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Lessons from the Birth Anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)
Author : Dr. Hassan Abu_Arqoub
Date Added : 19-11-2018

Lessons from the Birth Anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

 

 

The birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad is very close to the heart of every Muslim. Worldwide, Muslims dwell upon the Prophetic biography praising the Prophet (PBUH) in prose and poetry, sending prayers upon him and giving food in celebration.

 

His birth (Mawlid) teaches us that calling people to the way of Allah requires patience and is never a walk in the park. When a person undertakes this sacred task, he should expect aggression from the stupid and mockery from the common. He could even be attacked by the closest of kin. This is the situation that was experienced by the Prophets (PBUT) including Mohammad (PBUH). In simple terms, this is the legacy of Prophethood, and whoever continues this mission will have a taste of it.

 

We also learn that good morality has a great impact on people`s acceptance of this call and this is why the Prophet (PBUH) had the best of morals: merciful, lenient, kind, loving, pious, generous, truthful and honest. People loved him for these beautiful attributes and thus entered into Allah`s religion in crowds. In light of this occasion, the lesson that we should learn is that good morality for the one calling to the way of Allah is like the capital for the trader: once that capital is lost, the trade is rendered stagnant.

 

Moreover, such a person should have one face, be it with his household or society since, nowadays; we can notice that many people have two faces. This double personality wasn`t part of our Prophet`s morals and thus it doesn`t befit those who are entrusted with continuing his message. Accordingly, a caller to the way of Allah must have one face everywhere and at all times.

 

Further, we realize that this call entails the exertion of time, effort and wealth on the part of the caller and this is one of the best types of Jihad as calling to the way of Allah and guiding people to the right path become his one and only concern. By this, he alienates his ego and absorbs others because he means to guide them and achieve what`s best for them. 

 

In addition, we learn that companionship is of key importance, because a person is known by the company he keeps. If his companions are evil, he will be as such, but if they are good, he will be as such too. Accordingly, one should be extra careful when choosing his company, because, obviously, it has a direct effect on the life of the individuals as well as the society. When the Prophet (PBUH) wanted to build the nation of Islam, he was keen on choosing the company that was fit for that mission, and they did succeed in achieving that.

 

The Prophet`s birth isn`t a mere anniversary; rather, it is a lesson from his biography that we remind ourselves with so that it remains present in our minds. It is similar to a lighthouse that guides one though the pitch-black nights. The Prophet (PBUH) is our role model and the lantern of the truthful callers to Allah.

 

Celebrating this anniversary stresses the tight bond between the Muslim nation and its leader Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Year after year, we renew our pledge of loyalty to this honorable Prophet (PBUH) and pray that Allah, The Almighty, gathers us with him on the Day of Resurrection, Amen to that.

 

 

 

The published article reflects the opinion of its author

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Summarized Fatawaa

What is the ruling on someone who combines two prayers as an early combination (jam‘ taqdīm), and then arrives at his place of residence during the time of the second prayer — is he obligated to repeat it?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Whoever combines Ẓuhr and ‘Aṣr while traveling — that is, before he has reached the built-up boundaries of his hometown [upon returning] — his combination (jam‘) of the two prayers remains valid, even if he arrives at his place of residence before the time for the second prayer has actually begun. This is because the combination was already validly completed with its proper conditions fulfilled, and he is not obligated to repeat the second prayer [upon arrival].
A traveler is permitted to make use of the concessions of shortening (qaṣr) and combining (jam‘) prayers once the distance of travel reaches (81 km) or more, provided that his journey is a permissible one, and that he begins shortening and combining only after actually setting out on the journey and passing beyond the built-up limits of the city in which he resides. And Allah, the Exalted, knows best.

A group of about thirty young men will go to a farm on Friday. Is it permissible for one of us to deliver the sermon (*khuṭbah*) and lead us in the Friday prayer, or is it necessary to go to the nearest mosque?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah.
The Friday prayer (Jumuʿah) is not obligatory upon a traveler, whether his journey is long or short, if he leaves his place of residence before the time of Fajr begins, according to the Shāfiʿī school. If, however, he sets out on his journey after the Fajr adhān, then he is obliged to perform the Friday prayer, whether in his own town or in any town where the Friday prayer is held.
It is stated in Bushrā al-Karīm (Vol.1/p.383), one of the books of the Shāfiʿī school: “[The Friday prayer] is not obligatory upon a traveler on a permissible journey, whether long or short, if he departs from his place of residence before dawn.” End quote.
Accordingly, if you set out on your journey after Fajr, you are obliged to perform the Friday prayer in the mosque. The same applies if you set out after that, since you would not have fulfilled the conditions for the validity of the Friday prayer, among them: that it be attended by forty men who are free, adult (bāligh), sane, and settled residents of the place where Friday is held. It must be held within a cluster of connected buildings, whether a city, a village, or a district (liwāʾ), for what counts is the gathering of the buildings. And Allah Almighty knows best.

 
What is the ruling on the intention of fasting, where is its place, and when is its time?

The intention is a pillar of acts of worship; it is essential, and worship is not valid without it.
Its place is in the heart, and verbalizing it is recommended so that the tongue reminds the heart. Its meaning is to be determined to abstain from nullifiers of fasting during the upcoming day with the intention of worship and obedience to Allah Almighty. This meaning is naturally present in every Muslim on every night of Ramadan, so there is no need for obsessive doubts. If one says, "I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah," it removes any doubts.
Its time is from after sunset until before the true dawn.

What is the ruling on Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim for themselves and for those they are financially responsible for, provided they possess wealth that is surplus to their and their family's needs on the night and day of Eid.
Ibn Umar reported: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory—one sa‘ (measure) of dates or one sa‘ of barley—upon every Muslim, whether slave or free, male or female, young or old." [Narrated by Al-Bukhari]
Its estimated amount is approximately 2,500 grams of wheat or rice, and the General Iftaa` Department issues an annual ruling specifying its monetary value.