Fashion / STORIES OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) / STORY WITH A HADITH QUOTE / UNDER 1000 WORDS

Clothes are a blessing and a favour from Allah*.

With them, we are able to cover whatever that needs to be covered.

With them, we are protected from cold or the harsh sun.

Imagine our lives without clothes! It would be horrible, wouldn’t it?

Islam does not reject people wearing pretty clothes. Some people have the misconception that Islam does not allow any good-looking attire.

The Prophet (s.a.w*.) addressed the companions once, saying: “He who has an atom’s weight of arrogance will not be admitted into Jannah*.”

One of the companions then stood up and said, “O Prophet of Allah, I love to wear fine thobes*. I love elegant shoes as well. Is this a part of arrogance?”

The Prophet (s.a.w.) answered, “No. Allah is beautiful. And Allah loves beauty.”

So, this shows that the Prophet (s.a.w.) approved of people wearing splendid clothes. There is nothing wrong with delightful fashion in Islam.

As long as we do not forget that our internal beauty is far superior to the external beauty. As long as we follow the guidelines set by Allah & His Messenger (s.a.w.). And as long as that we are not arrogant.

However, why do we see people follow fashion blindly nowadays?

There are a number of reasons as to why this is so.

The first probable reason is peer pressure. What is peer pressure?

Peer pressure is when someone feels that he will be looked down upon by his friends when he does not maintain a certain standard of dress (or own similar material items or do certain actions) when he is with them.

Every member of the group attempts to comply with the expectations of the group, putting a bit of pressure on each of them to dress similarly or possess alike things or act the same way. The influence made by every person of the group is usually too great for him to refuse.

Secondly, often you will find that some people are blindly-following fashion because they love celebrities. 

They love to imitate their beloved actors, sports stars, TV personalities, bloggers or singers by wearing comparable or identical clothes or shoes to their celebrities’ clothes or shoes.

Here’s another reason why people blindly-follow fashion. It is because they could have a defect. They probably have a weakness in their personalities or they are not confident enough to just be themselves.

They try to hide their shortcomings by wearing the latest trends so that they can try to divert attention away from their faults. They reckon that other people will not notice their flaws if they were to concentrate on their ‘cool’ fashion instead.

A proper Muslim does not get overly-impressed or obsessed with fashion.

A proper Muslim does not follow fashion blindly.

A proper Muslim wears good, clean clothes.

A proper Muslim wears decent clothes that do not attract perverts or lewd people.

A proper Muslim wears clothes that can preserve his identity and modesty. He or she does not wear outfits that expose his or her Awrah*.

Have you ever noticed that it is quite easy to be able to see if a practising Muslim woman is present around us? It is mainly due to her Hijab covering her hair. Her hijab not only quickly identifies her as a believing woman or a God-fearing or a God-loving or a modest woman. It also enables her to be in total control of who can see her and who can’t, what they can see, and what they can’t.

As one travels around the world, one would be able to easily spot an exemplary, always elegant, always appropriately-dressed and confident Muslim woman. A role model for all women in any society. Her overall speech, dress and actions actually exude decorum everywhere she goes.

A proper Muslim woman behaves honourably, speaks with dignity and wears clothes that protect her identity as a true practising Muslimah. Even if she is in the streets of New York or jungles of Africa or shops of China, we should be able to tell straightaway if she is a Muslim. Undeniably, she will usually be well-treated and well-respected by well-bred individuals around her. What an honour indeed.

Alhamdulillah*!

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Credits:

This article has been mostly transcribed from a video by Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem (details below). However, I would like to mention that it has been extended and edited.

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*Brief Meanings:

• Allah = God. The only one worth being worshiped.
• s.a. w. = sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam  = Prayer of God be upon him (Prophet Muhammad) and peace
• thobes = long gowns worn by Arabian men
• Alhamdulillah = Praise and thanks to God. [In any situation when Muslims want to praise God Almighty, they usually say: Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله). ]

Thawban / STORIES OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) / STORY WITH A HADITH QUOTE / UNDER 450 WORDS

Thawban was one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.*). He was also one of his freed slaves.

Thawban was almost always with the Prophet at home or in his journey. After the Prophet passed away, Thawban stayed for some years in Syria and later for some time in Egypt. He was also present at the time of the victory in Egypt. Thawban finally died at the age of 51 years.

It is found in a Rewayat* that Thawban adored the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) so much that he could not bear the Prophet’s long absence, even for a single moment!

One day, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) saw Thawban in a very sad mood. He appeared to be weak too. The Prophet (s.a.w.) asked him, “O Thawban! What has happened to you?” 

Thawban replied, “O Messenger of Allah. I am not ill nor have I any pain, but, I am worried about your proximity* which I will be missing in the Paradise. As you will be in a higher station and I am in a lower position. I fear that I will not be able to see you over there.”

At the same moment, an Ayah* was revealed.

“And whoso obeys Allah* and the Messenger, and then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are!”

Qur’an (4:69)

[Bihar al-Anwar vol.2 pg.68)]

A similar story has also been narrated by Aishah (r.a.*), one of the wives of the Prophet (s.a.w.), but this time, Thawban’s name was not mentioned.

Aishah reported that a man came to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) and said, “O Messenger of Allah! Indeed, I love you more than I love myself. And I love you more than I love my family. And I love you more than I love my children. When I am at home and if I were to start thinking of you, I am unable to contain myself until I can come to you and look at you. When I think about my death and your death, I know that when you enter Paradise, you will be raised to where the Prophets are. But, if I enter Paradise, I am afraid – Will I be able to see you?”

The Prophet (s.a.w.) did not answer him at all until Jibril* revealed to him,

“And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace – of the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are!” [an-Nisa, 4:69]

[Silsilat al-Ahadith as-Sahihah; #2933]

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This story has been adapted from Dr Reda Bedeir’s FaceBook post ;

Prophet’s Cloak /STORIES OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) / UNDER 350 WORDS

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w*) was, during the most part of his life, not a rich man. He did not live in a mansion. He did not have a closet full of dazzling clothes.

In fact, some of his clothes even had patches on them to cover the holes that have appeared.

A good woman decided to sew the Prophet a beautiful new cloak.

He was indeed very happy and said “Alhamdulillah.” He wore it almost immediately because he needed it so very much. All the other clothes that he had have been quite old or almost worn out.

One day, a sahabah saw the Prophet (s.a.w) wear that lovely new cloak. He cheerfully commented,”SubhanAllah. Amazing. What a beautiful cloak you’ve got there, O Prophet. I wish that you could give it to me.”

The Prophet (s.a.w) smiled, took off his cloak and gave it to the sahabah as a present. He (s.a.w.) then went on home.

Then, the other sahabahs who saw or heard about what happened started to taunt that particular sahabah. “Don’t you fear Allah? Can’t you see that the Prophet (s.a.w.) badly needed a new cloak? Why did you ask the Prophet (s.a.w.) for his cloak? You know he is very extremely generous. He wouldn’t reject anyone who asks him for anything that he has. He always likes to make us happy.”

Such was the character of the Prophet (s.a.w). He was a selfless, benevolent, caring, kind, charitable, thoughtful man. He always thought of others. If someone seemed to be needing something more than him, he would, in a heartbeat, donate the thing to that person. Even if he had just gotten the thing as a gift.

“By Allah, I did not ask for it so that I can wear it. I asked him for the cloak because I want to be buried in it,” said the sahabah.

Sure enough, the sahabah did die shortly after the incident. The sahabahs bathed him and buried him shrouding him with the cloak that once belonged to his beloved prophet.

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* Brief meaning:

(s.a.w.) = Sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam = may peace and blessings of God be upon him

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Reference:

____https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyF1StE_i7U

Video’s Title: “Fashion & Selfishness – Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem”

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Note: This story has been paraphrased and edited for clarity and ease of understanding.

Am I a hypocrite? - STORIES OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) / STORY WITH A HADITH QUOTE / STORY WITH A QURAN QUOTE /

One day, Hanzala al Usaidi* (r.a.*) said to his friend Abu Bakr (r.a.), “Abu Bakr, I have become a hypocrite!” 

“A’udhubillaahi minash shaytaanir rajeem*! Why are you saying this?” Abu Bakar was shocked.

“Wallaahi*,” Hamzala continued, “When I am in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ * or when we are listening to the Quran from his mouth, or when he reminds us of Jannah*, I feel motivated and energised and inspired! 

When he reminds us of Naar*, I feel fear and aim to be extra careful in my actions. But the moment I reach home after the gathering, when I meet my wife and children, or when I go back to work after the gathering, I feel different! I often get busy and forget about the matters of Akhirah*. I can’t recognise my own heart anymore!”

Abu Bakr said, “You’re right. This is a problem. I feel the same way too! That makes the two of us. We’re both hypocrites! Oh no. Let’s go ask the Prophet!”

So, off they both went to see the Prophet ﷺ straight away. They knew that the Prophet was the best teacher they ever had and nobody else could answer them in the best way possible.

After listening to their query, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ replied, “By Allah*, Hamzala, if you had the same feelings when you are here with me and when you are with your family or when you are at work, the angels in the streets would want to shake hands with you! Why? Because your level of Imaan* is so great. And it is consistent too. (Masha Allah. TabarakAllah. Wow. That would be amazing, wouldn’t it? SubhnanAllah*.) The angels would turn up in broad daylight to come shake hands with you.” 

“But (let’s try being realistic here)… An hour and an hour.”**

Hmmm…

“An hour and an hour”?

What does the Prophet ﷺ mean by “an hour and an hour”?

This means that we can put aside an ‘hour’ for our heart’s matters and its purification or cleaning process. And we can put aside another ‘hour’ for our dunya* matters or even entertainment. 

It does not mean that we can do one hour of good deeds and one hour of bad deeds. For example, we spend one hour listening to an Islamic lecture and we spend one hour at the club or pub, dancing, drinking, singing karaoke or gambling. No! That’s not what the Prophet ﷺ meant.

What the Prophet ﷺ meant by the dunya matters was that we have to attend to the necessary and important things that we do for our body, mind and life like eat, drink, go to the bathroom, go to work or school, clean the house, cook, ride the train or car or other vehicle, etc. 

As for entertainment, we could perhaps read a book, watch a Halal* movie, play a video game, go for a walk, go shopping, spend quality time with your parents or grandparents, enjoy moments with your siblings or cousins or aunties or uncles, sew, paint, fish, solving puzzles, visit friends, etc… There are numerous other Halal dunya activities and Halal entertainment activities that we can do. Can you name one more?

Don’t you just love Islam? Islam is perfect. It teaches us to be balanced. Alhamdulillah*.

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Moral & Afterthought

Islam does not prohibit us to do many normal activities. There are many, many things that we can do without getting into trouble with Allah or with the authorities. These activities are actually Halal.

We should not think that going to school or work is actually un-Islamic or a waste of valuable time. Or vacuuming or cooking or sewing is not good as we are not reading the Quran or Hadeeth* books or cleaning the mosque or doing something that is related to Islam.

The Very Hot Day - STORIES OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) / STORY WITH A HADITH QUOTE / STORY WITH A QURAN QUOTE

On the Day of Judgement, everyone will be gathered, but without clothes. We will also be gathered barefooted. When she heard this fact, Aisha (r.a.*), the wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ *was shocked. 

She asked her husband, “O Messenger of Allah*, both the men and women are there together? Wouldn’t the men and women look at each other?” The Prophet ﷺ replied, “The situation will be more over-whelming than you can ever imagine, O Siddiq’s daughter. The matter will be too serious for them to notice. The setting will be too solemn for them to look at one another. (People will not have the intention to check each other out.)”

The people will also look confused and drunk. Allah mentions it in the Quran, “…And you will see the people (appearing) intoxicated*, while they are not intoxicated…” (Quran; Surah Al-Hajj, 22:2)

The sun will come so close to us above our heads. Some scholars say that the Prophet ﷺ  said that the sun will be about one mile away. Other scholars say that the Prophet ﷺ  meant the sun will be just one eyeliner’s distance away from everyone. Allah knows best. But one thing is for sure, it will be so hot indeed!

We will then be soaked with sweat according to the extent of our actions that we have done on earth. How is this so?

Well, due to the heat, we will start to perspire. Firstly, our sweat will sink 70 cubits deep into the soil. Then, there will be people whose sweat will rise to their ankles. 

Some others, their sweat will be up to their knees. Some will be drenched in sweat up to their waist. And others their sweat will go up to the level of their mouths. Some will even appear to be drowning in their own sweat! The good Muslims will  have minimal levels of sweat. The badder a person is, the higher the level of perspiration he will have.

Will there be any shade on that day?

Well, many people will be standing directly under the sun. But some of us will be standing in a special shade. There will only be one shade on The Day. 

It is the shade underneath Allah’s throne. And this shade will be for those people who are faithful to Allah. They are the very good Muslims. They are the pious people. They are the people of righteousness. 

In fact, in a famous Hadith*, the Prophet ﷺ said, “There are seven (types of people) whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: a fair ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques;

two people who love each other for Allah’s sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position, but he says: ‘I fear Allah’; a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; 

and a person who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.'”

May Allah s.w.t.* make us among these shaded ones. Ameen.

For how many days will we be standing on the Day of Judgement?

For 50,000 years. SubhanAllah!*

Yes, we’ll be standing for 50,000 years on this huge land.

But why is it called THE day of Judgement if it’s 50,000 years long, then?

The Day of Judgement is actually just one day, but it is a day whose length is equal to fifty thousand ‘Earth’ years, as Allah says in the Quran:

“A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall

Upon the disbelievers, which none can avoid,

From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent.

The angels and the Rooh [Angel Gabriel] move up to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years”

[Quran, Surah Al-Ma’aarij, 70:1-4]

For some people, the wait will seem very, very long indeed. But for the very good Muslims, the wait will be like the time between Dhuhr* and ‘Asr*. Alhamdulillah*.

O Allah, make us among these excellent Muslims. Ameen.

This long day will, for sure, be hard for the bad Muslims but it will be especially difficult for the disbelievers as Allah says:

“…. And it will be a hard Day for the disbelievers”

[Quran, Surat al-Furqaan 25:26]

“Truly, that Day will be a Hard Day —

Far from easy for the disbelievers”

[Quran, Surat al-Muddaththir 74:9-10]

So now we know that Allah will protect those very good Muslims under His Throne from the extreme heat and from fear.  For the others, they will feel the heat. They will be scared and impatient. They will be confused.

Which group do we want to be in?

Let’s attempt to be among those in His Shade by always trying to make Him be pleased with us in whatever we do, by following His rules and by stopping ourselves from doing things that He prohibits. It’s still not too late. Let’s start today, shall we?