Qabeelat Nurayn » Laaillahaillallah

Belief in the Day of Judgment – Shaykh Waleed Basyouni, The Day of Judgment – Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, Fear of Death – Bilal Philips, Life in the Grave – Yahya Ibraheem, The Land of the Great Gathering and Resurrection – Shaykh Waleed Basyouni [Series]

http://www.audioislam.com/?subcategory=Day%20of%20Judgment

Books [Online Portions & For Purchase]

Abomination of Longing for Death – Imam An-Nawawi – Riyaadh Us-Saaliheen

http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/hadeeth/riyad/00/chap067.htm

Remembrance of Death and Restraint of Wishes – Imam An-Nawawi – Riyaadh Us-Saaliheen

http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/hadeeth/riyad/00/chap065.htm

Leading an Abstemious Life & Refraining from the Doubtful – Imam An-Nawawi – Riyaadh Us-Saaliheen

http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/hadeeth/riyad/00/chap068.htm

Ahkaam Al-Janaa’iz – Shaykh Albaani [Arabic]

http://saaid.net/book/open.php?cat=87&book=665

The Minor Resurrection (What Happens After Death) In the Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah: The Final Day Book 1: Islamic Creed Series Volume 5 - Dr. Umar S. Al-Ashqar

http://www.islamicbookstore.com/b7936.html

The Day of Resurrection In the Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah : The Final Day Book 2 : Islamic Creed Series Volume 5 - Dr. Umar S. Al-Ashqar

http://www.islamicbookstore.com/b7937.html

The Inevitable Journey Complete 4 Volume Set – Shaykh Muhammad Al-Jibaly [Vol I - Sickness: Regulations & Exhortations, Vol II - The Islamic Will & Testament, Vol III - Funeral Regulations, Vol IV - Life in al-Barzakh]

http://www.onlineislamicstore.com/injour4volco.html

Funeral Rites in Islam: Revised 2nd Edition – Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

http://www.islamicbookstore.com/b8933.html

The Grave: Its Punishment and Reward – Shaykh Husayn al Awayishah

http://www.iiphonline.com/product_info.php?name=Grave:%20Punishment%20%26%20Blessings&products_id=281

Articles

The First Night In The Grave – Prepared by JIMAS

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=603

The Evil Deeds That Lead One to Hell – Dr. Umar S. Al-Ashqar

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=465

The Way to Paradise is Very Hard - Dr. Umar. S. Al-Ashqar

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=466

Those Who Take Their Positions in the Highest Levels - Dr. Umar. S. Al-Ashqar

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=495

The Highest Position in Paradise – Dr. Umar. S. Al-Ashqar

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=494

Shade on the Day of Judgment – Prophetic Hadeeth

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=86

Signs of a Good End – Shaykh Muhammad Nasir-ud-Deen al-Albani – Ahkaam Al-Janaa’iz

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=140

Signs to a Good End of One’s Life – Shaykh `Alee Hasan `Alee `Abdul Hameed

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=141

The Islamic Law Of Wills - Dr. Abid Hussain

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=527

The Islamic Laws of Inheritance – Dr. Abid Hussain

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=462

Benefiting the Dead – Dr. Bilal Philips

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=246

Death: what have you prepared for it?

http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=article&id=826

A Journey to the Land of Eternity

http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=article&id=825

Encouraging Utilization of Time and Warning Against Wasting It – Khaled Al-Jeraisy

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=599

Goodbye My Beloved – Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef

http://www.khutbah.com/en/return_allah/bye.php

Ramadan Reminder – Death: Anam Majeed

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/islam-studies/ramadan-reminder-death-anam-majeed/?comments=true

Ensure Benefiting From Time - Khaled Al-Jeraisy

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=605

PDF / E-Book

16 Things To Do When a Person is Dying – Shaykh Waleed Abdul-Hakeem

http://www.fiqhofdeath.com/16_Things_Book.pdf

The Islamic Will – The Islamic Association of Raleigh

http://www.understand-islam.net/Articles/MyRighttoJanazah.pdf

Nasheed Videos

Dust Is My Bed [Farshy Al-Turaab] - Meshary Al-Arada

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFj_aCd61LE&feature=related

The Last Breath – Ahmad Bukhatir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIBs-xf01Zw&feature=related

Beautiful Patience Seminar Resources

Laaillahaillallah — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:25:42 +0000

Quran Video

Shaykh Sheikh Sa’ad Al-Ghamdi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRSSH6ATlyU&feature=player_embedded

Shaykh Saud Shuraym

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE0_lXDXQKI&feature=related

Quran Audio

Ayah 82 to Completion – Shaykh Ali Jaber

http://www.alijaber.net/s_mp3/yusuf1409_82-end.mp3

Tafseer Online

Tafseer Ibn Kathir – Select Surah Yusuf

Qtafseer.com

Video

An Insight Into Surah Yusuf – Dr. Reda Bedeir – 6 Parts [At least, Follow Links on Right-Hand]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnC8Q-uTZJw&feature=channel

Understanding Surah Yusuf – Shaykh Yasir Qadhi – 20 Parts

http://www.halaltube.com/yasir-qadhi-understanding-surah-yusuf

Khutbah: Story of Prophet Yusuf Alay Salam – Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Faqih

http://vimeo.com/11547698

The Best of Stories: Pearls from Surat Yusuf | By Shaykh Yasir Qadhi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybz0qhap6nM

Audio

Tafseer of Surah Yusuf – Shaykh Yasir Qadhi – 15 Parts

http://www.audioislam.com/?subcategory=Tafseer

Yusuf [Audio for Purchase] – Dr. Hesham Al-Awadi

http://www.islamicgoodsdirect.co.uk/prophet-yusuf-dr-hesham-al-awadi-exploring-the-chapter-of-joseph-in-the-holy-quran-cd.html

Article & Notes

33 Lessons from Surah Yusuf - Shaykh Abdur Rahmaan Naasir Al-Sa`di

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=617

Notes on Surah Yusuf Videos by Shaykh Yasir – Br. Arif Kabir

http://www.ilmnotes.net/yasir-qadhi-understanding-surah-yusuf-part-1/
http://www.ilmnotes.net/yasir-qadhi-understanding-surah-yusuf-part-2/

Lessons From Surah Yusuf [3 Parts: Sibling Rivalry, Trails & Temptation, Da'wah Behind Bars] – Sr. Sadaf Farooqi

http://muslimmatters.org/2010/01/04/lessons-from-surah-yusuf-%E2%80%93-part-1-sibling-rivalry/

Seven Reasons to Perform Hajj While Young

Laaillahaillallah — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 03:15:10 +0000

“The feet of man will not slip on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked of five things: of his life as to how he spent it, his youth as to how he used it, his wealth as to where he got it and how he spent it, and of his knowledge as to what he did with it.” (Tirmithi)

“That they may witness benefits for themselves…” (Qur’an, 22:28)

From a young age, many of us dream of going to Hajj – to see the Ka`bah in person, the Station of Ibrahim, drink ZamZam, perform tawaaf (circling the Ka`bah), wear the white garments of Hajj, and be with brothers and sisters from around the world in the greatest international gathering in the history of humanity. It is a rare opportunity for forgiveness, for change, for turning to the Creator, and for Paradise, insha’Allah (God willing).

But it can sometimes feel out of reach and far away. This is especially the case with the youth.

But as a person moves on in life, high school and university finish. There may be money left over, or loans that finally get paid off, and a person is in a position to perform Hajj. At the same time, there are many options in life. It could be marriage, travel or vacation – one has to choose. For the young, with all of life’s possibilities tugging at the heart, here are a few reasons to put one’s heart, efforts, and resources into making that life-long dream a reality: the journey of Hajj.

1. If the Door is Open, It May Never Open Again

The dream has finally had its means made easy – will you fulfill it? Life is so short on earth; we never know if this opportunity will come again. In fact, Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) tells us how short life on earth is: “You stayed not but a little – if only you had known,” (Qur’an, 23:114). If the door for performing Hajj is finally open, a person should jump at the chance to perform it.

Ibn `Umar, radi allahu `anhu (may Allah be pleased with him), said, “When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death.” (Bukhari)

2. Hasten Toward Hajj

“Expedite the performance of Hajj. For nobody knows what may obstruct one.” (Ibn Majah, Ahmad)

Along with not knowing what may obstruct one if one does not take the open opportunity to perform Hajj, the Prophet ﷺ told us to expedite the performance of Hajj. We are told to get it done, not put it on the backburner or be lax concerning its performance, or to put other things as a priority above it. It is a duty to be fulfilled for Allah, a pillar of Islam. For someone who has had the means to perform Hajj for some time and does not go, the Prophet ﷺ informed us of the state of loss of such a person: “Allah said: ‘Any of My slaves who is healthy and are of the means for five years, and did not visit My house, he is mahroom.“ (Ibn Hibban & Musnad Abu Ya’laa: 3703:1031) The direct translation of mahroom is “deprive,” meaning a person who is able to go to Hajj and does not, has deprived themselves of something good and of benefits that cannot be imagined that will be regretted on the Day of Judgment.

3. Hajj Decreases Poverty

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Keep on doing Hajj and Umrah, because they both eliminate poverty and sins just like a furnace eliminates the dirty impurities of iron, gold and silver. And an accepted Hajj has no reward less than Paradise!” (Tirmithi, Nisaa’i, Ahmad) It is important that we do not let our worries stop us from going, if we have the means. If we are concerned for our sustenance, one should perform Hajj with the expectation of improving its state, however Allah (swt) wills for that to happen.

4. The Supplication

One of the most prominent features of Hajj is supplication to Allah (swt). One does it so much on Hajj. But what is more, the supplication of Hajj is answered insha’Allah; and the best supplication is that of Arafah during Hajj.

“The warrior in the path of Allah, the one performing Hajj and the one performing Umrah are the delegations of Allah. If they call on Allah they are answered and if they ask Him for anything it is given to them.” (Ibn Maajah, Ibn Hibban)

“The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafah [...]“ (Tirmithi, Malik)

“There is no other day when Allah sets free more slaves from the Fire than the day of Arafah, for that day He comes nearer to them and says proudly to the angels: What do these people seek?” (Muslim)

Now for the youth looking to improve their lives – to get that nice job, get into that school, improve their relationship with Allah and draw near to Him, marry that wonderful man or woman, have that a family member come to Islam or get back on the straight path, Hajj is the place to be. Hajj is where it’s at. Think of having supplicated during Hajj and living life from now on benefitting from those supplications insha’Allah.

5. The Release from Sin

Not only is Hajj a priceless opportunity for supplication, it is a chance to wipe clean the slate of one’s mistakes and shortcomings of the past. “One who comes to this House for Hajj and avoids all lewdness and sins, he returns as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Imagine having all of one’s mistakes wiped away, and having a clean and healthy conscience, mind and heart and a purified soul insha’Allah. Imagine experiencing this rebirth of sorts from a young age. It is a dream; it is priceless. But by Allah’s Mercy and Compassion, it is insha’Allah within reach for those who make Hajj. Hajj is a great way of for young person to get a head start in cleaning up the shortcomings and mistakes of the past, and thereafter look towards a much brighter future insha’Allah. Hajj is also a chance for Paradise: “An `umrah to another `umrah expiates what is in between them, and the accepted Hajj receives nothing except Paradise.” (Bukhari & Muslim) `Umrah is a like Hajj except it is shorter and can be performed at any time of the year.

6. Utilize Your Youth

Not only is Hajj a chance to be reborn in terms of one’s past mistakes and shortcomings in life, it is also a chance for the youth to take advantage of the fresh health they are often given by Allah (swt), the Most Generous. “There are two blessings which many people do not make the most of and thus lose out: good health and free time.” (Bukhari) Take advantage of this great blessing that is guaranteed for no one. Hajj is not only a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual experience, but also a very physical one. No matter how young or in-shape you are, you will stand to benefit from every last bit of youthful energy and physical health Allah (swt) has blessed you with during Hajj.

7. Experience the World

As a young person, valuable life lessons taken from an early age are precious and can leave a lasting impression. One of the greatest life lessons anyone can learn and experience most vividly on Hajj is that human beings are equal to each other. Equal, that is, except in terms of taqwa, or God consciousness and reverence. On Hajj this is not an ideal of the mind or on the tongue, but is something put into practice, witnessed and experienced. During the Hajj itself, in part of what is known as the Farewell Sermon, the Prophet ﷺ said, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a back nor a black any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.” (Excerpt from Khutbatul Wada’, amongst collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmithi, Ahmad)

From virtually every nook and corner of the Earth, men and women gather together in unity and submission to God during Hajj. Men all wear the same simple, white cloth garments; men and women perform the same acts of worship; young and old and even children participate; the rich and the poor mix. Everyone is equal before God and their piety is ultimately only known to Him, and He is their final Judge. Going through such an experience on a large scale with millions of people, insha’Allah, will open up the mind, heart, and soul to what it really means to be a human being amongst everyone on earth, much less what it truly means to be a Muslim in peaceful surrender to God.

Originally published on SuhaibWebb.com – http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/worship/seven-reasons-to-perform-hajj-young/

SMILE!: The Prophet’s Smile Seminar Resources

Laaillahaillallah — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 22:58:59 +0000

Books

Shamaa’il of Tirmithi [Appears to be the Entire if not Near the Entire Book, Not Personally Checked for Accuracy of online Translation or Transmission]

http://www.inter-islam.org/hadeeth/stmenu.htm

[Online Book Portion] – Shamaa’il Al-Muhammadiyyah – The Shamaa’il of Tirmithi– Description of Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam – By Imam Tirmithi – Translated by Br. Abu Rumaysa

http://abdurrahman.org/seerah/shamail.html

Mercy to the Universe [Book for Purchase] – Sh. Saeed bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani

http://www.islamicbookstore.com/b9915.html

Videos

The Life of Prophet Muhammad sallahu alayhi wa sallam – Characteristics of the Prophet – Sh. Yasir Qadhi

Physical Characteristics and Lifestyle – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onsJ1GGjO70

The Prophet’s Smile: Characteristics of Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam – Sh. Navaid Aziz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QdJ1jsseY8&feature=related

The Character of the Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam [Video Compilation] – Sh. Muhammad Alshareef, Sh. Abdullah Hakim Quick, Sh. Yasir Qadhi, More

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1wuyGUtzKE

Audio

Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam Descripted – Sh. Waleed Basyouni – Parts 1-6

http://audioislam.com/?subcategory=Seerah

Article

The Messenger was Born – sallallahu alayhi wa sallam – By Sh. Abu Eesa Niamatullah

http://muslimmatters.org/2010/02/28/the-messenger-was-born/

Seeking Jannah: Inspiration from the Full Moon – Sr. Mariam E.

http://muslimmatters.org/2010/08/24/seeking-jannah-inspiration-from-the-full-moon/

Blessings Upon Al-Mustapha, Our Beloved Messenger, The Divinely Chosen – Sh. Yahya Ibrahim

http://muslimmatters.org/2010/08/23/blessings-upon-al-mustapha-our-beloved-messenger-the-divinely-chosen-yahya-ibrahim/

The Physical Characteristics of Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam – Sh. Al-Munajjid

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/1512

Muhammad A to Z, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam – Sh. Yusuf Estes

http://prophetofislam.com/goodies.php

Touched By An Angel Seminar Resources

Laaillahaillallah — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:34:27 +0000

Promo Video

Touched By An Angel Promo Video

Online Website Resources

Juz Amma Recitations in MP3 - See Surahs 78-114 for Qari of choice, including Qaris Abdul-Basit, Alafasy Menshawi, Husari, Sudais, Me’aqli, Juhany, Ghamdi, and more.

Saheeh International Quran – Surahs 78-114

Tafseer Ibn Kathir

Online English Audio Lectures

Tafseer Juz Amma by Nouman Ali Khan

Study Guides

Touched by an Angel Study Guide & Personal Notebook Exam

IlmFruits Touched by an Angel Series, taught by Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef

IlmFruits Tafseer Juz Amma Series - Presented by www.ilmfruits.com

Touched by an Angel Seminar Notes 2009, Taught by Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef

Touched by an Angel CD Set - Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef, 16 CDs

Stop, Drop, Pray | The Divine Link Seminar Resources

Laaillahaillallah — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:03:54 +0000

Promo Video

Divine Link – Fiqh of Salah Promo Video

Online Books

The Prophet’s Prayer Described – Albaani Rahimahullah

The Prophet’s Prayer Described – Abridged – PDF – Albaani Rahimahullah

Online Website Resources

abdurrahman.org (click on Salah for resources)

7 Common Mistakes Made in Prayer – Slideshow

33 Ways of developing Khushoo’ in Salaah – Shaykh Munajjid

The Importance of Prayer – Shaykh Jamal Zarabozo

Books for Online Purchase

Dar Us Salam – Salah Page

Salah from A to Z (Software) – Dr. Mamdouh N. Mohamed

Online English Audio Lectures, Admonitions & Reminders

Salah Lectures (see Pillars of Islam section) – Shaykh Saleh AsSaleh rahimahullah

The Book of Prayers – Bulugh Al-Maram – Shaykh Muhammad Adly – 32 Lectures

Why Don’t You Pray – see Shaykh Yusuf Idrees

Camp Taqwa – Prayer – Imam Suhaib Webb

Nasheeds/Videos/Reminders/Flash Presentations

Learn How to Pray – Flash Presentation

Last Breath – Ahmed Bukhatir – Flash Version

Last Breath –Ahmed Bukhatir – Video

Pray Before It’s Too Late – Reminder – Video

New Wardrobe: Nurayn T-Shirts on Their Way Insha’Allah!

Laaillahaillallah — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:48:52 +0000

Bismillah

Asalamu alaykum,

Alhamdullilah! Insha’Allah the Brand-New Qabeelah Nurayn T-Shirts will be on sale at the next seminar Light Upon Light Lite, Nov 21-23 at George Mason University.

A big jazakum’Allahu khayran to brothers Tariq Lateef and Farooq Yousef and everyone else involved for their hard work, may Allah accept from you and bless it for you. And the same for all our qabeelah members who critiqued away on the forums, their help was vital. MashaAllah, that’s the blessings of shuraa… and mashaAllah the shirt is hot! :)

Insha’Allah we’ve got long-sleeves and short sleeves and different sizes.

Insha’Allah on seminar day i can’t wait to see all those bright and shining faces in fresh brand-new Nurayn t-shirts! may Allah bless it for you, and try not to forget the dua for wearing new clothes! :) ;)

35 Long Sleeve Shirts – Black (Medium – Large – X-Large)

15 Volunteer Shirts
- 5 Medium
- 5 Large
- 5 X-Large

20 Regular Non-Volunteer
- 7 Medium
- 7 Large
- 6 X-Large

35 Short Sleeve Shirts – Black (Medium – Large – X-Large)

15 Volunteer Shirts
- 5 Medium
- 5 Large
- 5 X-Large

20 Regular Non-Volunteer
- 7 Medium
- 7 Large
- 6 X-Large

The Meaning of IlmSummit

Laaillahaillallah — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:41:48 +0000

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

The Meaning of IlmSummit

Alhamdullilah wa salaatu wa salaamu ala Rasool’Allah

Ashadu an laa illaha illa lah wa ashadu anna Muhammadan Abdahu wa Rasool

It is time for Fajr. “Alhamdullilah Who has restored to me my health, and returned to me my soul, and allowed me to remember Him again.”“Alhamdullilah, Who has brought us to life after having caused us to die, and to Him is our return.”

You wipe the sleep from your eyes and make wudu, Bismillah, wa Ashadu an laa illaha illa lah, wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ashadu anna Muhammadan abdahu wa Rasool. You put on your clothes and head down for Fajr.

There you join all your brothers and sisters, some already waiting in the lines in quiet serenity.

You pray two rakahs.

The imam comes, and as he begins to recite you are mesmerized by the melodic embrace of the Qur’an as his heart and voice tremble with emotions, barely able to hold back the tears. The sniffles trickle throughout the rows of the congregants. There is peace.

The prayer ends.

After thikr and dua, some are off to read Qur’an, some are off to breakfast or to get more rest, and some head off to study.

8:45 am kicks in.

The shaykh is ready.

The students are waiting patiently.

Poised for taking notes.

Then, beautiful knowledge flows and swims from the mouth of the shaykh in various colors, forms, and shapes, as the pens scribble and the fingers hover over the keyboards.

There is no time to lose.

The shaykh ends the session and moves directly to hadith.

The sweet sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him, beautifies the gathering and brings happiness and delight to the minds and spirits of the students, and showers them with hope and tranquility.

That session ends, but the knowledge does not end there.

As you traverse throughout the day, your heart, spirit, and mind soak in the miracles of the Quran, the beauty of hadith, the precision of fiqh, the grace of tafsir, the depths of iman, the beneficence sharia, and the wonders of Islamic Spain, amongst the ocean of knowledge.

Yet your day is filled more.

You take an afternoon nap so that you can worship and study better at night. You research and revise with fellow students or alone. You eat with your brothers and sisters in faith and with the shayookh to take time to learn from their wisdom, manners, knowledge, experience, and advice. You are amazed at the level of knowledge of the students amongst you and try to benefit from them. You try to wake up for qiyyam. There is not a moment to waste because you may never get this chance again, and you may miss that one piece of information that could change your entire life.

You are not overseas at a madrassa.

And you are not overseas in a university.

You are in a hotel in Houston, TX, in the United States of America

You are at IlmSummit 2008.

The Birth of a New Reality for Islam in America | IlmSummit 2008: History in the Making

Realize though, that we do not want to be in a hotel any longer.

What is necessary in the meantime will suffice.

The time has come to change history, and to change the course and direction of Islam in America, with the help and guidance of Allah.

It does not have to be a hotel anymore because the time to think and plan bigger has come, if it is not already long overdue.

The time has come to establish a University of Islam in America with a full campus and instructors and students living there, teaching, learning, practicing, sharing, and benefiting day and night.

The time has come to raise our own standards, and to raise our own scholars and callers to Islam who do not have to go to foreign lands to understand and learn and teach Islam at a very high level, but can gain that all right there in America. The time has come to raise such people who not only understand the religion but also the society in which they live because they were born, brought up, and raised in it, so that they can impart it to others and implement it in the most suitable, wise, and beneficial fashion for the land in which they live. And that is because they are simply a part and parcel of it.

The time has come for the average non-Muslim American to be walking the streets with his companion and walk by that University amongst all the beautiful trees and greenery and see walking down its steps a bright-faced young man dressed in white and with hair on his face, and say: “I love those people, they are excellent. They bring so much benefit to the society and their religion is so simple and beautiful. I wish there were more of them, and I want to be like them.”

The time has come to turn that dream into a reality.

The time has come to raise up such an institution for the benefit and betterment of humanity, and this society in particular.

The time has come to bring the fruits of Islam to the people and to establish its peace, beauty, wisdom, and simplicity in the daily lives, transactions, living, and families of our community, and with that practice, spread those fruits as far and wide as we can to the people, with the help, mercy, and guidance of Allah.

The time is now and the time is to act. Because things will not wait for us. And because we do not have to wait any longer.

Insha’Allah, one day in this country, a parent will no longer be hoping for their child to attend Harvard, UCLA, Stanford, or Yale.

Insha’Allah, they will hope for their child to attend that University of Islam in America, because that is where the real benefactors and movers and shakers of society are shaped, educated, and inspired. Because that is where the sincere and true way of life is practiced, embodied, and shared for all who wish. And because it is at such institutions that the promise, hope, and the future of this people and land reside.

And so the dream is in the air.

Change must come and we must work for that change.

Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.

In the immediate time however, insha’Allah we will be in that hotel.

And, insha’Allah, we will be living out that dream as much as we can.

Subhana ka lahum wa behamdik, Ashadu an laa ilaaha illa lah ant, astaghfaruka wa atoobu elayk

Muslim in America: My Story, Pt. II | Imam Siraj Wahaj | Ilm Fest ‘08

Laaillahaillallah — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:36:08 +0000

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Alhamdullilah, wa salaatu wa salaamu ‘ala Rasool’Allah

Part II of II Click here to See Part I

The Nation of Islam, Then and Now

As the night and speech was coming to a close, Imam Siraj shed more light on the Nation of Islam, then and now.

After the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975, his son Wallace Muhammad was appointed as leader.

Wallace introduced the Nation of Islam to Sunni Islam, and the first thing he taught was that W.D. Fard was not God, and that his father Elijah Muhammad was not a messenger of Allah, and that Prophet Muhammad, sal’Allahu alahi wa salam, is the Last Messenger of Allah. Wallace brought so many people out of absolute shirk and pointed them in the direction of Allah. Wallace did that as a Sunni Muslim, and while wearing a Nation of Islam Fruit of Islam uniform.

After the death of Elijah Muhammad, from 1975 to 1977, Minister Louis Farrakhan, in fact, taught orthodox Islam. In 1977, Farrakhan again started the movement of the Nation of Islam.

During 1975, Shaykh Jafar Idris came and taught twenty-five ministers of the Nation of Islam, Imam Siraj Wahaj being one of them.

When Shaykh Jafar recited the Qur’an, that was the first time in his life that Imam Siraj had heard it. Imam Siraj even has it is on tape. In the background you can hear his voice saying, “That’s the greatest thing I’ve ever heard in my life, I’ve got to learn THAT!”

Shaykh Jafar also taught them to fast in Ramadan, and not during the month of December as the Nation of Islam did. He then took thousands of his followers to Mecca to make pilgrimage.

Imam Siraj said that up to that point during his time in the Nation of Islam, from 1969 to 1975, he had also never made salaat once. He had prayed, but not as the Prophet sal’Allahu alayhi wa salam had prayed. And it was Imam Muhammad who taught them.

The Breakdown

Imam Siraj was actually invited to speak at the Million Man March in 1995. And even though other imams had disagreed with him and criticized him, since he had the opportunity to do dawah, Imam Siraj still refused to attend, for Allah, because he did not want to make it legitimate.

Last year, Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam had their annual Savior’s Day convention in Detroit.

For that event, Minister Farrakhan and his top staff from the Nation of Islam called Imam Siraj to come to Detriot and lead thousands of their followers in salaatul Jumuah.

Imam Siraj invited imams he respected to take shura with them, and they talked about changes that needed to be made in the Nation. They witnessed that changes were occurring, and that things were getting closer to orthodox Islam. So they made the decision that he should go and give khutbah there.

Imam Siraj said that you can be of opinion that he should not have gone there, that’s ok. He thought about it a lot himself and waited. In this case, he decided to go, for Allah, and he thought that he could somehow help to bring them closer.

After the khutbah, many of the leaders of the Nation of Islam came to Imam Siraj and asked him to teach in their cities. In fact and already, one of the biggest ministers of the Nation of Islam has already taken his shahada and is in the Nation teaching right now. Other ministers in the Nation are also ready for Islam.

Imam Siraj said that Imam Muhammad, son of Elijah Muhammad, was the one who first brought them to Islam in massive numbers, and pointed him in the direction of the Qur’an and Sunnah. And because of that, Imam Siraj believes that some of the credit of the work he does will also be given to Imam Muhammad on the Day of Judgment.

Final Words and Advice

In closing, Imam Siraj asked Allah to bless Imam Muhammad, to continue to help him grow and help his community, and asked Allah to guide minister Farakhan to Islam.

He recalled the dua of the Prophet, sal’Allahu alayhi wa salam, for Allah to strengthen Islam with Abu Jahl Ibn Hisham or Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be please with him. Umar accepted Islam, and the rest is history.

He finished by saying one of the biggest lessons we learn in the Qur’an and Sunnah is that it is not how you begin the race that counts – everyone is born Muslim – but your deeds shall be judged by your last deeds.

Imam Siraj said he will continue to work with all the Muslim groups he can, and try to bring them closer to Islam, and that in that attempt he takes the position of Shafi, may Allah have mercy on him:

I believe that I’m right, with the possibility that I might be wrong. And I believe that you’re wrong, with the possibility that you might be right.

“May Allah bless you brothers and sisters, and keep on learning and keep on growing, and keep having patience with one another… Asalamu alaykum wa rahmatallah”, Imam Siraj ended.

Muslim in America: My Story | Imam Siraj Wahaj | Ilm Fest ’08

Laaillahaillallah — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 01:20:14 +0000

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Alhamdullilah, wa salaatu wa salaamu ‘alaa Rasool’Allah

Part I of II

Sunday night of Ilm Fest began with a video of Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef giving a special keynote address about Leaving a Legacy, in which he spoke about performing deeds that give on-going returns. Of them are knowledge that continues to benefit, a continuous charity which people take from, and a pious child who prays for the parents.

He ended by saying that when he was being interviewed for Madinah University and was asked who it was who had inspired him, he mentioned Imam Siraj Wahaj. Muhammad Alshareef finished by thanking Imam Siraj for being such an influence in his life, and praying that Imam Siraj gets the reward for the work AlMaghrib has done.

Next, Shaykhs Yasir Qadhi and Muhammad Ibn Faqih went up stage with Imam Siraj, and both felt it incumbent to take time before Imam Siraj’s speech to say a few words to thank him, appreciate him, and show their love and respect for the great things he has done for the Muslim American community and the American community at large, and for the positive effect he has had on so many people.

Shaykh Yasir mentioned how one day we will tell our grandchildren about how we were actually there to hear Imam Siraj speak, and that when it comes to Imam Siraj, we are reminded of the following portion of a hadith from Rasool’Allah, sal’Allahu alayhi wa salam,

If Allah has loved a servant [of His] He calls Gabriel (alay salam) and says: I love so-and-so, therefore love him. He (the Prophet sal’Allahu alayhi wa salam) said: So Jibreel loves him. Then he (Jibreel) calls out in heaven, saying: Allah loves so-and-so, therefore love him. And the inhabitants of heaven love him. He (the Prophet sal’Allahu alayhi wa salam) said: Then acceptance is established for him on earth…. [Muslim]

It’s very difficult and perhaps impossible to describe the feeling in the audience that night. Love, care and respect oozed throughout the audience and permeated the air. And what followed was a heartfelt, emotional and remarkable speech.

Imam Siraj Bringing Down the House on Ilm Fest ’08

Imam Siraj finally took to the podium.

He began by praising Allah and sending salams on the Prophet, sal’Allahu alayhi wa salam.

His shock was noted in his expression and demeanor. He explained how he had not expected such a reception, and then, the mood changed.

As he continued he sniffled, and the eyes became red and wet. The tears then rolled down his cheeks as he stood under the bright lights in front of hundreds and hundreds of people who love him so much. He couldn’t even speak a word, and the room was at a still.

In the audience that night, how many eyes welled up or shed tears, or how many hearts were captured with love and emotion, or how many heads hanged low, only Allah knows. How could they look up, as their teacher, Imam Siraj Wahaj, stood before them shedding his tears in silence.

Finally able to speak, Imam Siraj thanked Allah for allowing him to try his best to serve Him, and said that he appreciated that there are those who have recognized what was being attempted to be done.

Tears still in his eyes, Imam Siraj mentioned how 1978 he was blessed to study at Umm Al-Qura, not for 10 years – but for 4 months – and that he was blessed to have learned from true scholars.

Imam Siraj mentioned that one of his favorite teachers was Shaykh Husayn Hamid from Egypt, who began every class in the same way: “Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.” [2:32]. He then added, “We ask Allah to accept our very humble effort.”

He mentioned how he did not want to come to a conference, a meeting, or a gathering, and meet for one minute or an hour or a day without taking something of benefit home.

He mentioned how some of the George Mason students he saw on Thursday said they were coming to Ilm Fest, and the next day at University of Boston, some of the Muslims there said they were coming. And as he went around the country, various students – especially students – said they were coming to the conference.

He related how the Prophet sal’Allahu alayhi wa salam sought refuge in Allah from knowledge that does not benefit, and how Mu’awiyyah had said that there is no real wisdom without experience.

A Travel through the Life of Imam Siraj

Having fully gathered himself, Imam Siraj took the audience through the story of his life. A history – as he described it- that you know, and some of it you don’t know, a history that was very intimate.

He took the audience through the days of his life as a basketball player at New York University. A basketball player would talk to him about the Nation of Islam on the bus. Things led up to his acceptance of what he thought was Islam, in 1969.

Believe it or not, Imam Siraj was in fact a very shy person.

In high school, whenever he was called to come up and read in front of the class, he would sit in the back and hide under the desk. And when he began selling the Nation of Islam’s newspaper, “Muhammad Speaks”, which Malcolm X himself started, Imam Siraj would walk up to people fired up inside, yet scared to death, and would ask, “Excuse me sir, you don’t want one of these, do you?” They said “No”, and he would say, “Ok.”

Fast forward to the 1990s, and Imam Siraj Wahaj is the first Muslim ever to open up a US congressional session with supplication. Then to India, were Imam Siraj gives a talk with John Esposito to a crowd of around three hundred thousand. Till this day, Imam Siraj has spoken around the globe.

Imam Siraj drew from his life experiences. He advised Muslims to stop talking about one another, and rather start talking to one another. He said that we seem to be good at the former, and make a lot of assumptions, while we learn from the Qur’an and hadith and the Prophet, sal’Allahu alayhi wa salam, to be very careful to give our brothers and sisters the benefit of the doubt.

One of the most difficult things, he said, is when someone gives so many speeches and everyone listens to everything they say, and some people listen not to get information, or naseeha, or inspiration, but to try to find something wrong.

Yet when a man came to Rasool’Allah, sal’Allahu alayhi wa salam, about some offense he committed, the Prophet, sal’Allahu alayhi was salam, replied: maybe you just kissed. Maybe some Muslims today would ask: who, and where, and how many times? The point being that he, sal’Allah alayhi wa salam, did not dig in or try to find people’s faults.

Malcolm X: Courage and Conviction, may Allah have mercy on him

As Imam Siraj traversed through his life and things related to the Nation of Islam, he touched upon the life of Malcolm X.

Malcolm X, Imam Siraj said, knew he was going to die.

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X parked his car not right in front of the Audubon Ballroom, but ten blocks away. A follower of his saw Malcolm walking, and picked Malcolm up in his car and they drove to the ballroom.

When they were in the back of the Audubon Ballroom, Malcolm said, “I feel something’s going to happen. I shouldn’t go out there.” But, Malcolm went out.

Benjamin Kareem, who Imam Siraj said he used to visit personally in Richmond, Virginia, to learn about history from someone who knows, was the person who would open for Malcolm X.

“Imam Siraj, Malcolm X saved my life”, Benjamin said. How, Imam Siraj asked?

“Usually, when I open up for Malcolm I sit right there next to him. And that day I opened up for Malcolm, and Malcolm said, ‘Benjamin, don’t sit there.”

Benjamin was sent back, and at that moment the guns fired and Malcolm was murdered, may Allah have mercy on him.

What you don’t know, Imam Siraj explained, is that two days before that, a professor at the University of Brown invited Malcolm on Tuesday to come and give a lecture to his students. Malcolm said “I’ll be dead by Tuesday.” The professor said, “Malcolm, don’t mess around.” Malcolm said, “I won’t be alive.” “Come on, Malcolm.” Malcolm said, “Ok, I’ll be there – if I’m still alive.” Malcolm knew.

Imam Siraj said that “Malcolm had courage. So even courage is not the absence of fear, courage is to move ahead despite your fear.”

“I know sometimes, young students, you have fear. As a student in college, maybe the only one in your college, only one in your highschool, I know you have fear. But despite that fear, move foward.

“I know some of the sisters, they have fear about wearing the khimar, because nobody else in the area, in the school, on the block, in the neighborhood, wear khimar, so there’s a little bit fear. So some sisters - despite the fear – they put on the khimar, and they move ahead, because they have courage.”

Part II soon insha’Allah…