This is a page of reminders, the topics include:
Modesty is something that is part of Islam. Modesty is a virtue the Prophet (peace be upon him) was keen to stress. Indeed it is a universally acclaimed virtue, with most religions and traditions praising it. However, Western societies sometimes try to cast an air of disapproval on modesty, picturing it as a weakness that inhibit a person from claiming what is due to him. Instead, they emphasize the need to be assertive so that others do not take advantage of our modesty. Worldly things meant little to the Prophet, His years as ruler of Arabia were not spent in luxury and comfort. Once an orphan, He then became the ruler of a unified Arabia; but that did not change his simple way of living. There was no time where we would be indulging in luxury. He ate the same humble food and wore the same manner of dress he had worn from his early Manhood, perhaps even more simple and humble than then. The furniture of his sleeping room consisted of a bed made of date palm leaves which left marks on his body, Umar said that on seeing this tears came into his eyes. Allah's Messenger asked the reason for his tears, he replied, "O Allah's Messenger! Why shouldn't I cry! The strings of the bed have left marks on your body. This is a small room with all your furniture, I can see what there is. The Byzantine Emperor and the Persian Emperor enjoy luxurious living while you, the Messenger of Allah and the Chosen One, live like this." The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon Him replied, "Ibn al-Khattab! Don't you like that they choose this world and we choose the Hereafter?" The Prophet could have lived in comfort if He wanted to, as some His followers were wealthy, and were ready to sacrifice anything for him. However, He would accept no charity for himself or his family. Whether in times of poverty or plenty, he was not a man devoted to the pleasures this worldly life.
Sometimes we like to complain and feel as though our lives are really tough and we go through a lot of work, we must not forget that many people including the Messengers of Allah went through the greaest of tests and hardship. What we go through is nothing compared to the pain and humiliation they went through, yet they still kept their faith even in the most deadly and dier situations. Bukhari and Abu Dawud quote Habbab ibn Arat, who said: Once, during the days of trouble and torture in Makkah, I went to God’s Messenger, who was sitting in the shade of the Ka‘bah. I was still a slave in the hands of the Makkans then. They inflicted on me severe tortures. Unable to endure those tortures any more, I requested God’s Messenger to pray to God for help and salvation. But he turned towards me and said: "By God, previous communities had to endure more pitiless tortures. Some of them were made to lie in ditches and cut in two with saws but this did not make them forsake their faith. They were skinned alive but they never became weak against the enemy. Surely God will perfect this religion, but you display undue haste. A day will come when a woman will travel alone by herself from San’a to Hadramawt fearing nothing but wild beasts. However, you show impatience."
There are many etiquette for eating and drinking, here is a brief over view.
Hazrath Anas (R.A.) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:
“There will certainly be people from my Ummah who will attempt to legalize fornication, the wearing of silk (for males), the consuming of wine and the use of musical instruments” Indeed this prophesy of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is glaring before us. Despite the clear prohibition of the use of musical instruments, great efforts are being made to “legalize” their use. While some people wish to declare all music permissible, others are opening the door slowly by declaring that only the use of some are permissible. Thus it is necessary to examine the reality of these claims in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. In Surah Luqman, Allah Ta’ala declares: “And among the people are those who purchase idle talk in order to mislead others from the path of Allah in ignorance.” Hazrath Abdullah bin Masood (R.A.) states emphatically that this verse was revealed regarding singing and musical instruments. The same has been reported from Hazrath Abdullah bin Abbas (R.A.) and Hazrath Jaabir (R.A.) (Tafseer Qurtubi). Therefore, when these illustrious students of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), who witnessed the revelation of the Ayat of the Qur’an, are clear that this verse prohibits music and musical instruments, the ‘view’ of any 21st century modern ‘scholar’ to the contrary holds no weight. Therefore the Sahaaba (R.A.), who were the direct students of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) understood the commands of the Qur’an and Hadith far better than we can ever hope to understand. Various hadith also clearly prohibit music and the use of musical instruments. Hazrath Abdullah bin Umar (R.A.) reports that once Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) heard the sound of the flute of a shepherd. He immediately placed his fingers into his ears to block out the sound (Musnad Ahmad). How tragic it is that our beloved Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) blocks his ears to the sound of music but his Ummah opens their ears wide open to the same sounds. In another narration Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “Verily Allah Ta’ala has sent me as a guidance and as a mercy to the Believers and He has commanded me to destroy musical instruments” (Musnad Ahmad) Also, experiments carried out by scientists have confirmed that the music today is such that it does not only affect the brain, but each and every organ of one's body. There is a close relationship between music and bodily movements. We find that people listening to music automatically start tapping their fingers and feet, as if the music is permeating in their blood. It is also proved that music affects ones emotions, increases arousal in terms of alertness and excitement and also leads to various physiological changes in the person. In a psychology experiment, it was found that listening to moderate type of music increased ones normal heart beat, whilst listening to rock music, the heart beat increased even further, yet people claim that music has no harmful effect. It is a very ignorant and misguided attitude to perceive music as a form of pleasure and passing of time, since the messages of todays music follow a general theme of love, fornication, bad language, murder, violence and drugs amongst many other filth. As for the permissible, the duff is a musical instrument and therefore it will primarily be included in the above prohibition. However, some concession was given for the use of the duff on the occasion of a Nikah. Also a nasheed is an Islamic-oriented song, traditionally it is a vocal music (cappella), accompanied only by a duff. This musical style is used because Islam as prohibits the use of musical instruments as already mentioned with exception of some very basic percussion. Many people admire the purity and simplicity of the music. Basically, nothing of this worldly material should distract you from the remembrance of Allah. Best are to listen to a good recitation of the Holy Quran, and sometimes to an Islamic nasheed which has good teachings in it. That way you will be listening to something worthwhile, and increasing your knowledge at the same time. Therefore music takes the mind away from the remembrance of Allah and onto evil and vice thoughts and activities, as a result it should be avoided completely.
Backbiting is a severe sin in Islam; Islam clearly prohibits this evil and filthy act. Muslims are ordered to stay away from such activities and not participate in them and warn and inform others of not doing so as well. Lies, suspicion, backbiting, slander and gossip are totally against Islam. In fact they are considered amongst the most destructive of major sins. This is so because these sins sow enmity and discord among the Muslim community and lead to its destruction. They cause hostilities between people of the same household, and between neighbours, friends and relatives.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:"Do you know what backbiting is?" They said, "Allah and His Messenger know best." He then said, "It is to say something about your brother that he would dislike." Someone asked him, "But what if what I say is true?" The Messenger of God said, "If what you say about him is true, you are backbiting him, but if it is not true then you have slandered him." (Muslim)
Therefore we should not say bad and negative things about others, even if it is true, unless it is necessary. When we are about to say something about another person, we should think and say to ourselves if the person who it is about will approve or disapprove what is to be said, and if they would disapprove, then we should contemplate if it’s necessary and essential to speak of the fault and failing in the other person.
"I asked the Messenger of God: Who is the best Muslim? The Messenger of God replied, "He is the one from whom Muslims are safe from the evil of his tongue and hands." (Muslim)
Ridiculing people in their presence by making negative facial expressions or by hand gestures while they are unaware is also a form of backbiting.
“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear God, verily, God is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an 49: 12)
Allah tells us to speak out against Slander and try to put a stop to it
“And why did you not, when you heard it, say "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to God, this is a most serious slander" (Qur’an 24:16)
If you see someone who is backbiting, whether it is your parent, brother, sister, friend or relative, it is your duty to tell them that it is wrong and they should avoid and stop it.
Surah Humazah, Chapter 104
(1) Woe to every (kind of) scandal-monger and backbiter,
(2) Who piles up wealth and layes it by,
(3) Thinking that his wealth would make him last for ever!
(4) By no means! He will be surely be thrown into That which Breaks to Pieces,
(5) And what will explain to thee That which Breaks to Pieces?
(6) (It is) the Fire of (the Wrath of) Allah kindled (to a blaze),
(7) Which will rise over the (guilty) hearts.
Islam is a beautiful religion, full of wisdom and harmony. If this wonderful religion is followed properly then a typical Muslim would only be a great example to follow. There is no place for foul and abusive language in this religion. Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: "The Prophet never used bad language neither a 'Fahish nor a Mutafahish. He used to say 'The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.' (Sahih Bukhari, Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 759)"
"O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong." (Quran 49:11)
The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, mentioned all the sins that will lead one to Hell. Muslim reports from `Iyaad ibn Himaar that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said, during a lengthy khutbah:
"…The people of Hell are five: the weak who lack the power to (avoid evil); the (carefree) who pursue (everything irrespective of wheher it is good or evil) and who have no concern for their families and their wealth; the dishonest people whose greed cannot be cocealed even in the case of minor things; and those who betray you, morning and evening, with regard to your family and your property. He also mentioned misers, liars, and those who are in the habit of abusing people and using obscene, foul language." (Muslim, 4/1297, no. 2865)
In Islam cleanliness and hygiene are emphasized to the extent that it has been considered a part of Iman (faith). It is very well known that a smoker's mouth is unclean and foul smelling 'like a cigarette ash-tray.' Allah (SWT) says:
"And forbids them what is bad." (Qur'an 7: 157)
"O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling are an abomination of Satan's handiwork. Eschew such abominations that ye may prosper." (Qur'an 5: 93)
The word intoxicant has three meanings:
Except for the first meaning, the latter two are very well valid and both applicable to nicotine, caffeine, tar and carbon monoxide. Smoking is therefore nothing but a form of slow suicide.
"And slay not the life which Allah hath forbidden..." (Qur'an 17: 33)
"And make not your own hands contribute to your destruction." (Quran 2: 195)
"Nor kill or destroy yourselves for verily Allah hath been to you most Merciful." (Qur'an 4: 29)
The Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) has said: "Nor be hurt or injure others." It is scientifically proven that the exhaled smoke of the smoker is hazardous to non-smokers around them. The amount of money also a smoker spends on cigarette smoking in a period of 30 years is calculated to be Two Hundred Thousand Dollars or more. All this money is simply wasted (not including the money spent on the smoker's health care).
"But squander not your wealth in the manner of a spend thrift, verily spendthrifts are brothers of evils." (Qur'an 17: 26-27)
The body is polluted by smoking. Hence smokers cannot pray until they have cleansed themselves. According to the Qur'an:
"O you who believe! Draw not near unto prayer when you are drunken, till ye know that which ye utter, nor when you are polluted save when journeying upon the road, till you have bathed." (Qur'an 4: 43)
The Christians consider the human body to be a sacred trust given to man by God because it contains the spirit breathed into it by God. Even the Qur'an says
"So, when I have made him and have breathed unto him of My spirit, do ye fall down, prostrating yourselves unto him” (Qur'an15: 29)
Hence the physical body should not be polluted, injured or destroyed in any way by smoking or taking of alcohol or any type of habit-forming drugs.
Conclusion
For the foregoing reasons and for reasons considered elsewhere smoking is Haram or unlawful in Islam, hence smoking should be discouraged and finally banned in all Islamic countries. All smoking Muslims should give up this unhealthy and un-Islamic activity. There are many ways and techniques available for a serious minded person to give up smoking, which cannot be discussed here. For the Muslims who sincerely practice Islam and who submit themselves to the Will of Allah, this should not be a difficult task or something too big to sacrifice for the cause of Allah.
We should abstain from yawning in an uncivilised manner.
Hadith - Bukhari 4:509, Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Yawning is from Satan and if anyone of you yawns, he should check his yawning as much as possible, for if anyone of you (during the act of yawning) should say: ‘Ha’, Satan will laugh at him.”
Hadith - Bukhari 8:242, 8:245, Narrated Abu Huraira
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah likes sneezing and dislikes yawning, so if someone sneezes and then praises Allah, then it is obligatory on every Muslim who heard him, to say: May Allah be merciful to you (Yar-hamuka-l-lah). But as regards yawning, it is from Satan, so one must try one’s best to stop it, if one says ‘Ha’ when yawning, Satan will laugh at him.”
Hadith - Muslim, Narrated AbuSa’id al-Khudri
Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) said: “When one of you yawns, he should try to restrain it with the help of his hand since it is the Satan that enters therein.”
Hadith - Mishkat, Narrated AbuHurayrah , transmitted by Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Yawning in prayer is an act of Shaytan, so when one of you yawns he should restrain it as much as possible. In another version it the word are: He should place his hand upon his mouth.”
Hadith - Mishkat, Narrated by Grandfather of Adi ibn Thabit, Transmitted by Tirmidhi
Therefore, in short, when you are about to yawn, you should either try to stop it with your mouth, or put your hand over your mouth. Also avoid making any sounds such as “AHHHHH!” This is very uncivilised, unsightly and disturbs others around you.
