It is God who assigns an environment friendly earth for human habitation.

Salam,

When the angels and the Jinn kinds was commanded by God to prostrate to Adam all obeyed except Iblis, he was haughty. Then Adam was given the opportunity to live in a special place with his wife in the Garden with a condition as follows:

We said: "O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression." (Surah 2:35)

But He and his wife failed to avoid the instigation of the Devil Satan from refraining of eating the forbidden fruit imposed by God and they were expelled from the Garden to this earth and made to toil for an appointed time by the following verses:

Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all ye people, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood - for a time." (Surah 2:36)

It is He Who hath produced you from a single person: here is a place of sojourn and a place of departure: We detail Our signs for people who understand. (Surah 6:98)

And He has multiplied you through the earth, and to Him shall ye be gathered back.
(Surah 23:79)

Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. (Surah 90:4)


The explanation that our planet is friendly to life is that God made this earth and deliberately set up all the details for our benefit. And in return we should be thankful to Him and praise Him for the opportunity given to us to live and die and live again with His mercy and His blessing. Here on earth is our home where we are provided for and so in return we are to praise and glorify by worshiping Him

O ye people! Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may have the chance to learn righteousness; Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth). (Surah 2:21-22)

It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge. (Surah 2:29)

It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but unto Him is the Resurrection.
(Surah 67:10)


He made the night and the day for us to rest and the day to look for the bounty for our sustenance and we are to give thanks for the goods and favors He has provided.

He it is that cleave the day-break (from the dark): He makes the night for rest and tranquility, and the sun and moon for the reckoning of time: Such is the judgment and ordering of (Him), the Exalted in Power, the Omniscient. (Surah 6:96)

We have made the Night and the Day as two of Our Signs: the Sign of the Night have We obscured, while the Sign of the Day We have made to enlighten you; that ye may seek bounty from your Lord, and that ye may know the number and count of the years: all things have We explained in detail. (Surah 17:12)


He also made the rain in order for us to drink the water and wind carrying the clouds and pour water to dead land to be fertile so that we are provided with green and fruits to support our lives in this world.

It is He Who send down rain from the skies: with it We produce vegetation of all kinds: from some We produce green crops, out of which We produce grain, heaped up at harvest; out of the date-palm and its sheaths (come) clusters of dates hanging low and near: and then there are gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety): when they begin to bear fruit, feast your eyes with the fruit and the ripeness thereof. Behold! In these things there are signs for people who believe. (Surah 6:99)

It is He Who send the winds like heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy: when they have carried the heavy-laden clouds, We drive them to a land that is dead, make rain to descend thereon, and produce every kind of harvest therewith: thus shall We raise up the dead: perchance ye may remember. From the land that is clean and good, by the will of its Cherisher, springs up produce, (rich) after its kind: but from the land that is bad, springs up nothing but that which is niggardly: thus do we explain the signs by various (symbols) to those who are grateful. (Surah 7:57-58)

It is Allah Who hath created the heavens and the earth and send down rain from the skies, and with it bring out fruits wherewith to feed you; it is He Who hath made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His command; and the rivers (also) hath He made subject to you. (Surah 14:32)



He made in the earth the mountains to stabilize the earth that it will not shake and from the valley pours rivers and streams as our guidance to find our ways.

And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draw the night as a veil over the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider! (Surah 13:3)

And the earth We have spread out like a carpet; set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance. (Surah 15:19)


He made upon the earth scatter with animals and the bees producing honey as a healing for all kind of diseases.

And cattle He has created for you: from them ye derive warm, and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) ye eat. And ye have a sense of pride and beauty in them as ye drive them home in the evening, and as ye lead them forth to pasture in the morning. And they carry your heavy loads to lands that ye could not (otherwise) reach except with souls distressed: for your Lord is indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful, And (He has created) horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show; and He has created (other) things of which ye have no knowledge. (Surah 16:5-8)

And thy Lord taught the bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations;
Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought. (Surah 16:68-69)


He made the ships within our control for seeking the bounties at seas and traveling to other parts of the world to do commerce.

Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth;- (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise. (Surah 2:164)

It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract there from ornaments to wear; and thou see the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek of the bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful. (Surah 16:14)

In order that ye may sit firm and square on their backs, and when so seated, ye may celebrate the (kind) favor of your Lord, and say, "Glory to Him Who has subjected these to our (use), for we could never have accomplished this (by ourselves), (Surah 43:13)


With all these benefits and favors which He has given us we should be thankful to Him of His mercy by praising and made remembrance of Him as He has taught us in His divine messages. Let us take the example of the following people who ponder the gifts they had from God and becoming of those who believe:

Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are indeed Signs for men of understanding, men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (With the thought): "Our Lord! Not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire. "Our Lord! Any whom Thou dost admit to the Fire, truly Thou cover with shame, and never will wrong-doers find any helpers! "Our Lord! We have heard the call of one calling (Us) to Faith, 'Believe ye in the Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous. "Our Lord! Grant us what Thou didst promise unto us through Thou messengers, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment: For Thou never break Thy promise." And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: Ye are members, one of another: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out there from or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain,- verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath; A reward from the presence of Allah, and from His presence is the best of rewards." (Surah 3:190-195)

Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, let it declare the Praises and Glory of Allah: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: It is He Who gives Life and Death; and He has Power over all things. He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent: and He has full knowledge of all things. He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and is moreover firmly established on the Throne (of Authority). He knows what enters within the earth and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heaven and what mounts up to it. And He is with you where so ever ye may be. And Allah sees well all that ye do. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: and all affairs are referred back to Allah. He merges Night into Day, and He merges Day into Night; and He has full knowledge of the secrets of (all) hearts. Believe in Allah and His messenger, and spend (in charity) out of the (substance) whereof He has made you heirs. For, those of you who believe and spend (in charity), for them is a great Reward. (Surah 57:1-7)

Asar

Why are we created?

Salam,

Before we go to the reasons for our creation by God, it is more proper for us to know whether there is the Creator. We all know that the Creator is God and we called Him Allah and He tells us about Himself in His Book the Quran. Although He is Unseen we still believe in Him because we believe in His Book, The Quran which He inspired to His righteous servant the Prophet Muhammad (AS) in which He said:

Here is a Message for mankind: Let them take warning there from, and let them know that He is (no other than) One Allah: let men of understanding take heed. (Surah 14:52)

Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy. (Surah 4:82)

"Verily, I am Allah: There is no god but I: So serve thou Me (only), and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise: "Verily the Hour is coming - My design is to keep it hidden - for every soul to receive its reward by the measure of its Endeavour. (Surah 20:14-15)

There are several reasons given in the Book of God the Quran why are we being created. Mankind was created for good purposes and we should be thankful to God for being in this world. Below are some of the good purposes for our creation:

To be taught to learn new knowledge

The first reason is that God wish to teach mankind new knowledge which He has not taught any other creatures before us and the following verses illustrate the event:

Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Will Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? While we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not." And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell me the names of these if ye are right." They said: "Glory to Thee, of knowledge We have none, save what Thou Hast taught us: In truth it is Thou Who are perfect in knowledge and wisdom." He said: "O Adam! Tell them their names." When he had told them, Allah said: "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heaven and the earth, and I know what ye reveal and what ye conceal?" (Surah 2:30-33}


To test the obedient and subservient of His other created beings.

The other good reason why we are created is to expose the character of arrogance of His other created beings and this is seen when Iblis of the Jinn kind showed how he failed the test and exposed his egoistic nature and displayed his arrogance by disobeying the command of his Creator. The following verse shows who failed:

Assuredly it is thy Lord Who will gather them together: for He is perfect in Wisdom and Knowledge. We created man from sounding clay from mud moulded into shape;
And the Jinn race, We had created before, from the fire of a scorching wind. Behold! Thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man, from sounding clay from mud moulded into shape; "When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in obeisance unto him." So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together: Not so Iblis: he refused to be among those who prostrated themselves. (Allah) said: "O Iblis! What is your reason for not being among those who prostrated themselves?" (Iblis) said: "I am not one to prostrate myself to man, whom Thou did create from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape." (Allah) said: "Then get thee out from here; for thou art rejected, accursed. And the curse shall be on thee till the Day of Judgment.” (Iblis) said: "O my Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are raised." (Allah) said: "Respite is granted thee "Till the Day of the Time appointed." (Surah 14:25-38)

We are created to be credited with some of His spirits.

The other good purpose for the creation of mankind is that we are to receive some of His spirit which is hearing, sight and feeling and these faculties are to be utilized for the good of mankind and it is given for a specific period of the live of each mankind. The following verses revealed this favor from God but have to be used for good and justice and it is for a time appointed:

But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (and understanding): little thanks do ye give! (Surah 32:9)

Verily your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority), regulating and governing all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His leave (hath been obtained). This is Allah your Lord; Him therefore serve ye: will ye not receive admonition? To Him will be your return- of all of you. The promise of Allah is true and sure. It is He Who begin the process of creation, and repeat it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness; but those who reject Him will have draughts of boiling fluids, and a penalty grievous, because they did reject Him. (Surah 10:3-4)

With these faculties of knowledge and senses we are commanded to worship and serve Him alone and follow His command and at the end of the appointed time He will judge us whether we are worthy of His favor and mercy to be in the category of those chosen to be in bliss for eternity. The good is rewarded with garden while the bad will land him in hell:

I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me. (Surah 51:56)
O ye people! Worship your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may have the chance to learn righteousness; Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth). And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a chapter like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (If there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true. But if ye cannot- and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones, which is prepared for those who reject faith. But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits there from, they say: "Why, this is what we were fed with before," for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and holy); and they abide therein for ever. (Surah 2:21-25)

Therefore there is no excuse of not worshipping God alone as He has given adequate reminders and examples to be guided to the right path and take a look at Adam what he did when he made a mistake and seek God forgiveness as shown by the following verses:

We said: "O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression." Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all of you, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood - for a time." Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. (Surah 2:35-37)

They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost." (Surah 7:23)

We said:"Get ye down all from here and if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whomsoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. "But those who reject faith and belie Our signs, they shall be companions of the fire, they shall abide therein." (Surah 2:38-39)

Asar

Call on God by His Beautiful Names

Salam,

It is stated in the Quran that the names of God is special and exclusive and most of it is showing what His attributes are. All His names are blessed and created by Him and He will take into account those who manipulate and deviate with their own invention to associate it with that of God’s. God is particular the way His names are being mentioned and to call upon. Of His names it is stated in the Quran that all His names are beautiful names and should reflect His attributes with the special meanings solely due to Him and none others are equal to that of His status as Lord of the heavens and the earth:

Blessed be the name of thy Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honor.
(Surah 55:78)

The most beautiful names belong to Allah: so call on him by them; but shun such men as use profanity in his names: for what they do, they will soon be requited. (Surah 7:180)

All of His beautiful names are stated in the Quran and He commanded that only His names which He has authorized should be used to call upon Him and He takes offend those who call Him by the wrong names or by those names which He did not authorized:

He said: "Punishment and wrath have already come upon you from your Lord: dispute ye with me over names which ye have devised - ye and your fathers, without authority from Allah? Then wait: I am amongst you, also waiting." (Surah 7:71)

God is particular that His name is being called as He commands us to call and as such in all matters concerning His names and especially when we call upon Him by establishing the Salat it is imperative that we call Him by His beautiful names and not by any other than that which He has authorized us to call and He said in the Quran by command:

Say: "Call upon Allah, or call upon Ar Rahman: by whatever name ye call upon Him, for to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Neither speaks thy Salat aloud nor speaks it in a low tone, but seek a middle course between." Say: "Praise be to Allah, who begets no son, and has no partner in His dominion: Nor needs He any to protect Him from humiliation: yea, magnify Him for His greatness and glory!"
(Surah 17:110-111)

There are many names which He Himself have authorized and which He commanded the believers to call upon Him and this is all stated in the Quran. There are other names He is being called upon but if one can check by doing a little research in the Quran it is not only to be found but the names has been perverted and more than not it is the names which has been passed from father to sons through generations without making reference to the Book of God. The names of God in the Quran will normally goes with the prefix or the definite article of the Arabic word “Al” or “The” showing there is none other equal to Him as He is “The Only One” to be worshipped:

"If not Him, ye worship nothing but name which ye have named, ye and your fathers, for which Allah hath sent down no authority: the command is for none but Allah: He hath commanded that ye worship none but Him: that is the right religion, but most men understand not. (Surah 12:40)

In calling His beautiful names one can find that the name AllahhuAkbar is not listed in the Quran. It is a mystery why the Arab calls Allah in that way because in Arabic AllahhuAkbar when translated into English will mean Allah is greater. For Allah to be greatest the Arabic must be Allah Al Kabir as stated in the Quran in Surah Surah 13:9 below:

He knoweth the unseen and that which is open: He is the Greatest (Al Kabir), the Most High. (Surah 13:9)

The definite article “the” or Arabic “al” testify that there is no competition and its attribute of great is solely belongs to Him so He is the Greatest or Allah AlKabir and not He is the greater or AllahhuAkbar as he is being called today by most Muslims. AllahhuAkbar is however mentioned in the Quran but it does refer to His names but to the following:

God has promised the believers, men and women, gardens underneath which rivers flow, forever therein to dwell, and goodly dwelling-places in the Gardens of Eden; and greater, God's good pleasure (ridhwanu minAllahi Akbar); that is the mighty triumph. (Surah 9:72)

Recite what has been revealed to thee of the Book, and perform the Salat; Salat forbids indecency and dishonour. God's remembrance is greater (zikrul Allahi Akbar); and God knows the things you work. (Surah 29:45)

It shall be proclaimed to the unbelievers, 'Surely God's hatred is greater (maktul Allahi Akbar) than your hatred one of another, when you were called unto belief, and disbelieved.' (Surah 40:10)

It is therefore blasphemous to call on God by name He has not authorized and since Allahu Akbar does not refer to Him in the Quran but Allah Al Kabir then it is our duty to put His correct name when we call Him in our Salat otherwise we would be just following the habit of our fathers when calling on God by the following reference that is stated in the Quran as follow:

"If not Him, ye worship nothing but name which ye have named, ye and your fathers, for which Allah hath sent down no authority: the command is for none but Allah: He hath commanded that ye worship none but Him: that is the right religion, but most men understand not... (Surah 12:40)

Below is a list of Names of God which is authorized by Him as He has authenticated in the Quran and these are the names which should be called upon God when one is calling on Him during performing the Salat or any other religious occasions as He has commanded in the Surah 17:110 to call upon His good names and below are His authorized names:

Name...Meaning...Reference Surah

1 Ar Rahman.. Most Gracious.. Surah Al Fatiha 1:1

2 Ar Rahim.. Most Merciful.. Surah Al Fatiha 1:1

3 Al Malik.. The Sovereign.. Surah Al Hashr 53:23

4 Al Qudus.. The Holy One.. Surah Al Hashr 53:23

5 As Salam.. The Peace.. Surah Al Hashr 53:23

6 Al Mu’minun.. The Guardian of Faith.. Surah Al Hashr 53:23

7 Al Muhaiminun.. The Preserver of Safety.. Surah Al Hashr 53:23

8 Al Aziz.. The All Mighty.. Surah Al Hashr 53:23

9 Al Jabbar.. The Compeller.. Surah Al Hashr 53:23

10 Al Mutatkabir.. The Supreme.. Surah Al Hashr 53:23

11 Al Khaliqu.. The Creator.. Surah Al Hashr 53:24

12 Al Bariuu.. The Evolver.. Surah Al Hashr 53:24

13 Al Musawiru.. Bestower of Forms.. Surah Al Hashr 53:24

14 Al Ghaffaru.. The Forgiver.. Surah Al Zumar 39:5

15 Al Qahhar.. The Irresistable.. Surah Yusuf 12:39

Names... Meaning... Reference Surah

16 Al Wahhab.. The Bestower.. Surah Ali Imran 3:8

17 Al Fatah.. The Trustworthy.. Surah Saba’ 34:26

18 Al A’alim.. The Knower.. Surah Ali Imran 3:35

19 As Same’a.. The Hearer.. Surah Ali Imran 3:35

20 Al Bashir.. The Seer.. Surah Al Isra’ 17:1

21 Al Latif.. The Most Subtle.. Surah Al An’am 6:103

22 Al Khabir.. The Most Aware.. Surah Al An’am 6:103

23 Al Azim.. The Supreme.. Surah Yunus 10:64

24 Al Affu.. The Forgiver.. Surah Yusuf 12:97

25 Al A’liyu.. The Highest.. Surah Luqman 31:30

26 Al Kabir.. The Greatest.. Surah Ar Ra’d 13:9

27 Al Karim.. The Most Nobel.. Surah Al Infitar 82:6

28 Al Hakim.. The Wise.. Surah Ali Imran 3:18

29 Al Haq.. The Truth.. Surah Al Hajj 22:62

30 Al Qawe’i.. The Strongest.. Surah Al Shura 42:19

31 Al Hamid.. The Praise Worthy.. Surah Ibrahim 14:1

32 Al Haiyu.. The Living.. Surah Al Hajj 22:55

33 Al Qaiyum.. The Self Subsisting.. Surah Al Baqarah 2:255

34 Al Wahid.. The One.. Surah Yusuf 12:39

35 Al Awwal.. The First.. Surah Al Hadid 57:3

36 Al Akhir.. The Last.. Surah Al Hadid 57:3

37 As Samad.. The Eternal Absolute.. Surah Al Ikhlas 112:2

Names... Meanings... Reference Surah

38 Al Zhahir.. The Most High.. Surah Al Hadid 57:3

39 Al Batinu.. The Most Near.. Surah Al Hadid 57:3

40 Al Barru.. The Beneficent.. Surah Al Tur 52:28

41 Al Tawwab.. The Accepter of Repent.. Surah Al Baqarah 2:160

42 Al Ghani.. The Rich.. Surah Yunus 10:68

43 Al Kadir.. The Most Powerful.. Surah Al Rum 30:54

44 Al Wali.. The Protector.. Surah Al Shura 42:9

45 Al Matin.. The Lord of Power.. Surah Qaf 51:58

46 Al Ghafur.. The Oft Forgiving.. Surah Yunus 10:107

47 Al Razak.. The Provider.. Surah Qaf 51:58

48 Al Mijid.. The All Glorious.. Surah Al Buruj 85:15

49 Al Wadud.. The All Loving.. Surah Al Buruj 85:14

50 Al Rakib.. The Watcher.. Surah Al Ma’idah 5:117

51 Al Qahhir.. The Omnipotent.. Surah Al An’am 6:61

52 Al Muta’al.. The Most High.. Surah Al Ra’d 13:9

53 Al Maula.. The Patron.. Surah Al Hajj 22:78

54 Al Nasir.. The Helper.. Surah Al Hajj 22:78

55 Al Mubin.. The Manifest.. Surah Al Nur 24:25

"Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and of all that is between them; so worship Him, and be constant and patient in His worship: know thou of any who is worthy of the same Name as He?" (Surah 19:65)

Allah! There is no god but He! To Him belong the most Beautiful Names.
(Surah 20:8)

But keep in remembrance the name of thy Lord and devote thyself to Him whole-heartedly. (He is) Lord of the East and the West: there is no god but He: take Him therefore for (thy) Disposer of Affairs.(Surah 73:8-9)

Asar

The Prophet's Ablution

Salam,

The common word that is used to refer to the ritual of cleansing before establishing the Salat or the obligatory prayers is ablution or in its Arabic word it is called ”wudu’”. The ablution is a pre requisite for the performance of Salat and in the Quran it has been stated very clearly what is to be done and the sequences in the ritual of “wudu’”. The following verse shows clearly the sequences of the ablution:

O ye who believe! 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. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favor to you, that ye may be grateful. (Surah 5:6)

The sequence of the ritual of ablution is very important in the Quran and if one ponders in the above verse it begins with “O you who believe!” which means that only those who believe in His Book will follow the sequences commanded by God and God is particular that the sequences must not be distorted that it will nullify the actual Salat. However many Muslims especially the Ahl Sunnah Wal Jumaah (Sunni Muslims) consciously or unconsciously did not realized that every time they performed the ritual of ablution they transgressed the rule set by God by adding the action of rubbing both their ears which distorted the divine inspiration of the rule of ablution inspired to the Prophet Muhammad. This distortion is found in the following hadith which clearly contradict the sequences which is the true inspiration to the Prophet in the Quran as stated in the Surah 5:6 above.

It is found In: Sunan Abu Dawood Chapter No: 1, Purification (Kitab Al Taharah) Hadith no: 135 Narrated: Abdullah bin Amr bin Al Aas

A man came to the Prophet (pbuh) and asked him: Messenger of Allah how is the ablution to be performed? He (the Prophet) then called for water in a vessel and washed his hands up to the wrists three times, then washed his face three times, and washed his forearms three times. He then wiped his head and inserted both his index fingers in his ear-holes; he wiped the back of his ears with his thumbs and the front of his ears with the index fingers. He then washed his feet three times. Then he said: This is how ablution should be performed. If anyone does more or less than this, he has done wrong and transgressed, or (said) transgressed and done wrong.

As a role model who obeys the command of God it is impossible to imagine that the Prophet would have performed the ablution as reported in the Sunnan of Abu Dawood by having an extra ritual to wash or clean both parts of the ears with the index fingers. As a Messenger of God he is to follow only that which he has been commanded by God and being obedient to God he is a man who believes and fears God’s retribution. The sunnan of Abu Dawood is thus reporting a falsehood which is in contradiction with the message of the Quran. There was never an instruction to clean the ears as quoted in the Quran and the Prophet would never do something which he was not told to perform. He only follow what he was commanded to do and he fear God’s warning to him as stated in the following verses of the Quran:

That this is verily the word of an honored apostle; it is not the word of a poet: little it is ye believe! Nor is it the word of a soothsayer: little admonition it is ye receive. This is a Message sent down from the Lord of the Worlds. And if the apostle were to invent any sayings in Our name, We should certainly seize him by his right hand, And We should certainly then cut off the artery of his heart: Nor could any of you withhold him from Our wrath. But verily this is a Message for the God fearing. And We certainly know that there are amongst you those that reject it. But truly revelation is a cause of sorrow for the Unbelievers. But verily it is Truth of assured certainty. (Surah 69:40-51)

I do not say to you, I have with me the treasures of Allah, nor do I know the unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel; I do not follow aught save that which is revealed to me. Say: Are the blind and the seeing one alike? Do you not then reflect? (Surah 6:50)

It is clear from the above warning the Prophet will not dare to invent the washing of the ears to be added in the sequence of the ablution and he said he would only follow that which is revealed to him. Thus those who propagated the idea were sinister in their agenda and the consequence is detriment to the souls of those who follow this falsehood that they must realized the distorted ablution other than that being done by the Prophet which is stated in the Quran will nullify their Salat whenever and every time they perform the distorted ablution.

Asar

The Prophet's Azan

Salam,


One of the important aspects of the Salat is the call to prayer or the azan which is today being announced at every time when there is an obligatory Salat to be performed. The account of how it came into being and the wording to be pronounced do not seem to have its roots from the Prophet himself but by the suggestion of others to the Prophet. According to the Hadith the call was proposed by Umar and the wordings came from other than the Prophet. On the contrary from the sources of the Quran it can be determined that the first azan was made by the Prophet himself as he was the one receiving the inspiration from God and naturally he was the one who pronounced the azan prior to any other people of his time and the following verse of the Quran gave this evidence:

O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed to Salat on the Day of Congregation, hasten earnestly to the remembrance of God, and leave of business: that is best for you if you but knew! (Surah 62:9)

The above verse easily informed us that there is a call to Salat and the time of the call is easily traced as there is only one time that a call of the azan was made.and it was then at the time of business. In the Arab society it is normal for the Arab at mid noon when the sun’s decline from its zenith they will have a short nap or “siesta” as the Mexican do in Mexico. And the Quran confirmed that this time is rest time or it is treated as their privacy time and it is stated in the Quran that there are three times of privacy for the Arab which is mentioned and it is the time before dawn, at noon when the sun is blazing hot and when it is darkness at night time.

The Quran depicted where the Arab were at those times and they were all at their homes resting and they have a short break from business and trading activities and it is unlikely that these were the times the Prophet made his call or azan to his people to assemble to perform Salat on the Day of Congregation. The timing of the Salat on the Day of Congregation cannot be possible to be done at any of the times as near the time of dawn or when the sun’s decline at noon or at night time as mentioned in the verse below:

O you who believe! Let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not attained puberty ask your permission three times before they come to your bedroom before the dawn prayer (Salatil Fajri), and when you put off your garments at noon, and after the evening prayer (Salatil Ishaaa). These are three times of privacy for you. Outside these times there is no blame on you or them, if you move about attending to each other. Thus God make clear to you the Signs and God is All Knowing, All Wise. (Surah 24:58)

As described from the above verse it is unlikely that there is any call being made to do congregation at the times mentioned above since it is their privacy time. So the only possible or likely time that the Salat on the Day of Congregation was being held would be at the time of Wusta in the late afternoon which is the middle time between noon and dusk. This is the time their community is busy with activities of trade and businesses and that satisfy the description of the Surah 62:9 when the call was made to establish the Salat on the day of congregation to break a while from business for the remembrance of God. Based on the same Surah 62:9 the Prophet would be pronouncing the azan by calling people to Salat according to what is being stated in the verses at Surah 62:9 -11 and he would be making the call (azan) by following strictly the message that was inspired to him by God. There is nothing that the Prophet would change as he was a personality who feared the wrath of Allah and will not fail to perform his duties as that which is prescribed by God in the Quran which is inspired only to him. The Prophet’s call of the azan is taken from the evidences of the Surah 62:9-11 and from the evidences the effect can be arrived with having the following features taken directly in it sequences from the following verses:

O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on the Day of Assembly, hastens earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic): That is best for you if ye but knew! And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah: and celebrate the Praises of Allah often (and without stint): that ye may prosper. But when they see some bargain or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it, and leave thee standing. Say: "The (blessing) from the Presence of Allah is better than any amusement or bargain! and Allah is the Best to provide (for all needs)."
(Surah 62:9-11)

The Prophet’s azan from the above evidences will be following exactly what has been inspired to him from God and he will follow the sequence of the inspiration above and when he call or make the azan he will be saying as follows:

O you who believe! Hasten to prayer.
Hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah.
Leave off business, that is best for you if you but knew.
The blessing from the Presence of Allah is better than any amusement or bargain. And Allah is the best to provide.

This is the evidence the Prophet Muhammad make his call (azan) to the believers to establish their Salat in the Quran. There is no evidence from any other source that the Prophet himself made the call of the azan. Any call of the azan or the description of it were done by other people like Bilal or other companions of the Prophet but the Prophet himself was never recorded to call the azan to invite people to do the Salat to remember God during his time. There was also no evidence that he received an inspiration of the call to azan from other sources and there is no doubt that only the Quran is the source of his azan and this is through the inspiration at the above Surah 62:9. Also it is understandable the present call of the azan would have been done only by others as it is unlikely the Prophet would announce publictly to bear his own witness that he is Muhammad the messenger of God which is one of the requirement of the current azan. This proves that the current call of the azan was an invention and not the one which was done by the Prophet, the one done by the Prophet is recorded in the Quran and it is the one we should follow.


Asar

Failure to acknowledge the Quran is furnished with details

Salam,

Although the Quran is a pure light that can direct our paths and bring us into an understanding of God and His salvation, man needs to read the Book in the language he understands. The major reason as to why many Muslims do not understand the Quran is purely because they read the Quran in Arabic a language they do not understand. The very first step for non Arab to understand the Quran is to read the translation and there are numerous translations of the Quran in many languages in the world today. The Holy Quran, the holy book of about 1 billion Muslims around the world is now available, with selected verses translated in 114 languages and the complete book in 47 languages of the world.Having read the translation it is only appropriate that effort should be made to learn the Arabic language at least completing the basic level.

While the Quran is in Arabic it is not necessarily the Arab have a total understanding of the Quran unless they practice what they believed. On the contrary the Arab is known to be the least people who follow the guidance from the Quran and the Quran confirmed their position by the following verses:

The Arabs are the worst in unbelief and hypocrisy, and most fitted to be in ignorance of the command which Allah hath sent down to His Messenger: But Allah is All-knowing, All-Wise. (Surah 9:97)

Then the Apostle will say: "O my Lord! Truly my people took this Qur'an for just foolish nonsense." (Surah 25:30)

There are many examples in the Quran that exhibit the failure of those who read the Book but they failed to understand the message and some of those who comprehend the knowledge from the Quran yet failed to put up the principles into practice. In another word they falter to submit to what they understand and what they believe to be the truth because not very many Muslims take their guidance solely from the Quran and most of them just take the easy way by following the majority. The Quran is guidance and by understanding it is to submit to its principles and this is achieved by obeying God and His Messenger as portrayed in the Quran in great detail, just believing is not sufficient until it is manifested in practice as shown by the following example below:

The Arabs say, 'We believe.' Say: 'You do not believe; rather say, "We surrender"; for belief has not yet entered your hearts. If you obey God and His Messenger, He will not diminish you anything of your works. God is All-forgiving, All-compassionate.' (Surah 49:14)


Following the Salat practice of the fathers

Most people in this world inherit the practices of their fathers. Children for generation have been following the footstep of their fathers and the fathers before them. Most of the children were not given the opportunity to understand other religion and they are being taught only their ways to religion is the correct way as such they became blind followers. However following the practice of our fathers do not guaranty that we have the truth in our hands. God is fair to all mankind and He is the Knower of All Things and each human need to find their own path as God in the Quran has given warning that following the ways of the fathers will not be an excuse in the Day of Judgment as He has plainly stated in the Quran during our genesis, it has been made clear to us that this is not a debility to put an excuse as shown by the following verse:

And when your Lord brought forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their descendants, and made them bear witness against their own souls: Am I not your Lord? They said: Yes! We bear witness. Lest you should say on the day of resurrection: Surely we were heedless of this. Or you should say: Only our fathers associated others (with Allah) before, and we were an offspring after them: Wilt Thou then destroys us for what the vain doers did? (Surah 7:172-173)

When it is said to them: "Come to what Allah hath revealed; come to the Messenger": They say: "Enough for us are the ways we found our fathers following." what! Even though their fathers were void of knowledge and guidance? (Surah 5:104)

When they are told to follow the Revelation that Allah has sent down, they say: "Nay, we shall follow the ways that we found our fathers following. "What! even if it is Satan beckoning them to the Penalty of the Blazing Fire? (Surah 31:21)

In conjunction with the above acknowledgment during genesis we bear witness that Allah is our Lord and as such we have been cautioned to check the practices of our fathers whether it has its origin from divine sources. That which is conceded from sources other than the Book of God is invention. The repercussion will be idolatry, ignorance and diabolical. For salvation it is our duty to make the effort to read and find out the truth and the truth comes only from God and it is written in His Book as His Apostle said:

"O men! Now Truth hath reached you from your Lord! Those who receive guidance, do so for the good of their own souls; those who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not (set) over you to arrange your affairs."
(Surah 10:108)

The Truth comes from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt.
(Surah 3:60)

By following the practice of our Prophet as portrayed in the Quran naturally give us the confidence and reliability that it is sanctioned by God. When the detail of the Salat is emulated as shown by the example of the Prophet there should not be any more reservation or doubt in our heart as every single action can be justified with the words in the Quran. On the contrary how is one to justify to God that it is Suboh and not fajar he was enjoined; from which source that one prays two, four, four, three and four bowing (rakaat) for the five daily obligatory prayers? The Prophet perform his prayers with a mid tone voice according to Surah 17:110 how relevant it is then when others recite the two rakaat in laud pitch in Suboh, four rakaat silent at noon and late afternoon, two laud and one silent for the maghrib and two laud and two silent for the Ishaa Salat? Surely when the sources were unknown and ambiguous it will naturally effectuate point to the reason it has been the practice of the fathers and their fathers before them.

Incorrect attitudes towards the Quran

It has been the standpoint of the scholars of Islam that when the Quran is being referred, to them it sets out the principles framework of Islamic jurisprudent but the detailed is explained by sources outside the Quran. In another word they claimed the Quran is without detail. However when one take a closer and deeper look into the message of the Quran the actions taken by the scholars is repugnant to the Words of God as stated in the Quran that it was inspired to the Prophet Muhammad without leaving any detail as proven by the following evidences:

There is not an animal that lives on the earth or a being that flies on its wings, but forms part of communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they all shall be gathered to their Lord in the end. (Surah 6:38)

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. (Surah 2:185)

For We had certainly sent unto them a Book, based on knowledge, which We explained in detail, a guide and a mercy to all who believe. (Surah 7:52)

Invariably in the hereafter the Prophet Muhammad will be a witness to authenticate that God has completely sent down His message without leaving out any detail in the Quran. Indeed the Prophet has done his part in this world by propagating the detailed message whether it is the Salat or the Zakat or any other injunction sufficient for the salvation of those who believe and those who follow his examples to be in the category of those who received mercy from God in the hereafter. He will be the witness as to whether we have followed the details as has been laid out by God in the Quran or of those who reject the details shown in the His revelation:

One day We shall raise from all peoples a witness against them, from amongst themselves: and We shall bring thee as a witness against these people: and We have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things, a Guide, a Mercy, and Glad Tidings to Muslims. (Surah 16:89)

Verily We have propounded for men, in this Qur'an every kind of Parable: But if thou bring to them any Sign, the Unbelievers are sure to say, "Ye do nothing but talk vanities." Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who understand not. So patiently persevere: for verily the promise of Allah is true: nor let those shake thy firmness those who has no certainty of faith. (Surah 30:58-60)

Usage of the intelligence

In order to extract and understand the details in the Quran there is a need to adopt the use of our intelligence and an open mind. The capacity to solve problems and to put thing together systematically is a clear and definite criterion of intelligence. And God bestow on us freedom to choose is a specific human quality and something valuable in itself, in relation to its objects can be used to good value or wrong value. Nevertheless since we are given the faculties of seeing, hearing and understanding by God the primary initiative is to be grateful for His wonderful gift to mankind:

It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: that ye may give thanks to Allah. (Surah 16:78)

The use of our intelligence is to submit to what has been commanded by God and to follow the examples that were being shown by all the messengers of God. The submission is on the Words of God that is the Truth which He has made it plain and easy for us to comply. As an example there is nothing to add or to subtract on His command to do the ablution as stated in Surah 5:6 or Surah 4:43 and only an ignorant mind will embrace the distortion. And so is the command to stand, bow and prostrate before God, there is nothing to dispute that it is all a physical movement in postures. These postures reflect our willingness to humble ourselves to God the action of which will register as our devotion to Him. However the use of intelligence if not verify with the virtue described in the Quran will become dishonor and immorality and this has been cautioned by God in the following verse showing the example of former people:

Remember also the 'Ad and the Thamud people: clearly will appear to you from the traces of their buildings (their fate): the Evil One made their deeds alluring to them, and kept them back from the Path, though they were gifted with intelligence and skill. (Surah 29:38)

Thus the Quran provide the guidance by examples between right and wrong or of good and evil and the path to the right religion. There is no such thing as blind faith but it must come with evidences and proofs provided from the inspired message. The message is in detail and had it not been made plain and clear to mankind the disbelievers of the Quran will not be uttering the following statement in hell:

They will say: "Yes indeed; a Warner did come to us, but we rejected him and said, 'Allah never sent down any (Message): ye are nothing but an egregious delusion!'" They will further say: "Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we should not (now) be among the Companions of the Blazing Fire!" (Surah 67:9-10)


Asar

The Salatul Wusta or The Middle Prayer

Salam,

Today there are many arguments as to the number of salat that God ordained for the Muslims to do their duty to worship Him daily. There are those who propagate that there are only three times as God mentioned only three names of Salat in the Quran and there are others who claimed that there is no ritual at all in the Quran.

However Surah 2:238 and Surah 62:9 is confirmation that God in the Quran ordained the daily obligatory prayers or Salat to be five times a day.

The first evidence which expressed clearly the argument of five Salat is shown in the Surah 2:238: “Guard strictly your prayers (salawaat) and the Middle Prayer (Salatul Wusta)” (Surah 2:238)

By having a Middle Salat logic will tell us that it cannot be accompanied by one or three or five or any odd number of Salat. A Middle Salat can only be in between two or four or six or any even number of Salat that come with it,

Having said that, the word “salawaat” in Arabic is a plural of not less than three because for a dual Salat there is an Arabic word “salataani”. So if one takes the “salawaat” in the above verse to be just three Salat which is an odd number the “Middle Salat” cannot be associated with it because when it added into the total it adds to four and four cannot have the Middle Salat in it!

So the truth is clear from the word “salawaat” the number of Salat God command us to preserve daily must be a total four Salat plus the Middle Salat in between the four Salat this will adds up to a total of five Salat daily.

The other strong evidence which points the daily obligatory prayers to be five times daily is the Surah 62:9 O you who believe! When the call to prayer (Salat) on a day of congregation, hasten earnestly to the remembrance of God, and leave of business: that is best for you if you but knew! And when the Salat is finished, then may you disperse through the land and seek the bounty of God; and celebrate the praise of God often that you may prosper

This command is made to establish the Salat during the peak of business time and during the Prophet days the time can only fit in at the Middle time or Wusta time between the sun’s decline at noon and the sun’s decline at sunset. Wusta time can only be at business time and it cannot be at be at the time of sun’s decline at noon from its zenith or at sunset because according to the Quran these two times are near or at the people privacy times as stated:

O you who believe! let those whom your right hands possess and those of you who have not attained to puberty ask permission of you three times; before the morning prayer, and when you put off your clothes at midday in summer, and after the prayer of the nightfall; these are three times of privacy for you; neither is it a sin for you nor for them besides these, some of you must go round about (waiting) upon others; thus does Allah make clear to you the communications, and Allah is Knowing, Wise. (Surah 24:58)

So there is a relationship between Surah 2:238 to preserve all the Salats with the addition of the Salatul Wusta or the Middle Prayer which is in turn is associated and supported by the Surah 62:9 in determining the “Wusta” time of prayer during the day.

The time of the Middle Prayer or the Salatul Wusta is adjoined by the other four times of Salat as follows

The time to establish the Salat at the Sun’s decline from its zenith at noon

Establish regular prayers at the sun's decline towards the darkness of the night, and the morning prayer and reading: for the prayer and reading in the morning carry their testimony. (Surah 17:78)

And to establish at the time of dawn, dusk and night time.

And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night: For those things, that are good remove those that are evil: Be that the word of remembrance to those who remember (their Lord): (Surah 11:114)

Thus the times ordained by God in the Quran are

Dawn (Surah 11:114), noon (Surah 17:78), business time or Wusta/Middle (Surah 2:238 & Surah 62:9), dusk (Surah 11:114) and night time (Surah 11:114)


These are the times God makes it very suitable for you to remember Him through the Salat but at other times you can remember Him through the zikir which is done without the ritual of ablution.

O ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer/salat; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. (Surah 2:153)

Enjoin prayer/salat on thy people, and be constant therein. We ask thee not to provide sustenance: We provide it for thee. But the (fruit of) the Hereafter is for righteousness. (Surah 20:132)

Asar

Menstruation is not filthy

Salam,

Most Muslim women were being brainwashed that when they are having their menstruation, they were forbidden to do their daily obligatory prayer (Salat), fasting, reading the Quran, going to the mosques or any other thing that is related to the worship of God. These teaching does not come from the Quran but were of those borrowed from the Jewish traditions that have seeped through the authenticated hadith.

Quote from the Bible Leviticus 15:19-32

19And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even. 20And every thing that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean. 21And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 22And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 23And if it be on her bed, or on any thing whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even. 24And if any man lie with her at all, and her flowers be upon him, he shall be unclean seven days; and all the bed whereon he lieth shall be unclean. 25And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation: she shall be unclean. 26Every bed whereon she lieth all the days of her issue shall be unto her as the bed of her separation: and whatsoever she sitteth upon shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation. 27And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 28But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean. 29And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 30And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for her before the LORD for the issue of her uncleanness. 31Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them. 32This is the law of him that hath an issue, and of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith;

But in the Quran the only thing forbidden when the woman had her menstruation is not for her husband to “sleep” with her until she is clean of her period. There is no other restriction that have been imposed on any form of worship if she so wish to fulfill her obligation towards God.

…..They ask you on women’s menstruation, say, “They are a hurt” so keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean. And when they have cleansed themselves, you may approach them as God has directed you. Surely God loves those who repent and those who purify themselves (Surah 2:222).

There are several evidences from the Quran that the woman is not prohibited to establish her Salat or daily prayer or any other command of God which is obligatory. In term of the daily prayer many were saying that the women menstruation is “dirty” that they should not perform the prayer but please consider after the call of nature even if there is no water to wash the “dirty” defecation leftover still it is obligatory to perform the Salat without water with the “tayamum” or ritual of rubbing the faces and the hands with clean sands (Refer Surah 5:6). In this state of dirty condition the command is still to establish the Salat.

And in the following verse stated below in the Quran the woman is not exempted from doing her fasting during the month of Ramadhan as whether it is the man or the woman who accidently killed a believer if she has no mean to pay the compensation she has to fast for two months consecutively as a way of repentance.

…..It is not lawful for a believer to kill another believer except by error, and whoever slays a believer by error, he should free a believing slave and pay blood money to the heirs of the killed person, unless they charitably forgo it. But if he was from a people at war with you, and he was a believer, then free a believing slave. And if he was from a people with whom you have a treaty, then blood money should be paid to his family and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, it is prescribed a fast for two months running. A penance from God and God is All Knowing, All Wise (Surah 4:92).

So if she is to fast for two months running during her menstruation periods she has no excuse to claim exemption during the month of Ramadhan. There is another evident from the Quran during the Pilgrimage the woman has to fast whether she is having her period or not, when the woman is a non resident of Makkah who wish to proceed to the Hajj from the Umrah and has not the mean to make an offering, she must fast for a total of ten days

…..if any one wishes to continue the Umrah on to the Hajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in the precinct of the Sacred Mosque. And fear God, and know that God is strict in punishment (Surah 2:196).

In spite of these verses in the Quran, there are those who preach to the women that when they have their periods it is forbidden for them to do all the righteous deeds to God like praying, fasting, reading the Quran, and etc and they are quoting a verse which God only forbid them to sleep with their husbands during their menstruation but does not indicate that God forbid them from doing their daily obligatory in worshipping Him

…..They ask you on women’s menstruation, say, “They are a hurt” so keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean. And when they have cleansed themselves, you may approach them as God has directed you. Surely God loves those who repent and those who purify themselves (Surah 2:222).

Even Mary fasted for after she delivered Jesus and she was also at her menstruation after child birth.

"So eat and drink and cool (thine) eye. And if thou dost see any man, say, 'I have vowed a fast to (Allah) Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into not talk with any human being'"

Thus the Surah 4:92 and Surah 2:196 clearly shows that if a woman killed another believer accidentally and have no mean to compensate the deceased family she has to fast two months consecutively irrespective whether she is having her periods. So is the woman who wishes to continue her Hajj from Umrah and has no means to make an offering as she cannot afford it, then she has to fast a total of ten days whether she is having her periods or not.

It is clear that the practice of preventing the women from the normal duties toward God during their periods is indeed an invention against the guidance from the Quran. Since there is nothing in the Quran that God had granted His excuse on the women of their daily duties toward Him during their menstruation, then this negligence of duties must be taken by women seriously so as to avoid the wrath of God in the hereafter.

The Prophet has been warned by God to be careful of the Jews and the Christians

…..Never will the Jews or the Christian be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: “The guidance of God that is the only guidance.” Were thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which has reached thee, then thou would find neither protector nor helper against God (Surah 2:120)

With the above warning from God it is impossible to claim that it was the Prophet who sanction the excuse of women to refrain from doing their duties to God during their menstruation and the Prophet will never follow the Christian/Jewish practice especially when the source of this practice has its root from the Bible

…..after a woman gives birth to a son, she is ritually unclean, as she is during her monthly period. On the eighth day, the child shall be circumcised. Then it will be thirty three more days until she is ritually clean from her loss of blood; she must not touch anything that is Holy or entered the Sacred Sanctuary until the time of her purification is completed (Leviticus 12:2-4 The Bible).

So it is clear that this practice is not sanctioned by God anywhere in the Quran but is sinisterly copied from the Bible and a fabrication against the good name of our Prophet who will never put his authorization as it contradicted against the guidance of God in the Quran.


Asar

Ego the cause of Mankind splitting apart

Salam,

Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed, for Allah guided whom He will to a path that is straight.
(Surah 2:213)

If men can control their ego and follow the guidance which they received from God, the world will be a better place to live as there will be more peace than what we have here today. But they choose to differ among themselves although the religion portray the truth is clear against that of falsehood.

The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah, the which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the way to which thou call them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn to Him.

And they became divided only after Knowledge reached them; through selfish envy as between themselves. Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, tending to a Term appointed, the matter would have been settled between them: But truly those who have inherited the Book after them are in suspicious disquieting doubt concerning it. (Surah 42:13-14)

God have sent to mankind many messengers as a Warner and giving of glad tidings while they bring with them the Book of knowledge as guidance to live a better life in this world and not forgetting the hereafter and God confirmed that whom He sent were of

Those messengers We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees of honor; to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear Signs, and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If Allah had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after clear Signs had come to them, but they chose to wrangle, some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they would not have fought each other; but Allah fulfilled His plan. (Surah 2:253)

Thus let there be initiatives to preach common universal values for the good of mankind where the societies should not evolved towards a closed door units where people are becoming more personal involving only with their own small family but they should be more open as the Quran indicated and recommended:

Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity. Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty, (Surah 3:104-105)

Why were there not, among the generations before you, persons possessed of balanced good sense, prohibiting (men) from mischief in the earth - except a few among them whom We saved from harm? But the wrong-doers pursued the enjoyment of the good things of life which were given them, and persisted in sin.
Nor would thy Lord be the One to destroy communities for a single wrong- doing, if its members were likely to mend. If thy Lord had so willed, He could have made mankind one people: but they will not cease to dispute.

Except those on whom thy Lord hath bestowed His Mercy: and for this did He create them: and the Word of thy Lord shall be fulfilled: "I will fill Hell with Jinns and men all together."

All that we relate to thee of the stories of the apostles; with it We make firm thy heart: in them there cometh to thee the Truth, as well as an exhortation and a message of remembrance to those who believe. (Surah 11:116-120)


Asar

Fight only those who fight you

Salam,

War and fighting in the Quran are only for defensive purposes. The Quran does not approve aggression to other. There were several reasons that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) took the battle field but all of it was to defend himself from oppression from his disbelieving communities. The Quran says

Permission (to fight) is given to those upon whom war is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to assist them. (Surah 22:39)

Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah love not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they first fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah 2:190-192)

One can see that the above is the kind of situation a Muslim can take the matter to the battle front only when he is being attacked. It is clearly shown by the example that Muslim should not be the aggressor instead should be in defense by being attacked first.

And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves. The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loved not those who do wrong. But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong done to them, against such there is no cause of blame. The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous. But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs. (Surah 42:39-43)

And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated and oppressed? Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!"(Surah 4:75)

And it is the responsibility of the Muslim community also to assist other Muslim communities which have been oppressed by other and their call for help in defending their rights to live freely to practice their belief, earn their living and educating their children without fear from oppression. Those capable should initiate by giving them help through financial and economic assistance and the needed protection as security from the oppressors.

Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just. Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them in these circumstances that do wrong. (Surah 60:8-9)

And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do. (Surah 8:39)


Asar

Call on God

Salam,

Call on God by establishing the Salat (Regular prayers).

In the Quran there are many verses regarding establishing the Salat but more than not the Salat will normally be accompanied by the command to pay the zakat or alms. In Islam this goes hand in hand because if one pays only the alms and do not establish the Salat he will not enter the kingdom of heaven as he does not acknowledge the existence and the presence of God Al Mighty.

There is no denial that some of the atheists do good deeds in this world by giving charity to the poor, caring for the old aged, they feed them a good meal and clean their toilet but since they refused to acknowledge the presence of God, they are actually a people arrogance who thought that they can exist in this world without the help and grace of God Almighty and thus it is only fair that they will not be rewarded of paradise for their arrogance.

Similarly if one establish the Salat and do not pay the zakat he will also not be rewarded to the kingdom of heaven as he does not acknowledge the presence of the poor and the needy to be helped. God who provided them with good provision and good health expected them to return by serving Him in helping others who were less fortunate. None is relief of his duty to worship God as well as serve Him in taking care of the needy.

But as Muslims we know that God exist as He has His Book the Quran inspired to His Apostle by inspiration and He said in Surah/Chapter 20:14

“Verily I am God: there is no god but I; so worship Me and establish Salat for My remembrance.” (Surah 20:14)

“Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of God: for without doubt in the remembrance of God do hearts find satisfaction. (Surah 13:28).

And God remind us of the good things He has provided for us and He want us to acknowledge by remembering Him and Him alone

O men! Call to mind the grace of God unto you! Is there a Creator, other than God, to give you sustenance from heaven or earth? There is no god but He: how then are you deluded from the truth? (Surah 35:3)

Therefore remember Me, so that I may remember you and be grateful to Me and reject not faith. (Surah 2:152)

Thus as servants of God He wants us to remember Him far greater than our remembrance of our fathers one who provides for us as we grow but God is the best Provider and to show our gratitude He teaches the prophets and those who believe in His Message to perform a special ritual only for His remembrance in the daily obligatory Salat

For believers are those who, when God is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His Signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened and put all their trust in their Lord. Those who established salat (regular prayers) and spend freely out of the gifts We have given them for sustenance: Such in truth are the believers: they have grades of dignity with their Lord and forgiveness and generous sustenance. (Surah 8:2-4)


It is arrogance not to call on God

As a servant it is a duty one has to do to call on the Master as we are not independence of Him and He reminds us to call on Him and show our humility to Him and He said to the Prophet Muhammad

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close to them: I listen to the call of prayer of every suppliant when he called on Me: let them also with a will, listen to My call and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way. (Surah 2:186)

Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for God love not those who trespass beyond bounds. (Surah 7:55)

And your Lord says: “Call on Me and I shall answer you. Surely those who arrogantly disdain to worship Me shall enter hell utterly disgrace (Surah 40:60)

And God inspired us to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad to call on others by giving this message and to say to the world

O you men! If you are in doubt as to my religion; behold I worship not what you worship, other than God! But I worship God Who will take your souls at death: I am commanded to be of the believers And turn yourself entirely in sincerity to the Religion, and do not be of the polytheists; And call not any other than God, such will neither profit you nor harm you, for if you do then you will surely be of the wrongdoers. (Surah 10:104-106)

And who is better in speech than the one who calls to God and does righteous deeds and says: “I am a Muslim.”? (Surah 41:33)

So call not on any other god with God lest you will be one of those chastised. (Surah 26:213)

Asar

Fasting according to the Quran

Salam,

There are many circumstances in which fasting is done in the Quran, some are compulsory and some are voluntary. The compulsory fasting is done on the month of Ramadhan. The other kind of compulsory fasting is due to certain offence one made by accidently killed a believer, divorce his wife by zihar (or by calling them mothers) and when one cannot afford to sacrifice an animal during the pilgrimage to Makkah and when making deliberate oath he can only redeem himself by fasting. However the voluntary fasting is done out of vowing when achieving something to fast three days or other numbers of days or he may just wish to fast voluntary to experience how the poor feel when without food and at the same time make repentance to God. In the Quran God said fasting is good for you if you only but knew. So if you wish to know start fasting.

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may learn self-restraint. Fasting for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number should be made up from days later. For those who can do it with hardship, is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.

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 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. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
(Surah 2:183-185)

The time span to do the fast is specific in the Quran and it is to be done during the day when there is light. As long as one can see tangible things he is to fast until it is night time or darkness then only he is free to eat and drink.

It is a common mistake that most Muslims break their fast at the time of sunset but the time of sunset is still bright and it is part of the day and according to the Quran it is still fasting time and not until it is night or total darkness can they break their fast. They should change their attitude not only by controlling their temptation to rush for the food but also restraint the influence of the devil who will not hesitate to entice them even a piece of date to see them fail to make it to the night which is the correct time to break according to the command of God.

Sunset is part of the day and the following evidence proved that it is still not the time to break the fast.

And established regular prayers at the two ends of the day (nahar) and at the approaches of the night (layli) (Surah 11:114).

Since two ends of the day is fajar and maghrib, therefore sunset or maghrib is part of the day in the Quran and not part of the night as nighttime prayer is Ishaa’ in the above verse.

And the Quran defined what the night (layli), it is when you can see the stars
which you cannot see during the day

…..When the night outspread over him, he saw a star….(Surah 6:76).

And the night is where there is darkness

…..And the sign for them is the night. We withdraw the day from it and behold they are plunged in darkness (Surah 36:37).

And that is the time of fasting and it is also defined in the Quran:

…..and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night (layli) appears….(Surah 2:187).

So from the evidence shown in the Quran it is clear if we were to follow the example of the Prophet (Pbuh) he will do his Maghrib prayer first then read the Quran. He will never break his fast at maghrib even with a few dates as it is still bright with the light of daytime still prevail. It is only when the darkness of the night appears he will break his fast.

Thus there is clear distinction that the azan is not the call to break the fast but it is the call to establish the prayer! The Maghrib prayer is done during part of the day but to break the fast it is done only during early part of the night. It is therefore sinful for those who failed to make it to the night when he is able to it by waiting a little longer after the Maghrib prayer.

The other form of compulsory fasting is the result of not able to comply with the punishment of accidently kill another Muslim. This verse do not differentiate the woman and the man whoever accidently killed a believer and if it is beyond their means to pay compensation, they will have to fast consecutively for two month running. If the woman is made compulsory to fast for two month running then there is no excuse for them not to fast on the month of Ramadhan running for one month as it is also made compulsory for all to obey.

Never should a believer kill a believer; but if it so happens by mistake, compensation is due: If one so kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the deceased's family, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave Is enough. If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty of Mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to Allah: for Allah hath all knowledge and all wisdom. (Surah 4:92)

Another form of compulsory fasting is the expiation of not able to afford to sacrifice an animal or not able to feed the poor during the pilgrimage season to Makkah.

And complete the Hajj or 'umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented from completing it, send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, necessitating shaving, (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the 'umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in the precincts of the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah Is strict in punishment
(Surah 2:196)


Fasting is also prescribed for those who divorce their wives by “zihar” or by calling their wives their mother and when they wish to remarry they have to free a slave and if they cannot afford or do not have any slave they have to fast for two months consecutively.

If any men among you divorce their wives by Zihar (calling them mothers), they cannot be their mothers: None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And in fact they use words both iniquitous and false: but truly Allah is one that blots out sins, and forgives (again and again). But those who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the words they uttered; It is ordained that such a one should free a slave before they touch each other: Thus are ye admonished to perform: and Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. And if any has not the wherewithal, he should fast for two months consecutively before they touch each other. But if any is unable to do so, he should feed sixty indigent ones, this, that ye may show your faith in Allah and His Messenger. Those are limits set by Allah. For those who reject Him, there is a grievous Penalty. (Surah 58:2-4)


The expiation in fasting is also prescribed when one make an oath and he is unable to fulfill for deliberate oath he has sworn he is allowed to fast only if he is unable to do the following:

Allah will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn. But keep to your oaths. Thus doth Allah make clear to you His signs, that ye may be grateful? (Surah 2:89)


In the case of Mariam the mother of Jesus she was made to vow to fast and at the same time she refused to talk to any one and this is an indication when any one fast it is better for him to do less talking and make repentance to God and He will put them in the following category of believers:

"So eat and drink and cool your eye. And if thou dost see any man, say, 'I have vowed a fast to (Allah) Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into not talk with any human being'" (Surah 19:26)

For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (Surah 33:35)


Asar

Writing a Will is a MUST for the wealthy

Salam,

For those who are wealthy it is obligatory for them to write a will according to guidance prescribed in the Quran. It is a wrong attitude that most Muslims did not write a will because he thinks that the Quran has prescribed in detail those who will be the inheritance of his estate. But the Quran only shows the guidance who and how much portion is due and the actual will have to written by the testator himself according to the composition of his family who are still living. He has to have the will officially documented with the proper authority in the country he resides.

In the Quran it is stated it is obligatory for all to write a will those who have assets and since none of us know when we will leave this world it is better to write a will as early in our life as possible as the day we start earning our living and do our saving. None of the close relatives should be discriminated as the ordained portion is due to them whether we love or hate them it is a duty to include them in our will. Even if they are left aside in our will they have the right to contest it with the authority.

Men shall have a portion of what the parents and the near relatives leave, and women shall have a portion of what the parents and the near relatives leave, whether there is little or much of it; a stated portion. (Surah 4:7)

It is prescribed for you, when death approach one of you, if he leave wealth, that he bequeath unto parents and near relatives in kindness. This is a duty for all those who ward off evil. If anyone changes the bequest after hearing it, the guilt shall be on those who make the change. For Allah hears and knows (All things).
(Surah 2:180-181)

In the case where a will have not been written there is still the requirement for the testator to will it orally by getting two people to witness who are to be his beneficiaries.

O you who believe! When death approaches any of you, take witnesses among yourselves when making bequests; two just men of your own brotherhood or others from outside if you are journeying through the earth, and the chance of death befalls you (thus). If ye doubt their truth, detain them both after prayer, and let them both swear by Allah: "We wish not in this for any worldly gain, even though the (beneficiary) be our near relation: we shall hide not the evidence before Allah: if we do, then behold the sin be upon us!" (Surah 5:106)

We cannot deny that the wealth which we accumulate in this world is the bounty and grace from God and before we die God ordained us due portions should be distributed as He commanded it to be. Do not think that the wealth that we accumulated is due to our skill or our ingenuity in business, we may fall into haughtiness as that of Qarun as described in the Quran:

He said: "This has been given to me because of a certain knowledge which I have." Did he not know that Allah had destroyed, before him, (whole) generations which were superior to him in strength and greater in the amount (of riches) they had collected? But the wicked are not called (immediately) to account for their sins. (Surah 28:78)

Thus be not like Qarun who thinks the wealth he accumulated was of his own ingenuity but be humble that the wealth we gain from God we shall distributed it to those He wishes us to inherit before we die according to the guidance He prescribed in the Quran.

The Quran give a simple non complicated formula for the distribution of estates due for the beneficiaries. The portion which has been ordained in the Quran for the children, parents, wives and other near of kin is obligatory to be given to them. Only the surplus from the ordained portion if there is any is legally can be bequest to others whom we pleased. Take the example of the loner who is an orphan being raised in an orphanage who have no one as his next of kin.

Consider him as a man (or a woman) who is wealthy since he has nobody as his legal next of kin or there is no ordained portion obligatory for him to be included he can therefore make a will according to whom he pleases and the Quran allow him to do so:

To everyone We have appointed heirs of that which parents and kinsmen leave, and those with whom you have sworn compact. So give to them their share; God is witness over everything. (Surah 4:33)

Since this man has no parents or next of kin he is allowed to bequest to any one he pleases “with whom you have sworn compact” according to the Quran cover other than his kin and this can be his best friend to inherit the total amount of his estates. The friend can get 100% of the deceased estates when he dies. In his will he has to write Mr A to get 100 percent of his estates. However when he gets married he has to change his will now that his wife is entitled to ¼ portion he has to reduce the portion of his friend Mr A from 100% or 1 to ¾ because his wife has a right to his estate whether he loves her or not. The will is now officially to be rewritten before he dies with his wife to get ¼ (if it is the woman the husband gets ½ against the other free ½) as the ordained portion and the friend is to get only ¾ portions as his will. The will shall keep changing as the composition of his family changes or as he changes his mind and he is allow to change the free non ordained portion from giving it to his friend Mr A the ¾ portion back to his wife as his will but the minimum ordained portion of ¼ must be reserved to his wife.

The verse below will indicate the kind of will that is expected on the testator whose wife/husband and parent were dead and has no children (kalaalati) and the remaining kin are indicated below:

They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs (thus) about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance: If (such a deceased was) a woman, who left no child, Her brother takes her inheritance: If there are two sisters, they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance (between them): if there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female. Thus doth Allah make clear to you (His law), lest ye err. And Allah hath knowledge of all things. (Surah 4:176)

In the above it can be translated when the man is still living and he has the family composition as stated in the above verse, he can take the guidance from the Quran to make his will before he dies. He can reserve what is the ordained portion he is obligatory to include and the free portion he is able to will to whoever he pleases.


When a man has only his sister living

If a man was married but his wife dies and he has only his sister still living then he should will ½ of his estates to his sister as ordained by God and the other half he has the right to will it to any one he pleases it can be his friend Mr A. In his will he should officially write as follow

Sister to get ordained portion ½ and friend Mr A get ½.of the free portion. But if he changes his mind he can shift the 1/2 of the free portion from his friend to his sister but he is not allowed to do the other way round because the sister’s portion is ordained portion by God but not the friends’.

When a woman has only her brother living

If a woman was married and has no child and she has only her brother living then before she dies she has to write a will giving all her estate to her brother as this is ordained portion by God. In this case she is not allowed to will it to her friend as there is no extra or free portion from the ordained portion.

When a woman has only her 2 sisters living

In this case she has to will 2/3 of her estate to her sisters as ordained portion and 1/3 of the extra or free non ordained portion to any body he pleases.



When a woman has only brothers and sisters living

In this case she has to will 2/3 of her estates to the brothers and sisters to share among themselves with the male to get twice the share of the females. The remaining 1/3 she can will it to any body she pleases. The non ordained portion is her right to give it any one she pleases.

With the ordained portion already fixed as shown in the Surah 4:176 a will can easily be written when a man or a woman is left with a family composition as depicted in the above examples, the will must show the ordained portion going to the next of kin and the free portion or the extra if any may go to others than closed blood relatives. In the above examples it can be interchanged whether it is a man or a woman writing the will.

The verse below will indicate the kind of will that is expected on the testator whose wife/husband is still alive but the parent were dead and has no children and the remaining kin are indicated below:

In what your wives leave, your share is a half, if they leave no child; but if they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they get an eighth; after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two, they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to any one). Thus is it ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-knowing, Most Forbearing. (Surah 4:12)

When a woman has only her husband living

When she write her will she must include her husband an ordained portion of ½ her estates and the other free ½ portion she is allowed to will it to any friend she wish.

When a man has only his wife living

When he writes his will he must include his wife an ordained portion of ¼ of his estates and he can will it to any body he pleases the free portion of ¾ of his estates.

When a woman has only her husband and a sister living (same if no sister but a brother living)

When she writes her will she must include her husband an ordained portion ½, the sister an ordained portion 1/6 (same if a brother) and the balance free portion of 1/3 she can will it to any one she pleases.
(If it is a man who writes the will, wife to get ¼ (3/12) and sister to get 1/6 (2/12) ordained portion and the free portion 7/12 is available for him to will it to who ever he pleases)

When a woman has only her husband and a sister and a brother living

When she writes her will she must include her husband an ordained portion of ½ (3/6), the sister and the brother to share an ordained portion of 1/3 (or 2/6 the male get 2 portion of the female) and the 1/6 free portion she can will it to any one she pleases.

[If it is a man, wife to get 1/4 (3/12) while the sister and the brother to share a 1/3 (4/12) ordained portion the balance free portion of 5/12 to whom he pleases]

However the situation of writing a will shall be quite different when the family composition is bigger with the wife/husband, the children and the parents are still living. With this composition the brothers and the sisters has no legal claim on the estates. The Quran stated the ordained portion as follows:

Allah (thus) directs you as regards your Children's (Inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females: if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased Left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases ('s) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-knowing, Al-wise. (Surah 4:11)


When a man has only his wife and parent still living

When he writes his will, the wife is to get ¼, the mother will get 1/3 and the father to get 1/6 ordained portion and the ¼ balance free portion he can will it to any one he pleases.

When a man has his wife and parent and his brothers and sisters still living

Since the brothers and the sisters are still living the ordained portion of the mother from 1/3 is reduced to 1/6 maybe because they can participate to take care of the mother too.

His will shall consist of his wife to get ¼ and the mother to get 1/6 of the ordained portion and the balance ½ free portion can be bequest to any one he pleases.

When a man has his wife and his child living

He has to reduced the ordained portion of his wife from ¼ to 1/8 and his child (male or female) get ½ and the balance free portion of 3/8 he can will it to whom he pleases.


When a man has his wife and his children more than two living

He shall will for the wife to get 1/8 (3/24) and the children 2/3 (or 16/24 the male get two shares than the female) and the balance free portion of 5/24 he can bequest to any one he pleases.

So far all the ordained portion in all the above family compositions there is some leeway for a free portion allowing the testator to will it to some one he pleases but the following family composition not only disallow the testator to will it to some one he pleases but he is enforced to reduce some ordained portion from the beneficiaries because if all of them stick to their portions, their claim will exceed the asset as show n below


When a man has his wife, his children more than two and both his parent still living

What is indicated in the above Surah 4:11 is that by not writing a will if he leaves behind a wife, children more than two and both his parent are still living, the total claim will exceed more than one which means there is more claims than there is asset. When God made it compulsory in the Quran to write a will there is consequences for those who did not write their will be it in this world or in the next world.

Without an official will written by the testator, what the Quran shows is that the beneficiaries can claim the ordained portion as follow

The wife can claim ordained portion of 1/8 or 3/24
The children can claim an ordained portion of 2/3 or 16/24
The parent can claim an ordained portion (1/6 each) 1/8 or 8/24
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Total Claim 27/24
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The total claim of 1(one) 3/24 cannot equal to the total asset of 1, there will be an over claim of 3/24. Or to put it in term of percentage the claim is 112.5 % over an asset of 100% which mean there is an extra claim of 12.5%.

Here it is glaring that without an official will if all the above beneficiaries stick to their claim of their ordained portion they can never find a solution and that is the reason why many Muslims were unable to solve their inheritance problem simply because there is no will written from whose portion it should be reduced and the authorities have no right to take out the 3/24 or 12.5% from any of the beneficiary because it is all ordained portion in the Quran.

Thus God has made it in such a way that the only solution to avoid this complication is to write a will before we die and the testator is the only one responsible to reduce this amount of 3/24 or 12.5 % when he writes his will. If God is the One Who command we are to write a will He will certainly give us a way how to settle the ordained portion if we are to have a family unit on that composition. The distribution of estates in the Quran

The wife ordained portion is 1/8 or 3/24
The children ordained portion is 2/3 or 16/24
The parent ordained portion (1/6 each) 1/3 or 8/24
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Total Claim 27/24 extra 3/24
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If the testator is to make his own decision there are many options he can do to streamline the total fractions above to equal 1. See table below

1. He can take off the whole 1/8 or 3/24 from the wife who will get nothing

The children get 16/24 and the parent 8/24 this will add to 24/24 equal 1.

2. He can take off the 3/24 from the children, they get less

The wife gets 3/24, the children gets 13/24 and the parents gets 8/24 and this will adds to 24/24.

3. He can take off the 3/24 from the parent, they get less

The wife gets 3/24, the children get 16/24 and the parent gets 5/24 and this will add up to 24/24.

But by doing one of the above it will expose the testator preference of his love ones, which means if he takes off from his wife the 1/8 or 3/24 unconsciously he loves more of his children and his parent. Should he decides to take off from his children 3/24 it means he loves more of his parents and if he takes off 3/24 from his parents he is showing that he is nearer and loves his children more than the parents.

However God in the Quran want us to make a decision based on His guidance and He said in the Surah 4:11

…….Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-knowing, Al-wise. (Surah 4:11)

The tip above send a straight message with regards of our children and our parent that since we do not know who are nearest in benefit between them to us but we are responsible to make a decision to reduce the ordained 3/24 from the total claimant of 27/24 in our will and as God mentioned the children and parent, it means the wife portion of 3/24 is to remain intact.

To be fair if God says that we do not know who are nearest to us in benefit between our children and our parent the best solution is to take off from them half of 3/24 (or 6/48) and the formula will be as below and it will certainly be with God’s Blessing

The original ordained portion in the Quran before writing of a will

Wife to get 3/24 or 6/48,
Children to get 16/24 or 32/48
Parent 8/24 or 16/48 Total 54/48 an over claim of 6/48

The ordained portion after officially writing a will before dying

Wife to get 6/48
Children 32/48 (minus 3/48) 29/48
Parent 16/48 (minus 3/48) 13/48 Total 48/48 equal 1

(the same exercise as above if woman is the testator except her husband get ¼)

What can be observed from the law of inheritance in the Quran is that blood relation is important and all relatives mentioned that make up the composition of the family unit of their ordained portion must be reserved for them and only if there is free portion left can a person will it to whom he pleases. In the case where the composition of the wife, the children and the parent are still living we can conclude that it is our will that it be reduced as God wants us to write it as He guides us in the Quran.

This is the Limits (Hudud) set by God and those who follow it will be rewarded in heavens and those who disobey the limit above will be admitted in the fire.

Those are limits set by Allah: those who obey Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to abide therein (for ever) and that will be the supreme achievement. But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a Fire, to abide therein: And they shall have a humiliating punishment. (Surah 4:13-14)

Asar