



FORGIVNESS FROM SINS BY THIS SALAT.
In the fifteenth night of Sha’ban.perform eight rak’at salat with four salams.In each rak’at after Sura-tul-Fatiha once Sura-tul- Qadr[the 97 sura] and twenty five times Sura-tul-ikhlas.Insha Allah,Allah subhanahu ta’ala will forgive his or her all sins .

On this night when Allah Ta’ala calls out, “Who is there who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive Him?

” the whole night, why can’t we be the ones to respond to that call by crying in the Court of Allah Ta’ala and saying,
 “Ya Allah, this wretched sinner seeks Your forgiveness. I am present in Your Court and I humble myself in shame before You.

Through the Sadaqah and Wasilah of Your Beloved Messenger, Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) please forgive me.” Nothing is stopping us besides our nafs and Shaitaan. Remember that Allah Ta’ala loves those who cry in His Court out of shame and repent for their sins, so do not let this blessed night go by in vain.

Rights of Neioughers

Apart from a man's parents, children and near relatives, there also exists a permanent association and contact between him and his neighbors. The state of his association - be it good or otherwise has a great influence on his life and morals. The Prophet (PBUH) had attached great importance to this and has constantly urged the Ummah to pay due regard to the rights of neighbors to the extent that he had declared good neighborliness to be part of Iman (Faith).

And be good to the neighbour who is your relative and to the neighbour who is not a relative . . . (Qur'an, 4:36)

 Islam , the religion of humanity, has come to spread the message of peace among mankind. It has given every creature its due rights. It has also prescribed punishment for violation of these rights. It is on record that the blessed

Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said,
 “a woman entered hell on account of maltreatment of cat which she tied down without giving her food until she died while another entered paradise by giving a thirsty dog water to drink.”
If this is the punishment for violating animals’ rights what do you think will be the consequence of infringement of other human’s rights?

Allah says

"Worship Allah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess.'' (4:36)


Islam has great respect for the mutual rights and duties of neighbours. The Holy Prophet said:


Jibra'1 always used to advise me to be generous with neighbours, till I thought that Allah was going to include the neighbours among the heirs of a Muslim.

Kinds of Neighours:

In a Hadith, related by Jabir (R.A.), the Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said

Neighbors are of three kinds.

Firstly, the neighbor who enjoys only one right (and as far as rights are concerned) he is of the lowest grade
Secondly, the one who enjoys two rights.
thirdly the neighbor who enjoys three rights.

The neighbor with only one right is:
A non-Muslim neighbor with whom there are no family ties.

The neighbor with two rights is:
A neighbour who is muslim neighbor but not relative.

The neighour with three rights is:
A neighour who is muslim and also your ralitive.


Kindness to a Non-Muslim NeighborThe neighbor holds a special status in Islam. Islam encourages Muslims to treat their neighbors in a gentle way that reflects the true and genuine spirit of Islam as exemplified in its tolerant aspect especially with people of other faiths. It makes no difference whether the neighbors are Muslim or non-Muslim. Ayesha, the Mother of the Believers, stated that she once asked Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), "O Messenger of Allah! I have two neighbors. To whom shall I send my gifts?" Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "To the one whose gate is nearer to you."


 

Hadiat on Neighours:

Narrated Samurah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A neighbour has the best claim to the house or land of the neighbour. - Sunan Abu Dawood, 1556
Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The best friend in the sight of Allah is he who is the well-wisher of his companions, and the best neighbour is one who behaves best towards his neighbours. Transmitted by Tirmidhi. - Al-Tirmidhi, Number 120

Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) observed: He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct. - Sahih Muslim, 15
Narrated Abu Shuraih: The Prophet said, "By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!" It was said, "Who is that, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "That person whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Number 45

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should not hurt his neighbor and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk what is good or keep quiet." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Number 158

Narrated Abu Shuraih Al Adawi: My ears heard and my eyes saw the Prophet when he spoke, "Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his neighbor generously, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should serve his guest generously by giving him his reward." It was asked. "What is his reward, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "(To be entertained generously) for a day and a night with high quality of food and the guest has the right to be entertained for three days (with ordinary food) and if he stays longer, what he will be provided with will be regarded as Sadaqa (a charitable gift). And anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet (i.e. abstain from all kinds of dirty and evil talks)." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Number 48
Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The best companion in Allah's estimation is the one who is best to his companion, and the best neighbour in Allah's estimation is the one who is best to his neighbour." Tirmidhi and Darimi transmitted it, Tirmidhi saying this is a hasan gharib tradition. - Al-Tirmidhi, Number 1287

It is narrated by Abu Shurayh (R.A.) that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said

    "Whoever believes in Allah and the final day (Day of Judgment) it is essential that he does not harm his neighbors and whoever believes in Allah and the final Day it is essential for him to entertain his guest with kindness and generosity and whoever believes in Allah and the Final Day it is essential that he speak what is good or otherwise remain silent."

Amongst other points this Hadith explains that it is essential for the true believer to be mindful of his neighbors at all times so that he does not harm him in any way. It also gives us an idea of the value placed on the rights of neighbors by the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH).

In another Hadith related by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) the Prophet (PBUH) said,

    "By Allah, he is not a true believer, By Allah, he is not a true believer, By Allah, he is not a true believer (three times). He was asked 'Who?" Upon which he replied, "The one whose neighbors do not feel secure from his mischief and evil.

The construction and manner of the Hadith shows how agitated the Prophet (PBUH) must have been when he said this. The essence contained in this Hadith is that the Muslim whose character is such that his neighbors expect nothing but evil from him and they live in fear of being hurt or harmed by him, cannot be regarded as a true and faithful believer - he doesn't deserve the title of Muslim or Mu'min. On another occasion the Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said that such a person (whose neighbors do not feel safe on his account) shall not go to Heaven.



Recommendation to treat neighbor well
    Mother of the believers Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that the messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Jibril kept recommending me to treat my neighbor well until I thought that he would tell me to make him one of my heirs"
    (Bukhari:6014)

    Abu Shuraih Al-Khuza`I, May Allah be pleased with him, reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be kind to his neighbor; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him show hospitality to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him either speak good or remain silent".
    (Translation of Sahih Muslim, Book 1: The Book of Faith (Kitab Al-Iman), Number 0078

Rights of Relatives in ISLAM

The best relatives are those who love, sympathize, and cooperate with one another for achieving their goals and interests. For its elevated social rank and great influence on reforming the Islamic society, the Islamic Sharia has paid the greatest attention to the family affairs.

Relatives are the family to whom one belongs. Man’s relatives are the most similar, affectionate, and helpful. Describing the relatives, Amir ul-Mu'minin (a) said:

“Man, though wealthy, cannot dispense with his clan. He is in need for their defending him with hands and tongues. They are one’s greatest backers, best reuniters, and most affectionate when a misfortune befalls.”

Besides parents' rights, a great emphasis is also laid on the rights of other relatives. In Islamic terms, Silah-Rahimi is used to denote 'good treatment towards the relatives'.

In the Qur'an, where the Muslims are enjoined to show kindness to parents, they are also required to treat the other relatives with love and sympathy and to pay due regard to their rights as well.

Among all religions, Islam gives great importance to the bonds of kinship and rights of relatives.

Aayah 90 of Surah Nahl says: “Allah enjoins justice, generosity and kind treatment with relatives…”

 The third thing which has been enjoined is good treatment with one’s relatives. It means that one should not only treat relatives well, share their sorrows and pleasure and help them within lawful limits but should also share one’s wealth with them along with the rights of parents and immediate family. Prophet (SAW) has emphasized this fact in many Traditions. In the light of such Traditions a person owes rights to his parents, his wife, husband, children, brothers, sisters and other relatives in accordance with the nearness of their relationships. On the basis of this fundamental principle, Caliph Umar Farooque (RA) made it obligatory on the first cousins of an orphan to support him. In the case of another orphan, a distant cousin was made responsible to support.



Look what Prophet (SAW) demands in exchange for the hardships he experienced in conveying Allah (SWT)’s message to us as mentioned in Aayah 23 of Surah Shu’ra:

“Ya Rasul Allah, say to them: “I do not ask of you any reward for this work; however, I do seek the love of the kindred/relatives.””

Holy Qur’an in Aayah 27 of Surah Baqarah says:

 “But it is only the rebels He (Allah) makes go astray: who break their covenant with Allah after it has been confirmed, who severs/breaks the bonds [of relationship] that Allah has commanded to be joined, who spread corruption on earth – these are the losers.”

In the Qur'an Allah tells us: "Give your relatives their due…" (17:26)

"Allah commands justice, kindness and giving to near relatives…." (16:90)

"…And show kindness to your parents and to near relatives…" (4:36)

"And give to the relative his right." [Soorah al-Israa' 17:26]


Allaah - the most high - also said:

"And worship Allaah alone, and do not set-up any partner to Him in worship,
and be kind and good to the parents, and to the relatives." [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:36]


Breaking up relations:

The Quran has  decreed Hell-fire and the curse of Allah upon those who cut off ties with their relatives.

Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) says:

    "Beware of those who cut off relations because I have found them cursed thrice in the Quran."

1) Surah Baqarah, Ayat No.27

    "Whoever break the covenant of Allah after its confirmation and cut asunder what Allah has ordered to be joined, and make mischief in the land, these it is that are the losers."

In the Quranic terminology when the word Khaasir (loser) is used it denotes the one who is to be in loss, or rather the one who is cursed.

2) Surah Raad, Ayat No.25

    "And those who break the covenant of Allah after its confirmation and cut asunder which Allah has ordered to be joined and make mischief in the land; (as for) those, upon them shall be curse and they shall have the evil (issue) of the abode."

3) Surah Muhammad, Ayat No.22-23

    "But if you held command, you were sure to make mischief in the land and cut off the ties of kinship. Those it is whom Allah has cursed, so He has made them deaf and blinded their eyes."

The Denouncement of "Cutting Off Kinship Ties" in the Traditions

Numerous traditions have reached us in this regard. A few of these reports are quoted here:

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) states:

    There is destruction in enmity, especially with the relatives. I do not mean the destruction of the law but rather the destruction of the religion. (Enmity among people not only harms the hair and the body, but it also destroys one's religion.

(Al Kafi, Chapter of Qate-Rahem)

Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) says:

    "Protect yourself from 'Haliqa' for it destroys the people." The narrator asked "What is 'Haliqa'", Imam replied, "To sever relations."

 The Worst Deed in the Eyes of Allah
A man approached the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and enquired, "What is the worst deed in the eyes of Allah?"

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied,

    "To attribute partners to Allah."

The man then asked, "After this which is the worst sin?"

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said:

    "To sever relations".

After this the same person asked, "After this which is the worst sin?"

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied:

    "To enjoin the evil and to forbid the good (deeds)."

Some practical Tips to Promote Family Relations:

Visit them often - do not wait for “occasions” e.g. deaths, marriages etc.
Invite them home.

Always show love even if your relatives do not do the same.

Always make Dua [pray] for them.

Give them gifts - Spend on them according to your means.

Help them in need and sympathise with them on sad occasions.
Share happy moments and occasions with them.

Avoid backbiting - It is the main cause of friction.
Always talk positively about them and do not look down upon them.

Occasionally give them a call to enquire about their welfare.

Do not compete with them in material pursuits.

Always be a well-wisher of your Relatives.

Plan ways to improve and strengthen relations.

It is related by Anas (RA) that the Allah’s Messenger Muhammad [Peace be upon him] said "Whoever wants an increase in his sustenance and that the marks of his feet remain for a long time in the world (i.e. to live long) - he should be kind and helpful to his relatives."

Family quarrels, which generally arise from the disregard of the relatives' rights, affect a persons health and causes friction in homes and in the community at large. Those who treat their relatives well and are helpful to them, are free from tensions and they are happier and more peaceful.

The Almighty Allah says in the Quran:
    "...and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, by Whom you demand one of another (your rights), and (to) the ties of relationship;"

(Surah Nisa 4:1)

According to Imam al-Baqir (a.s.), the notable point in this verse is that the fear of Allah is mentioned alongwith the fear one should have about breaking relations with kith and kin.

In the book Al Kafi there is a tradition from Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.). He says:

    "The relatives in this Ayat, include all, and not only the nearest ones. Certainly Allah has ordered kindness towards all the relatives. Allah has given so much importance to this deed that he mentions it with his exalted name."

Kindness to Relatives is Commanded in the Same Way as Namaz and Zakat

It is related from Imam Ali-ar-Reza (a.s.):

"Allah has ordered three things along with three others, in the glorious Quran:

1) Namaz is ordered along with Zakat. If one offers Namaz but does not pay Zakat (when it is due upon him) then his Namaz will not be accepted.

2) Allah has ordered thankfulness to Himself along with the thankfulness to one's parents. If one is not grateful to one's parents it is as if he has not been grateful to Allah.

3) Allah has ordered piety along with kindness to ones kith and kin. Then one who is not kind towards the relatives is not pious."

 The Benefits of Sileh Rahmi (Good relationship) in the Hereafter

The practice of Sileh Rahmi (kindness to kith and kin) accrues worldly advantages, spiritual benefits and bounties of the Hereafter.

Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq says:

    "Sileh Rahmi perfects the morals and encourages charity. When one performs Sileh Rahmi he has to be benevolent towards his relatives. The continuous practice of Sileh Rahmi brings refinement in his morals. In the same way repeated acts of kindness inculcate a benign and compassionate feeling in the person, and the soul is purified (from the sin of jealousy and enmity).

(Safinatun Behaar)


Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) states:

    Sileh Rahmi (kindness to relatives) purifies deeds. Purification of deeds means, that the shortcomings in all the good deeds of a person practicing Sileh Rahmi are naturally compensated and all his good deeds are accepted by Allah.

    It increases wealth, wards off difficulties and calamities. The accounting of your actions on the day of Qiyamat is made easy. Even the ordained time of death is postponed.

Power of ALLAH

 

 When we look at God's creation we find ourselves confronted with so vast an energy that no limit can be imagined for it. A look at creation and the millions of truths secreted in the wonders of nature and the depths of man's own being provides the clearest indication of the scale of the power of the One Who has created it, for the rich and complex order of being admits of no other explanation.

It is God's incomparable power that compels man to bow humbly before the Creator of this great scheme. There is no word to express the dimensions of His power; that unique essence has much power that whenever He wills a thing to come into existence, it suffices for the command "Be!" to issue forth from Him and the object addressed will be.

Quran says: "When He wills a certain thing, He commands it 'Be!' and it is" (36:82)

Allah created the order of the universe in superb detail to allow man to grasp His greatness. A verse referring to this order reads,

"...so that you might know that Allah has power over all things and that Allah encompasses all things in His knowledge." (Surat at-Talaq: 12)

 The Quran says:

    "Nothing in the heavens or on earth can induce weakness or impotence in God; indeed, God is all-knowing and all-powerful." (35:44)

God is capable of doing all things, He has created the world according to a precise and specific scheme in the framework of which a set role has been assigned to certain phenomena in the origination of others. Those phenomena are completely and unquestioningly subordinate to His command while fulfilling that role and never rebelling against His orders in the slightest.

 The Quran says:

    "The sun, the moon and the stars are all at His command. Be aware that creation belongs only to God; it is His penetrating command that in its exalted purity creates the world and all it contains." (7:54)

Strictly speaking, no creature in the scheme of the universe can be a manifestation of power or have any share in His will and command, for just as God has no partner in His essence, so, too, He has no partner in His agenthood. Just as all creatures in the world lack independence in their essence and are dependent on Him, they also lack it in producing acts and effects. Every agent and cause derives the essence of its being from God and also its power to act and produce an effect. Whenever He wills and necessitates it, the order that encloses all beings abandons its role, for that order is itself subordinate to His will, precious and firm though it may be. The Creator Who has assigned a particular effect to every factor and cause is able to neutralize and suspend that effect at any instant. Just as one command brought the order of the universe into existence, another command robs phenomena of their customary effect.

Thus, the Quran says:

    "They said, 'Burn Abraham and thus us render help unto your gods, if you are men of action.' We commanded the fire, 'be cool for Abraham and harm him not.' They sought a stratagem against him, but We made them the losers." (21:68-69)

Although the powerful attraction exerted by the sun and the earth prevails over a vast space, both bodies are subordinate to His will. As soon as He gives a little bird the necessary power, the bird is able to resist the pull of the earth and take flight.

The Quran says:

    "Do they not look at the birds in the heavens and see how the skies have been subjugated to them? It is God alone Who keeps them aloft, and in this there is an evident sign of God's power for the people off faith." (16:79)

We have created all things in due measure. Our command is only one word, like the blinking of an eye. We destroyed those of your kind in the past. But is there any rememberer there? Everything they did is in the Books. Everything is recorded, big or small.  (Surat al-Qamar: 49-53)


Billions of people have appeared on Earth since time immemorial. Therefore, Allah created billions of pairs of eyes, billions of different fingerprints, billions of different eye tissues, billions of different types of humans... If He so willed, He could also create billions more. As stated in the Qur'an, "...He adds to Creation in any way He wills. Allah has power over all things." (Surah Fatir: 1)


 Allah also possesses the power to create many other things beyond our limited imagination. The entire extent of the treasures Allah has bestowed in this world for His servants is all within His Sight. He sends down to us only that which He wills, all within a measure predetermined:

There is nothing that does not have its stores with Us and We only send it down in a known measure. (Surat al-Hijr: 21)

This matter, manifested everywhere in Allah's superb Creation, holds true for both that which we know as well as that which we do not. Allah states this fact in the verse, "...and He creates other things you do not know." (Surat an-Nahl: 8),

He creates many other things of which we are entirely unaware.
 Whatever phenomenon may be imagined to exist in the world of being finds its needs for sustenance and life met by the Creator. Therefore, whatever power and capacity is found in the scheme of creation must necessarily go back to the infinite power of God. Ali, peace be upon him, him, the Commander of the Faithful, says in a sermon reproduced in the Nahj al Balaghah:

    "O God, we cannot penetrate the depths of Your splendor and majesty. We know only that You are living and self-subsistent, that You are exempt from eating and sleeping. No mind can perceive You and no eye can see You. But You see all eyes, You know the life span of all things, and You are all-powerful.

    Although we have perceived nothing of Your creation, we are astounded by Your power and praise You mightily. That which is hidden from us and our eyes cannot see and our mind and intelligence cannot attain, which is concealed from us by veils of the unseen, is much greater than what we can see ..."

Allah is the proper name of God
In the Holy Quran we read:
    "And to Allah alone belong all perfect attributes. So call Him by these.And leave alone those who deviate from the right way with respect to His Attributes." (7:181)

    "Allah - there is no God but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining. Slumber seizes Him not, nor sleep. To Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that will intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them; and they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He pleases. His knowledge extends over the heavens and the earth; and the care of them burdens Him not;and He is the High, the Great." (2:256)

    "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is a lustrous niche, wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a glittering star. It is lit from blessed tree - an olive - neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would well-nigh glow forth even though fire touched it not.Light upon light! Allah guides to His light whomsoever He will. And Allah sets forth parables to men, and Allah know all things full well.This light is now lit in houses with regard to which Allah has ordained that they be exalted and that His name be remembered in them, Therein is He glorified in the mornings and the evenings" (24:36-37)

    "He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is Gracious, the Merciful.He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Bestower of Security, the Protector, the Mighty, the Subduer, the Exalted. Holy is Allah far above that which they associate with Him.He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner. His are the most Beautiful Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Mighty the Wise." (59: 23-25)

Allah's Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also referred to the eternal power of Allah when he said, "The seven heavens and the seven Earths are no more in Allah's Hand than a mustard seed in the hand of one of you." Allah explains the infiniteness of His knowledge in the Qur'an as follows:

If all the trees on Earth were pens and all the sea, with seven more seas besides, was ink Allah's words still would not run dry. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surah Luqman: 27)

Allah created him from individual soul

 And your creation or your resurrection is in no wise but as an individual soul: for Allah is He Who hears and sees (all things). - Surah Luqman, 31:28.)

Paradise (JANNAH)

 
Heaven is also known as Paradise. It goes by the Islamic name of Jannah. There are many levels of Paradise depending on how righteous a person is on Earth. The highest level that all Muslims are encouraged to ask for is Jannatul Firdaus.

Like with other aspects of the unseen, Muslims are obligated to believe in Heaven in order to complete their faith.

The bounties and beauty of Heaven are immense, so much so that it is beyond abilities of mankind’s worldly mind to comprehend.

When people think of Paradise, they think of sandy beaches, beautiful crystal clear water and all the sunshine that they can soak up. In Islam the word Paradise means so much more to the Muslim. Many faiths believe in a Heaven, and they also believe that by living a good life they will be admitted after death through the golden gates.

The belief of Heaven or Paradise is very real to the Muslim. No matter how hard a person may try to grasp the concept of Paradise, they will never be able to. God has placed in the Qu'ran several descriptions of Paradise, however, the comprehension of the real thing is virtually impossible for one's mind to grasp.

The Qu'ran gives wonderful descriptions of what God has in store for His righteous servants, those who obey and worship only Him. He explains to them that they will have anything that they desire and more. The Qu'ran also specifies that a person will no longer have needs, sadness, hatred or any other ill feelings in their hearts.

The reality of Paradise is something which people will never be able to understand until they actually enter it, but God has shown us glimpses of it in the Quran. He has described it as a place essentially The Quran tells people about Paradise, which God offers to them, describes its great blessings, and proclaims its beauties to everyone. It informs people that Paradise is one of two ways of life prepared for them in the afterworld, and that every good thing will be theirs in Paradise to a degree that surpasses our present ability to imagine. It also shows that Paradise is a place wdifferent to the life of this world, both in the very nature and purpose of life, as well as the types of delights which people will enjoy therein. here all blessings have been created perfectly and where people will be offered everything their souls and hearts will desire, and that people will be far removed from want and need, anxiety or sadness, sorrow and regret. Every kind of beauty and blessing exists in Paradise and will be revealed with a perfection never seen or known before. God has prepared such blessings there as a gift, and these will be offered only to people with whom He is pleased.

In Quran

 Allah says,
"Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life). For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception."
Paradise is the aim and the hope of every Muslim. But like trying to attain any goal, in order to achieve success, one must have a well-defined plan, and it must be implemented to be successful. Allah says,

"O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful."
[5:35]
To prepare for our journey, we need to find out what our destination is like; who are its people, and most importantly, how to get there.

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) told us that within Paradise are things that no eyes have ever seen, nor ears have ever heard, and that things in it are beyond our imagination and comprehension, but we all have our own personal ideas of what eternal bliss would probably be like.

Allah has also described Paradise in many places in the Qur'an, so let us now take a look at what He has in store for the believers.
Description in the Qur'an of Paradise

"The description of Paradise which the Muttaqoon have been promised is that in it are rivers of water, the taste and smell of which are never changed. Rivers of milk the taste of which will remain unchanged. Rivers of wine that will be delicious to those who drink from it and rivers of clear, pure honey. For them will be every kind of fruit and forgiveness form their Lord."
[ 47:15]

"And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. Reclining on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold, (as in Paradise there is no sun and no moon). The shade will be close upon them, and bunches of fruit will hang low within their reach. Vessels of silver and cups of crystal will be passed around amongst them, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure of them according to their wishes. They will be given a cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabeel, and a fountain called Salsabeel. Around them will (serve) boys of perpetual youth. If you see them, you would think they are scattered pearls. When you look there (in Paradise) you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a Great Dominion. Their garments will be of fine green silk and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink."
[76:12-21]

"Verily, the dwellers of Paradise that Day, will be busy in joyful things. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones. They will have therein fruits (of all kinds), and all that they will ask for. (It will be said to them): "Salamun" (Peace be on you), a Word from the Lord, Most Merciful."
[36:55-58]


"... there will be there all that the souls could desire, all that the eyes could delight in ..." (Quran 43:71)


"Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent forth (good deeds) in dayspast!" (Quran 69:24)

"... They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade. They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good [is] the recompense! How beautiful a couch [is there] to recline on!" (Quran 18:31)

"And those foremost (In Tawheed and obedience to Allah and His Messenger in this life) will be foremost (in Paradise). They will be those nearest to Allah in the Gardens of Delight. A multitude of those (the foremost) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam) and a few of those (the foremost) will be from the later (generations). They will be reclining, face to face, on thrones woven with gold and precious stones. They will be served by immortal boys, with cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, from which they will have neither any headache, nor any intoxication. They will have fruit from which they may choose, and the flesh of fowls that they desire. There will be Houris with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), like preserved pearls, a reward for deeds that they used to do. They will hear no vain or sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.) but only the saying of: Salam, Salam, (greetings of peace). And those on the Right Hand, who will be those on the Right Hand? They will be among thorn-less lote-trees among Talh (banana trees) with fruits piled one above another, in long-extended shade, by constantly flowing water, and fruit in plenty, whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off. They will be on couches or thrones raised high. Verily, We have created for them (maidens) of equal age, loving (their husbands only). For those on the Right Hand."
[56:10-38]

"Verily, the dwellers of Paradise that Day, will be busy in joyful things. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones. They will have therein fruits (of all kinds), and all that they will ask for. (It will be said to them): "Salamun" (Peace be on you), a Word from the Lord, Most Merciful."
[36:55-58]

Description of Paradise in the Hadith

Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of lofty mansions (i.e. a superior place in Paradise) in the same way as one looks at a brilliant star, far away in the East or in the West of the horizon. This is because of their superiority over one another (in reward)." One of the people asked, "O Allah's Messenger, are these lofty mansions for the Prophets which no one else can reach?"

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) replied, "No! By Allah, in whose Hands is my life, these are for men who believe in Allah and also believe in the Messenger."
[Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Musa al-Ash'ari narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "Verily, for the believers in Paradise, are tents made of a single hollow pear. The length of which would be sixty miles long from all sides, their wives being therein. The believer will go around them (i.e., visit them) and they will not be able to see each other."
[Sahih al-Jami]

Abu Hurairah said that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "There is not a tree in Paradise, except that its trunk is made of gold."
[Sahih al-Jami]

Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "Verily in Paradise there is a market in which (the inhabitants of Paradise) will come to every Friday. The North wind will blow and scatter fragrances on their faces and on their clothes. This will add to their beauty and their attractiveness. They will then go back to their families after having an added luster to their beauty and their attractiveness. Their families will say to them, 'By Allah you have been increased in beauty and loveliness after leaving us,' and they will say, 'By Allah you too have increased in beauty and attractiveness after us.'"
[Muslim]

Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "(I saw in a dream that) I entered Paradise, and behold, there was a palace built of gold. I asked, 'Whose is this palace?' They (the angels) replied, 'For a man from the Quraysh.' So I thought it might be I, so I asked, 'And who is he?' They said, 'Umar Ibnul Khattab.' Nothing stopped me form entering it except your Ghirah (sense of honor)." Umar said, "My Ghirah would never be offended by you, O Messenger of Allah."
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Anas ibn Malik said that Allah's Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "I entered Paradise and found myself by a river, by its edges were tents of pearls. Then I tapped with my hands where the water was running, and there was then a beautiful smell of Musk. I asked, 'What is this O Gabriel?' He said, 'This is Kawthar (river in Paradise) which Allah has given to you.'"
[Sahih al-Jami]

 The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that a caller will call out in Paradise when people enter it.

"Indeed may you be healthy and never be sick again, may you live and never die again, may you be young and never grow feeble again, may you enjoy, and never feel sorrow and regret again." (Saheeh Muslim)

 The people of Paradise will never have to hear fowl language or hateful speech again. They will dwell amongst peaceful and good people and they will only hear good words of peace.

"They will not hear therein ill speech or commission of sin. But only the saying of: Peace! Peace!" (Quran 56:25-26)

People will not have any bad feelings for one another in Paradise.

"And We shall remove from their breasts any (mutual) hatred or sense of injury (which they had, if at all, in the life of this world)." (Quran 7:43)

The Prophet, peace be upon him said:

"There will be no hatred or resentment among them, their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify God, morning and evening." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

People will have the best of companions in Paradise, who were also the best people on the earth.

"And whoever obeys God and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom God has bestowed favor - of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions!" (Quran 4:69)

How to get success (place in paradise)

rotect our minds from thoughts, which are evil, because evil actions begin with evil thoughts.

Protect our eyes by lowering our gazes and not looking at forbidden things.

Protect our ears from lewd or evil speech where there is sin. We should also avoid listening to lies, gossip, music, slander, or blasphemy.

Protect our tongues by saying always what is correct and true, and keeping it moist with the remembrance of Allah, and keeping away from backbiting and other evil speech.

Protect our stomachs by eating the halal and keeping away from the haram. We should beware of eating usury, carrion, and swine or drinking intoxicants or taking drugs.

Protect our hands from taking what does not belong to us, or from doing harm to another Muslim.

Protect our legs from taking us to evil and corruption and an ultimate doom.

Protect our private parts from unlawful sexual intercourse.

Protect our wealth by not squandering it or holding on to it too tightly.

Protect our oaths, witnesses and trusts by not breaching or breaking a contract or pledge knowingly. We should not exceed our agreements, testify to falsehood or break our trusts.

Protect our families and children by keeping them away from the things that may be harmful and that may corrupt their minds and their souls.

Eligibility for Paradise –

whoever has worshipped no one but Allah is qualified to enter Heaven. This includes the followers of past prophets such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, etc who adhered to their true teachings and worshipped Allah without partners. However, according to Islamic teachings, the followers of Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) will be more abundant in Heaven than those of other prophets.