Aid Worker in Syria ~ Let's Donate Generously

Aid Worker in Syria ~ Let's Donate Generously

When Maseeha SaIoojee was in madrasah, my principal, Ml. Ebrahim Mia (rahimahullah) advised that we daily make a sajdah of shukr (prostration of gratitude) for the fact that Allah keeps rizq (sustenance) in His hands and that we are not dependent on people for it.

Today, I am constantly reminded of just how Allah is Ar-Razzaq (the Sustainer). I am really not exaggerating when I say that every single time that our (mine and my husband's) personal funds were about to be depleted, Allah has sustained us in ways unexpected. Every single time without fail.

Just recently we were nearing the end of our funds. As an aid worker in Syria, an income is not consistent. If the charity received excess funds for the workers, they are given a wage. If not, they rely on whatever other work they might do or money sent from family etc.

Occasionally we get anonymous donors who support the work we do here, may Allah reward them. Their money is invested for the day of qiyaamah into projects that will benefit the ummah.

Today, I was simply informed that a gift was made to me from an anonymous person. I have absolutely no idea who this person is but at whoever it is, May Allah reward you for taking the time to think of me and may He replace what you sent me with multiplied reward in the hereafter. Aameen <3 span="">

Contributions towards the madrasah project can be done with the following details: 

THE TWO LIGHTS FOUNDATION
PROJECT ACC
FNB ACC 62581568931
branch 252245
Reference: Maseeha Madrasah

Contributions towards the organisation for any other charity projects can be sent with the following details: 

THE TWO LIGHTS FOUNDATION
PROJECT ACC
FNB ACC 62581568931
branch 252245
Reference: One Wish

A Unique Nikaah (Pious Women) ~ Part One

(Sayyidah Ummu Habeebah radhiyallahu ‘anha – Part One) Which of the blessed wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was closest to him, yet also the furthest from him, at the time of their marriage? Which of the blessed wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was given the most mahr (dowry), yet Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not give her anything as dowry? The answer to both of the above questions is: Sayyidah Ummu Habeebah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) married her while she was in Abyssinia, having migrated there to escape the persecution of the Quraish. She was thus the wife of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) who was the furthest from him at the time of their marriage. However, from all the respected wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), she is the most closely related to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in lineage. She was given the most mahr of all the noble wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), as her mahr was four hundred dinaars (gold coins). However, Najaashi (rahimahullah), the king of Abyssinia, had given her this amount from his own wealth, on behalf of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not personally give her the mahr. Sayyidah Ummu Habeebah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) is the daughter of Abu Sufyaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), sister of Mu‘aawiyah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and first cousin of ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). She was seventeen years old when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was blessed with nubuwwah (prophethood) by Allah Ta‘ala, and she accepted Islam during its initial period in Makkah Mukarramah. There is a difference of opinion regarding the name of Sayyidah Ummu Habeebah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). While some ‘Ulama have mentioned her name to be Hind, the preferred view is that her name was ‘Ramlah’. She was given the kunyah (filial title) ‘Ummu Habeebah’ after the birth of her daughter, Habeebah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). Insha-Allah, over the next few weeks, we will discuss a few lesson-filled incidents from the life of our beloved mother, Sayyidah Ummu Habeebah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). (Reference: Siyaru Aa’laamin Nubalaa vol. 2, pg. 219, Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 8, pg. 96, Al-Isaabah vol. 8, pg. 140, Usdul Ghaabah vol. 5, pg. 287 and Al-Istee‘aab vol. 4, pg. 401) (to be continued insha-Allah)

Obedience To One’s Deceased Parents

Obedience To One’s Deceased Parents

Sayyiduna Abu Usaid Malik bin Rabi'ah As-Sa'idi Radhiyallahu Anhu reports: We were sitting with Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam when a man of Banu Salamah came to him and asked, "O Messenger of Allah! Does there remain any form of obedience which I may show to my parents after their death?" He Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam replied, "Yes, to pray for them, to supplicate for their forgiveness, to fulfill their promises after their death, to maintain the ties of kinship which cannot be maintained except through them, and honour their friends." [Abu Dawud]

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 When a parent passes away remember that you have begun a new phase of birr (dutifulness) to that parent. 

Birr after death is the truest and most sincere forms of birr because birr during their lifetime could be tainted with doing for show, or being polite (as opposed to sincere) and expecting praise from the parents or others. As for after their death, then only Allah hears and sees you. 

A deceased parent is in greater need of his/her children - even more than when the parent was alive. What children do for the parents during the parent's lifetime is for the worldly needs. 

But after death only Allah knows what good and bad is in store for the deceased in the grave.

Dua'a for rahmah (mercy) and asking Allah to shower the deceased with His mercy is invaluable for the deceased.

Through the child's Dua,  Allah - through His grace and mercy - enlightens the grave removing the darkness and expands  the grave thus removing the suffering. And Allah makes the grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise.

Therefore, always remember your deceased parent/s, and always ask Allah to shower them with His mercy, enlighten their grave and expand it.

For example as you are about have a meal, think about the many wonderful meals your mother had prepared for you and how she took care of you all your life. Your heart will surely soften and at that point, let it drive you to offer a similar meal to an orphan, widow, divorced or needy person on behalf of your deceased parent/s and asking of Allah to reward them for it. Give charity on their behalf, recalling the many favours they did for you.

Never forget parents. Irrespective of how harsh they may have been with you, only Allah knows the love they had in their hearts for you. 

Give charity on their behalf privately, wipe away the tears of orphans, widows and divorced (through charity) on behalf of your parents, quench the thirst of the thirsty on their behalf. (for example by having a well dug.) 

Go out of your way to be the best child to your parents for they have sacrificed much to raise you.

This is the Dua'a mentioned in the Quran for one’s parents:

رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

Rabb-ir-ham-huma kama rabbayaani sagheera

Translation: 

My Lord, Bestow thy mercy on my parent/s as they cherished and raised me in my childhood.

Lastly, let us teach our children this Dua'a for one day we all shall also need it.