Daily Routine Tips According to the Sunnah of Prophet (saw)
Niqabi
1. Observe Qiyaam Al-Layl

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu): “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The best prayer after those prescribed is (the prayer performed) in the depth of night.” [Sahih Muslim and Musnad Ahmad]

“May Allah have mercy on a man who wakes up at night, prays and wakes his wife to pray; and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah have mercy on a woman who wakes up at night, prays, and wakes her husband to pray and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.” (hasan) by Shaikh al-Albani (Abu Dawud) 


2. Sleep A little

He (saw) also said: “The most beloved prayer to Allah was of Dawud (alaihi as-salam). He slept one half of the night, got up (and prayed) for one third, and then slept (the remaining) one sixth.” [Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]


3. Observe the Sunnah 2 rak'ah of Fajr & Lie down

`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) finished the `Isha prayer, he would perform eleven Rak`ah before the Fajr prayer, concluding each two Rak`ah with Taslim (i.e., saying As-Salamu `Alaikum) and observing the Witr (odd) at the end. When the Mu'adhdhin finished proclaiming Adhan for the Fajr prayer and it was dawn, he would rise and perform two short Rak`ah, and then would lie down on his right side till the Mu'adhdhin came to (inform) him about Iqamah. [Muslim].


4. Pray Fajr

Bukhari and Muslim and An-Nasaaee related on the authority of Ibn Mas’ud (radiallaahu-anhu) that he said: The case of a man who slept all the night up to sunrise (without waking up for Fajr) was related to the Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) whereupon he said: “That was a man in whose ear Shaytaan has urinated”, or he said “in both his ears”.

The Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said: “Shaytaan ties three knots on the crown of any one of you in your sleep. He says upon each knot that he ties: “You have a long night before you, therefore sleep”. But if you wake up and mention Allah, Most Exalted in remembrance, one knot will be untied. If you then make ablution, another knot will be undone. If you then proceed to pray, the last knot will be disentangled. Thus, you will feel in the morning energetic and in good spirits. Otherwise you will feel in a despicable state, lazy”. [narrated by Maalik, Bukhaaree, Muslim and Abu Dawood]


5. Stay awake & Work (or Visit Friends; see no: 10)

At-Tirmidhee narrated upon the authority of Al Ghamdi that the Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said: “O Allah bless my Ummah in its early rising!” and whenever he dispatched an expedition or army he sent them early at the beginning of the day. Sakhr was a merchant who always sent his merchandise early in morning thus, becoming wealthy (Saheeh Sunan at Tirmidhee). That is why we find the craftsmen and traders are particular about making good use of this time. Those who sleep up to the late morning have denied themselves the blessings of this early hour.


6. Pray Dhuha

Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, " In the morning, charity is due on every joint bone of the body of everyone of you. Every utterance of Allah's Glorification (i.e., saying Subhan Allah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Praise (i.e., saying Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity and every utterance of declaration of His Greatness (i.e., saying La ilaha illAllah) is an act of charity; and enjoining M`aruf (good) is an act of charity, and forbidding Munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two Rak`ah Duha prayers which one performs in the forenoon is equal to all this (in reward) .'' [Muslim].

`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to perform four Rak`ah of Duha prayer (at the forenoon) and would add to them whatever Allah wished. [Muslim].

Umm Hani, daughter of Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I went to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) on the day of the conquest of Makkah. He was taking a bath at that time. When he finished the bath, he performed eight Rak`ah (of optional) prayers. This was during the Duha (forenoon). [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


7. Pray Dhuhr

The Prophet (peace be upon him) would offer the Noon prayer closer to its earliest time in the winter and postpone it a bit in the Summer. Anas (ra) relates: "When it became very cold, he used to perform prayer earlier, and when it became extremely hot, he used to delay the prayer until it became cooler." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (855)]


8. Take a Mid-day Nap

Narrated Thumama: Anas (ra) said, "Um Sulaim used to spread a leather sheet for the Prophet (ﷺ) and he used to take a midday nap on that leather sheet at her home." Anas (ra) added, "When the Prophet (ﷺ) had slept, she would take some of his sweat and hair and collect it (the sweat) in a bottle and then mix it with Suk (a kind of perfume) while he was still sleeping. "When the death of Anas bin Malik (ra) approached, he advised that some of that Suk be mixed with his Hanut (perfume for embalming the dead body), and it was mixed with his Hanut. (sahih bukhari)

Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) went to Fatima's house but did not find `Ali there. So he asked, "Where is your cousin?" She replied, "There was something between us and he got angry with me and went out. He did not sleep (midday nap) in the house." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked a person to look for him. That person came and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! He (Ali) is sleeping in the mosque." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) went there and `Ali was lying. His upper body cover had fallen down to one side of his body and he was covered with dust. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) started cleaning the dust from him saying: "Get up! O Aba Turab. Get up! O Aba Turab (literally means: O father of dust). (sahih bukhari)

Narrated Sahl: "We never had an afternoon nap nor meals except after offering the Jumua prayer." (sahih bukhari)


9. Pray Asr

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “There are angels who take turns in visiting you by night and by day, and they all assemble at the dawn (Fajr) and the afternoon (`Asr) prayers. Those who have spent the night with you, ascend to the heaven and their Rubb, Who knows better about them, asks: `In what condition did you leave My slaves?’ They reply: `We left them while they were performing Salat and we went to them while they were performing Salat.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who The observes Al-Bardan (i.e., Fajr and `Asr prayers) will enter Jannah.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


10. Visit Friends in the Evening (or Morning)

Narrated `Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet) "I do not remember my parents believing in any religion other than the Religion (of Islam), and our being visited by Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) in the morning and in the evening. One day, while we were sitting in the house of Abu Bakr (my father) at noon, someone said, 'This is Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) coming at an hour at which he never used to visit us.' Abu Bakr said, 'There must be something very urgent that has brought him at this hour.' The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'I have been allowed to go out (of Mecca) to migrate.' " (Sahih bukhari)


11. Pray Maqrib

Narrated Salama: "We used to pray the Maghrib prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) when the sun disappeared from the horizon." (Sahih Bukhari)


12. Pray Isha (or delay)

It was narrated that Abu Barzah Al-Aslami said: "The Messenger of Allah used to like to delay the 'Isha', and he disliked sleeping before it, and engaging in conversation after it." (Sahih) (sunan ibn majah)

Abu Hurairah narrated that: Allah's Messenger said: "If it were not that it would be a hardship on my Ummah, then I would have ordered you to delay Isha until the third of the night, or its half." (Sahih) (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Once the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) delayed the `Isha' (night) prayer till midnight. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) turned to us after the prayer and said, "All the people slept after offering their prayers, but you who waited, will be accounted as if you were engaged in your prayer throughout the period.''  [Al-Bukhari]. (Riyal As-Saaliheen)


13. Sleep (unless you have something important to do)

 Narrated / Authority Of: Aisha: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) did not sleep before the Isha nor stay up (talking) after it.” (Hasan) (Sunan ibn Majah)

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) used to stay up until late at night with his companions teaching them and counseling them about that which is good for the Muslims. Omar narrated "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) used to stay late at night - at Abu Bakr 's home - to deal with some Muslim affairs" [ Ahmad ].


14. Pray Witr before Sleeping or Delay (until after Qiyaam al-layl)

Abu Hurayra said, "The Prophet told me to pray the witr before going to sleep." (Sahih Bukhari)

'Aisha narrated, 'Allah's Apostle offered Witr prayer at different nights at various hours extending (from the 'Isha prayer) up to the last hour of the night. (Sahih Bukhari)


* Read Quran at a time when one can be consistent in reading it daily, and have the best presence of heart. A’isha (ra) said, “The actions most beloved to the Messenger of Allah (saw) were those performed consistently” [Bukhari and Muslim]


*Fast Voluntarily on mondays, thursdays & 3 days of every Lunar month. Qatadah bin Milhan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) directed us to observe Saum (fasting) on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month. [Abu Dawud].

`Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Observing Saum (fasting) on three days of every month is equivalent to a full month's fasting .'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Abu-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: My friend (the Messenger of Allah) (PBUH) directed me to observe Saum (fasting) for three days in every month, to perform two Rak`ah (optional) Duha prayer at forenoon, and to perform the Witr prayer before going tobed. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

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Origin of Idolatory in Mecca
Niqabi
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained to us how idol worship originated, which highlights the gradual and patient approach of Satan. After a group of righteous people died, Satan inspired those around them to erect statues in their honour and as reminder of their righteousness. When that generation passed away and the people had forgotten why the statues were erected, Satan deceived them into believing that their forefathers used to worship them, and that through them, the rains were brought forth. People then began worshipping these statues.
Ibn Abbas explained: "Following upon the death of those righteous men, Satan inspired their people to erect statues in the places where they used to sit. They did this, but these statues were not worshipped until the coming generations deviated from the right way of life. Then they worshipped them as their idols." 
In his version, Ibn Jarir narrated: "There were righteous people who lived in the period between Adam and Noah and who had followers who held them as models. After their death, their friends who used to emulate them said: 'If we make statues of them, it will be more pleasing to us in our worship and will remind us of them.' So they built statues of them, and , after they had died and others came after them, Iblis crept into their minds saying:'Your forefathers used to worship them, and through that worship they got rain.' So they worshipped them."
Ibn Abi Hatim related this story: "Waddan was a righteous man who was loved by his people. When he died, they withdrew to his grave in the land of Babylonia and were overwhelmed by sadness. When Iblis saw their sorrow caused by his death, he disguised himself in the form of a man saying: 'I have seen your sorrow because of this man's death; can I make a statue like him which could be put in your meeting place to make you remember him?' They said: 'Yes.' So he made the statue like him. They put it in their meeting place in order to be reminded of him. When Iblis saw their interest in remembering him, he said: 'Can I build a statue of him in the home of each one of you so that he would be in everyone's house and you could remember him?' They agreed. Their children learned about and saw what they were doing. They also learned about their remembrance of him instead of Allah. So the first to be worshipped instead of Allah was Waddan, the idol which they named thus." The essence of this point is that every idol from those earlier mentioned was worshipped by a certain group of people. It was mentioned that people made picture sand as the ages passed they made these pictures into statues, so that their forms could be fully recognized; afterwards they were worshipped instead of Allah.
Wadd is an idol in the shape of a man, Sua'a an idol in the shape of a woman, Yaghouth an idol in the shape of a lion, Ya'ouk an idol in the shape of a horse, and Nasran idol in the shape of an eagle. They were idols worshiped by the Arabs. There were other idols, but these were mentioned specifically because they were the greatest and most famous amongst them.
Each idol was adopted by a tribe, eg. Wadd by the tribe of Kalb, Sua'a by Hamadan, Nisr by Himyar.
It is said that these were names of pious people between the times of Prophets Adam and Nuh. Another opinion says they were children of Prophet Adam. After they passed away Iblis convinced their people to make idols of them to remember them. When the first generation of those people dies, Iblis told their offspring that they were worshiped by their fathers so they worshiped them.
When Prophet Nuh came, he called them to abandon the idols for the tawheed of Allah, but they did not listen, and they were punished by the flood. The flood threw these idols into the Arabian city of Jeddah and the outskirts of Mecca, where they were buried there by the sands.
Opinion 1: Amr Bin Luhay was a druid in jahiliyya who had contact with the jinn. A jinn came to him, led him to the buried idols and convinced him to call the Arabs to their worship. So Ibn Luhay excavated the idols and in the hajj season called the Arabs to their worship. The Arabs agreed and the idols were distributed amongst the tribes. As a result the Arabs worshiped the same idols as the previous people.
These 5 idols were the same idols that the people of Nuh (as) used to worship. Names of the 5 idols: Wadd, Suwa, Yaghuts, Ya’uq, & Nasr
“Nuh said, ‘My Lord, indeed they have disobeyed me and followed him whose wealth and children will not increase him except in loss. And they conspired an immense conspiracy. And said, ‘Never leave your gods and never leave Wadd or Suwa’ or Yaghuth and Ya’uq and Nasr.’ “ (Surat Nuh, 71:22-24)
Why mention these 5 idols by their names?
These are 5 idols that Arabs used to actively worship.
These 5 are mentioned among the hundreds of thousands idols in Surat Nuh because they were uncovered by Amr bin Luhay, & he knew of them because of a jinn. The next surah after Surat Nuh is Surat Al-Jinn, so there’s a connection here.
It was narrated that Umm Salmah and Umm Habibah told Allah's Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about the church called "Maria" which they had seen in the land of Abyssinia. They described its beauty and the pictures therein. He said: "Those are the people who build places of worship on the grave of every dead man who was righteous and then make therein those pictures. Those are the worst of creation unto Allah." (Sahih al Bukhari)
Worshipping anything other than Allah is a tragedy that results not only in the loss of freedom; its serious effect reaches man's mind and destroys it as well. Almighty Allah created man and his mind with its purpose set on achieving knowledge the most important of which is that Allah alone is the Creator and all the rest are worshippers (slaves). Therefore, disbelief in Allah, or polytheism, results in the loss of freedom, the destruction of the mind, and the absence of a noble target in life. (By worshipping anything other than Allah, man becomes enslaved to Satan, who is himself a creature and becomes harnessed to his own baser qualities). Into this environment Allah sent Noah with His message to his people. Noah was the only intellectual not caught in the whirlpool of man's destruction which was caused by polytheism.
Religious Background of Arabia
Understanding the religious background of Arabia will help us to know the environment in which Rasoolullah (sallallaahu alaihi wassalam) lived.
Religion in Arabia obviously started with thouheed (oneness of God) because it was started by Ismail (aliahissalam). He was a Prophet to the Arabs and they followed as Muslims believing in the oneness of Allah. So what went wrong down the line to reach to the level they were at when Rasoolullah (SAW) was sent to them?
In the time of Rasoolullah (SAW) there were three religions in Arabia – idol worshipping, Christianity and Judaism.
Start of Idol Worshipping in Arabia
Opinion 2: Amir bin Luhai al Khuzai, the leader of Khuza, was very generous, strong and much respected and admired by his people in such a way that his words were taken as law. He travelled to sham (according to the translation its today’s Syria even though it includes Syria, Palestine and Jordan) and finds idols over there.
He asked the people, “What are these?”
They told him, “Well these are intermediates between us and Allah. So if we want to ask for rain, we ask them. They appeal on our behalf to Allah. When we want children, we go to a different idol. When we are at war, we have a certain idol. We have idols for anything we want. They appeal to God for us and perform things for us.”
Amir bin Luhai said, “Excellent, this is what we need. We need someone to appeal to our Lord for rain, for wealth. How about you hand me over one of these idols so I can take it back home?”.
They gave him a pretty good , huge idol called “hubel”. The right arm of hubel was missing and it was in the figure of a man and had a beard. He carried hubel back to Mecca and established it next to al-Kaaba in al-Haram and attached to it a hand made of Gold. He told the people, “these will intercede on your behalf to Allah (subhaanahu wa thaala). Ask them whatever you want.
Mecca being the centre and authority of Arabia, bring an idol to Mecca carried with it such a heavy weight. Arabs coming to Mecca from all over the peninsula were exposed to this new bid’a (innovation in religion). It started spreading like wild fire to all corners of Arabia because it was coming from the religious centre and it was adopted by Amir bin Luhai al Khuzai who was so respected by his people.
Now it became a business in Mecca making idols and exporting to other tribes. Every tribe would come to Mecca and carry back home a replica of idol because they cannot all the time come to Mecca to ask from hubel.
It started as small, but then the concept extended further making portable ones. They could carry it in their backpack wherever and whenever they are travelling. . They were made in different shapes and forms; an idol for each and every purpose. Al-kaaba was polluted with idols – 360 idols surrounding it. Shirk is now in every direction. What started with one idol imported turned now into a huge exporting business and shirk in every direction in Mecca.
That’s how the religion of Ismail (a) changed down the line. Rasoolullah (SAW) says, “I’ve seen Amir bin Luhai al Khuzai dragging his intestines in hell fire, because he was the first one to change the religion of Arabs.”
A story from the life of Umar bin Khathab (radhiyallaahu anhu)
A story of Umar bin Khathab relates – he was once seen crying and laughing; and was asked about it. He said, “The reason I was laughing is I remembered in the time of jahiliya (ignorance), I was travelling and wanted to pray. But then I remembered that I forgot to bring my god with me. So what I did is I tried to think of a way to pray. I had some dates with me and molded them into a form of an idol. I worshipped it. Later on that night I became hungry, so I ate my idol.” He was looking back and thinking – what was I doing?
This is how Islam changed them. See who the Sahabah were and how they are transformed by Islam in a very short period. That’s a miracle Islam where it could change a people of nothing to the greatest status is history.
Who would Umar bin Khathab be without Islam? Abbas Mahmood al Waqqad asked this question in his book about Umar bin Khathab. He said may be Umar could become the leader of his clan, family of Banu Udhaib which was a very small branch of Quraish. Or may be he could have been one of the leaders of Quraish. Or to extend it further, he might be the head of Quraish which is a far fetched assumption because the other clans of Quraish who held power in the past would never allow such a thing to happen to start with. But the most likely scenario would be that Umar bin Khathab would die at a young age because he used to drink a lot before Islam and would have been an obscure figure in history.
With Islam, he not only became the leader of Quraish or Arabia but became the ruler of two-thirds of the world at that time – one of the greatest ever lived in history
Imam Ibn Qayyim said "The Shaitan has misled most people by beautifying for them the performance of certain voluntary acts of worship such as voluntary prayers and voluntary fasting while neglecting other obligatory acts of worship such as enjoining the good and eradicating the evil, to the extent that they do not even make the intention of performing them….For the essence of our religion is to perform what Allah (SWT) ordered us to do. The one who does not perform his obligations is actually worse than the one who performs sins. Anyone having some knowledge about the revelation of Allah, the guidance of the Prophet (SAW) and the life of the companions would see that those who are pointed at today as the most pious people are in fact the least pious… Indeed, what deen and what good is there in a person who witnesses the sanctities of Allah (SAW) being violated, His Hudood not applied, His religion abandoned, the Sunnah of His Messenger (SAW) shunned, and yet remains still with a cold heart and a silent tongue - a dumb Shaitan. In the same way the one who talks falsehood is a speaking Shaitan. Isn''t the misfortune of Islam due only to those who whenever their food and positions are secure, would not care about what happens to the religion? The best among them would offer a sorry face. But if there was a shortcoming in one of the things their heart is attached to like their rank or money, they would sacrifice and strive and strain and struggle and use the three levels of prevention (their hands, tongues and hearts, as mentioned in hadith 49) according to their capability. These people, besides deserving the anger of Allah, are afflicted with the greatest calamity without even knowing it: They have a dead heart. Indeed the more alive a person''s heart is, the stronger its anger for the sake of Allah and the more complete his support to Islam and Muslims"
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How the Salaf raised their Children
Niqabi
Notes from a lesson by Abu Khadija Abdul Wahid

Age of 0-7
You play with them. You teach them Islam but make the learning easy and dont be harsh with them.
Age of 7-14
this is the age where you discipline and tell them to memorise Qur'an and ahadith. They know how to honor and respect and sit in a dhars.
Age of 14-21
the parent should be his children's companion and you make consultation with them over issues, you ask their opinion. The parent can leave his children at home by himself if the parent has to go out because his old enough now.
Some parents let their children play between the ages of 7-14, which is wrong.
Some children at the age of 12-14 would participate in jihad in the time of the prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam).
Shaykh Abdul Wahab was the imaam of the masjid and memorised the whole quran and got married at the age of 12.
Signs of adulthood are 3:

* Hair growing on private parts.
* Wet dreams so they could have sexual intercourse.
* Menses (for women).
Age of 15.
Whichever 1 of these come, then they are adults.
Abu bakr Sijistanee compiled his first book at 11 regarding the biography of a great imaam and his father was pleased with that. Now children are too busy with games.
We should tell our children to read biographies of the salaf and then write about it and ask why he wrote those points especially. The more the children read these books, they will become more encouraged by them and the salaf will become their role models. Also ask the children the names of the imaams of the salaf.
When Abu Dawud was 8 yrs old, he witnessed the funeral of Imaam Isaac ibn Rahawai who died in the second century after hijrah. But now people dont take their children to the janazah. If the youth go off the rails its because of bad companionship or weak parenting or both.
Imaam Ahmed would read the musnad of his, which had the collection of 40,000 ahadith to his children for 12 years.
Tell your children to study the deen first and then they can do their homework afterwards because the deen is the priority. Read and memorise the deen every day.
We should attach our hearts to the ulama and we should see them and take our children to see them, before they pass away.
Make your children tulaab and take them to the masjid and keep them from bad company. When they go the masjid, tell them to always take their notepads even if theres no dhars on, just in case they hear a benefit.

You shouldnt just leave them on the streets or schools, rather you give them tarbiyyah of the sunnah and the staying away from bidah. You shouldnt always keep them inside the home.
Teach the child to not speak until he is permitted to speak.
Teach the child not be rowdy around you. If parents are telling the child off, you should teach the child to not look into your eyes, rather look down.
The child should sit with his parents like a student sits with a shaykh, mathalan you dont raise your feet infront of a shaykh. The father teaches his children to serve the guests.
Teach your child to seek permission to leave the room. Also when your out, you teach your child to let you through the door first.
Teach the children that they should treat with respect his parents friends. Some parents tell their children not to call them mum or dad but by their names, this is not correct.
Sometimes children at 8 are screaming and shouting at home, like babies. This is not correct either.
Make your children close to you, not distant and put a desire of ilm in them.
~ End of dhars.

Below is a bit of extra info by Abu Talha Dawud Burbank:
Imaam adh -Dhahabee - rahimahullaah -mentioned in 'Siyar A`laamin-Nubalaa.' (10/233), in his biography of aboo Mushir `Abdul-A`laa ibn Mushir ad-Dimash qee:" Ibn Zanjawayh said:
I heard Aboo Mushir say: "Strictness with a child at an early age will bring about increase in his intellect in later life."
[adh -Dhahabee said about Aboo Mushir in his biography in 'al-Kaashif': The Imaam, Aboo Mushir al-Ghassaanee, the Shaikh of Shaam. (He narrated) from Sa`eed ibn `Abdil-`Azeez, and (Imaam) Maalik; and from him (narrated): Ibn Ma`een, Aboo Haatim, and`Abdur-Rah maan ibn ar-Ruwaas.
He was from the finest of the scholars, and from the most eloquent and correct in speech,  and one of those who memorized most. He was threatened with the sword to force him to say that the Quraan was created, but he refused, so he was imprisoned. He died in Rajab, in the year 218 (H)."]
* Ibnul-Jawzee - rahimahullaah - reported in ' Dhammul-Hawaa ' (p.116) that Ibraaheem ibn Ishaaq al-Harbee (d.285 H) said:
"Keep your children away from evil companions, before it happens that you have immersed them in, and dyed them with affliction", and he said: "The beginning of the corruption of children comes about from one
another."
[Reference: Dr.Sulaymaan ibn Ibraaheem al-`Aayid's introduction to 'Ghareebul-Hadeeth ' of Ibraaheem al-Harbee.]
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Nature Of Women
Niqabi

Shaykh Raslaan ﺣﻔﻈﻪ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ :

“Women are sensitive. One wrong word and she will run away from you. One right word and she will come sit next to you.”

(Mu’asharah an’Nisa)

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Muslim Woman: Should seek knowledge or take care of house?
Niqabi
Question: Which is better for a Muslim woman, taking care of her house and husband, or devoting her time to seeking knowledge, and bringing a servant to take care of the house?
Answer: Yes, it is obligatory for a Muslim woman to strive to understand her religion as much as possible, but serving her husband, obeying her husband and raising her children are also important obligations. She should make time to learn every day, even if it is only a little. Or she should put aside some time for reading and then the rest of her time will be for her daily work. In this way she will not be neglecting learning and she will not be neglecting her work and children and leaving them to a servant to look
after. Seeking balance in this matter, by setting aside time for learning, even if it is a little, and time for her housework, will be sufficient for her.

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan – al-Fataawa
al-Jaami’ah li’l-Mar’ah al-Muslimah , part
3, p. 1085
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Umm Sulaym: A Pious Mother
Niqabi

Umm Sulaym (may Allah be pleased
with her) accepted Al-Islam and she
mentioned that:

Abu Anas came after being away
and he said: “You have become one
who has no religion.” She responded
by saying: “I did not, rather I believe
in this man.” She began to teach
Anas; she would say to him: say:
“Laa Ilaaha Illallaah”, say “I bear
witness that Muhammad is the
Messenger of Allah.” Anas ibn
Maalik (may Allah be pleased with
him) said it. His father said to her:
“Do not corrupt my son.” She would
respond by saying: "Indeed I am not
corrupting him."

Benefits from this:

1. The companions of the Prophet
(sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used
to command their children with the
Tawheed of Allah and the following
of the Sunnah of the Prophet
(sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam).

2. When a parent accepts Islam, the
parent should encourage the child/
children to say the two testimonies
of faith.

3. Refuting those who speak ill of
Islam.

4. Teaching Islam does not corrupt
the people, rather it brings about the
rectification of the people.

5. The enemies of Islam of the past
sought to extinguish the light of
Allah with their mouths by speaking
ill of Islam and distorting the image
of Islam.

6. The enemies of Islam today use
the same tactics, which they have
learned from their evil predecessors,
against the call of Islam.

7. The command to save oneself and
family from the hell-fire was being
implemented by Umm Sulaym.

8. Umm Sulaym is one of the good
examples from the Sahaabiyyaat of
a mother.

Source: Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa
2/305

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Disciplining the Soul by Ib al-Jawzi
Niqabi
Section One: Act which lead the Wives Astray


A husband should not joke with his wife often, so that she does not belittle him and hence become disobedient. Moreover he should not place all his money in her hands, so that he is not placed under her control as she could take his money and leave him. Allah, May He be exalted, said,



وَلاَ تُؤْتُوا السُّفَهَاءَ أَمْوَالَكُمُ الَتِي جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ قِيَاماً


“And give not to the foolish your money which Allah has made a means of support for you.” [al-Nisa’ 4:5]


Rather he should joke with her, while maintaining his prestige and status.


Section Two: How to discipline a Spouse


The best way to discipline a woman is by preventing her from speaking with other women (who are not righteous, who possess evil traits and morals) and from leaving the house (unnecessarily). Further, and elderly woman should be assigned to discipline her, teaching her how to respect her husband, informing her of the rights of a husband, also to dignify in her eyes he who spends moderately, and act as her preserver for the insanity of a youth is dangerous.


Section Three: Marrying concurrent to One’s Age


If an aged man marries a woman who is not a young immature girl, nor an old feeble woman, then that would be better for him as she would be less arrogant and more respectful towards him.


Section Four: Needs of a Young Man


A young man demands what he wants, he cannot be enforced to do what he does not like, therefore if he wants to enjoy women then it is a choice he can take i.e. he could buy young slaves girls, if he is able to. This is because young (slave) women do not have jealousy or, at least, they do not possess it excessively, because they are owned and because of their owner’s ability to replace them and sell them. He, however should assign a keeper to monitor them and also have another keeper to observe the already assigned keeper.


Section Five: Being Content with what one has


If a man is granted a woman who is exactly everything he desired, he should forget what he missed for the sake of what he has, because branches are never mentioned when origins and roots are preserved, also having an excessive amount of women requires a lot, the least of which is taking care of them.


From the Book: “Disciplining the Soul” Ibn al-Jawzi (d. 597 AH)
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Husbands must beautify themselves for their Wives
Niqabi
Allah says:
“And the women have the same rights as those that are over them from what is reasonable.”
[Sooratul-Baqarah 2: 228]
Al-Haafidh Ibn Katheer in his explanation of this verse said:
“It means that they have rights over the men similar to the rights that the men have over them. So giving each other their mutual rights is obligatory from what is reasonable…
Wakee’ said on the authority Basheer ibn Sulaymaan, on the authority of ‘Ikramah, on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas who said:
“Verily I love to beautify myself for my wife  just as I love my wife to beautify themselves for me because Allah says:
“And the women have the same rights as those that are over them from what is reasonable.”
[Sooratul-Baqarah 2: 228]
If a man beautifies himself, it helps the woman in lowering her gaze and it helps to bring the hearts close together.
Some men go to their wives and they are unkempt, dirty, and foul smelling. He bathes and perfumes himself to go out with his friends, but when he returns he is as I mentioned earlier which causes dislike in the heart and disgust in the soul.
Just as you ask your wife, when she is in front of you, to be beautiful looking and pleasant smelling, she also asks this of you. She has feelings just as you do, and she has senses just as you do. Men, fear Allah in yourselves and in your women.”
Helping her with housework 
‘Aa’ishah (radiallaahu anha) was asked, “What does the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) do with his family?” She said: “He was busy with his family until it was time to pray and then he prayed.” [Saheeh al-Bukhari]
On the authority of al-Qaasim, on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah (radiallaahu ‘anhaa) that he asked, “What did he Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) do in his house?” She said: “He was a man among men, he cleaned his garment, he milked his sheep and he served himself.” [Ahmad with an authentic chain]
On the authority of ‘Urwah ibn az-Zubayr, on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah (radiallaahu ‘anhaa) that he asked, “What did the Messenger of Allah  (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) do in his house?” She said: “He mended his garment, patched his shoes and he did in his house what men do in their houses.” [Ahmad with an authentic chain]
The female student of Islamic knowledge especially needs her husband’s help in raising the children and caring for them, in order for her to study from the Qur’an and Sunnah what is needed for her to practice her religion and assist her in bringing up her children in a proper and sound way. We ask Allah to guide our men.
Source: Umm Salamah as-Salafiyyah – Excerpt from her book: Supporting the Rights of Believing Women
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Striving to be a Healthy & Fit Muslim
Niqabi
As Muslims, we believe Islam is a complete way of life, providing a foundation and framework for all its aspects. In a time when increasing emphasis is being placed upon physical fitness and recreation, we should know how to maximize our benefit from these pursuits in accordance with our Islamic values. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) was a healthy, fit and active human being. He always encouraged being active and health cautious.

Hasan bin Ali (ra) reported, “…All the parts of his (saw) body were of moderate size, and fully fleshed. His (saw) body was proportionately jointed. His (saw) chest and stomach were in line, but his (saw) chest was broad and wide. The space between his (saw) shoulders was wide. The bones of his (saw) joints were strong and large (denoting strength). When he (saw) removed his (saw) clothing, his (saw) body looked bright and had a lustre (or rather those parts of the body that were not covered by his (saw) clothing were also bright and shining, compared with those parts of the body that were covered by his (saw) clothing.” (Shamaa’il Muhammadhiya)

The Prophet (saw) once wrestled with a man called Rukhanah who was well known for his strength, throwing him down more than once.  (reported by Abu Dawud.)
Various reports indicate that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) participated and or encouraged the following sports related activities:
• swimming
• archery
• horse riding
• walking
• racing
• playing with one’s family

Prophet (saw) said, “Anything which is not included in the remembrance of Allah is useless and futile except for four things; playing with one’s spouse, training one’s horse, walking between two targets (while aiming arrows), and learning how to swim”. (al Jami’ al Saghir)

He himself used to walk at a fast pace and those who walked with him had difficulty keeping with him.  In a hadith reported by Ali (r) in Tirmidhi, he described Muhammad’s (saw) vigorous way of walking: “When he walked, because of the speed and force of the legs, it seemed as if he was descending from a high place.”  Abu Huraira in another hadith in Tirmidhi narrated that, “I did not see anyone walk faster than him, as is the earth folded for him. A few moments ago he would be here, and then there. We found it difficult to keep pace when we walked with him and he walked at his normal pace”

Ai’sha (may Allah be pleased with her) says: “I competed with the Messenger of Allah (in running) and overtook him. Later, when I had put on some weight, I once again competed with him, but this time he overtook me and said: “We’re even now”. (Sunan Abi Dawud)

Prophet (saw) said, “The strong (active) believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.” (Muslim)

While there are many kinds of strength, the obvious type is physical strength. A great Muslim mind from our history, ibn Taymiyya, also thought the Prophet was talking about physical strength. He wrote that it was preferable and more virtuous for a Muslim to have the ability to properly perform their prayers.

A contemporary scholar of our times, Salih al-Fawzaan had the following to say about physical strength and its relation to our belief and actions:
“The believer who is strong in his belief, body, and actions is better than the weak believer, the one who has weak belief, or a weak body or weak actions. That is because the strong believer is productive and accomplishes things for the Muslims, and thus they benefit from his physical strength, actions, and his strong belief.
“So this hadith is an encouragement to have strength, as Islam is the Religion on strength, the Religion of honor, the Religion of prestige!

“So the strength that is sought from us in Islam is strength in belief and its tenets, as well as strength in our actions and bodies, because all of this brings forth good things for the Muslims.

“The believer who has strong belief is more likely to be fit and in shape. This is because he understands the importance of striving and staying in shape in preparation for it, while the weak believer may easily get fat and out of shape, from his overeating and laziness. Physical strength is a direct result of strength in belief.”

Believers in Islam must take care of their spiritual, emotional and physical health.  Our bodies, the most complex of machines, are given to us by God as a trust.  They should not be abused or neglected but maintained in good order.  Diet and nutrition play a big part in maintaining the best possible health, so does a lifestyle incorporating exercise.  Islam lays emphasis on a simple diet combined with physical exercise.

Prophet (saw) said, “O `Abdullah! Have I not been formed that you fast all the day and stand in prayer all night?” I said, “Yes, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” He said, “Do not do that! Observe the fast sometimes and also leave them (the fast) at other times; stand up for the prayer at night and also sleep at night. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you.”

It was narrated from Sakhr Al-Ghamidi that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings (i.e., what they do early in the morning).” (Hasan) He said: “When he sent out a raiding party or an army, he would send them at the beginning of the day.” He said: (1) “Sakhr was a man engaged in trade, and he used to send his goods out at the beginning of the day, and his wealth grew and increased.”

Miqdam bin Madikarib said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.'

Hence, it is necessary that we pay attention to our bodies by training ourselves to increase our physical strength and keeping our bodies in shape through exercising, regardless of age, weight and gender. One doesnt need to be obese or overweight to think about their physical well being. A healthy body means a healthy mentality as well. Exercising is known to relieve stress and keep you motivated. Let us all pave our path to a healthier life, in sha Allah!

Abdullah bin Mash Al ansari (r.a) that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said: “The one who is physically healthy, safe in his community and is sufficiently nurtured will possess the whole world.”
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