The Holiday That Never Ends

As the year draws to a close, a familiar energy fills the air. Work calendars clear, schools close their doors, and the hum of anticipation spreads through homes. Conversations revolve around travel and relaxation — a long-awaited pause from the year’s pressures. For many, this season is the long-anticipated reward: a holiday at last.

It is a natural longing — the heart’s desire to rest, to breathe, to be free from strain. Though our days are filled with striving and effort, true rest awaits only in Jannah. The real holiday is not reserved through a travel agent, nor marked on a calendar. It begins only when the journey of life ends — in the eternal peace of Jannah.

The Quran and Ahadith on Alcohol and Intoxicants

Qur'aan :

Allaah Ta’ala says (which means): O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, Al Ansaab, and Al Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Satan's handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allaah and from prayer. So will you not desist? [Qur'an 5:90].

[*Al-Ansaab were stone-altars at fixed places or graves, whereon sacrifices were slaughtered on certain occasions in the name of idols, jinn, angels, pious men, saints in order to honour them or to expect some benefit from them].

The above two-verses are an evidence that all kinds of intoxicants are prohibited by many ways, among which the scholars have mentioned the following:

1) It was compared to idol worship.

2) Allaah called intoxicants an abomination.

The 3 types of people in Ramadaan…!

All praise is due to Allah Ta’ala, may peace and salutations be upon His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), his household and companions. We are once again blessed with the Honourable month of Ramadaan. A month for renewing our faith, strengthening our willpower, and seeking forgiveness, a unique opportunity to strengthen the bond of love with our Creator, through fasting, recitation of the Quran, Taraweeh salaah, and through acts of charity.

People approach Ramadaan in different ways. Ramadaan means different things to different people. Some people view Ramadaan as a period of expressing their undying love for the Beloved. For them, Ramadaan is a valuable, precious, and rare occasion. They spend all their time doing good, convinced that the reward of each act is multiplied manifold. Patience, sympathy, and generosity beautify the demeanour. They guard their tongues and remain preoccupied in chanting Laa ilahaa illallah, seeking forgiveness, begging for Jannah, and seeking protection from Jahannam. They are driven by the words of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) that say:

Beware of the Thieves of Ramadhan

 The First Thief: 

🔸 The Television: a dangerous thief which corrupts the fast of a person and reduces the reward due to worthless series and programs and shameless shows.

 The Second Thief: 

🔹 The Market: a thief which specializes in spending money and time uselessly without reckoning. In order to overcome it, define your goal (for shopping) [i.e., make a list] before going.

💞11 ways to increase happiness in marriage💞

The young and excited bride-and-groom-to-be; ecstatic about the upcoming wedding and marriage and the joy that it will bring. Three to six months later, reality has set in and both spouses realize that marriage is no easy task, but one that takes a great deal of effort and patience. The following are tips for both wives and husbands, to help make the task a little less daunting, and to increase the many rewards that are possible in such a marvelous and complex relationship.

1️⃣Enter the Marriage with the Right Intention and Renew this Often 

Both spouses should enter the marriage with the pure intention of pleasing Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, in order to receive His grace and blessings. The marriage itself then becomes an act of worship and one for which both spouses will be rewarded. Allah Ta'ala will be pleased with them and this will be the most critical element in ensuring peace, stability and happiness throughout the marital life. It is also important to realize that when an act of worship is continued over a long period of time, it becomes necessary to renew one’s intention often to remain on the correct path and to obtain the most benefit.

The Virtues of Simplicity and Living a Simple Life

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “ The poor Muslims will enter Paradise before the rich by half of a day, the length of which is five hundred years.” Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2354

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “ If only you knew the rewards you had with Allah, you would like to be increased in poverty and need.” Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 724

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “ The most severely tested are the prophets and then the righteous. One of them would be tested with poverty until he could find nothing to cover himself but a cloak. One of them would rejoice in a trial just as one of you rejoices in prosperity.” Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4024

Loyal in Life and Death

Sayyiduna Sa’d bin Rabee’ (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a distinguished Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). He belonged to the Khazraj tribe of Madeenah Munawwarah and was among those who pledged allegiance to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) during the pledge of ‘Aqabah. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also appointed him as one of the twelve leaders of the Ansaar. (Usdul Ghaabah vol. 2, pg. 293)

When the Muhaajireen arrived in Madeenah Munawwarah, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) established the bond of brotherhood among the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum). He paired Sayyiduna Sa’d bin Rabee’ (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) with Sayyiduna ‘Abdur Rahmaan bin ‘Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) honoured this brotherhood with exceptional generosity, going far beyond what anyone could have expected.

USEFUL ISLAMIC RESOURCES FOR MAKTABS/MADRASSAHS

Below is an excellent list of information for Maktab/Madrasah teachers and for those who want to teach or learn the basics of Islam.

Also included is the pdf of the full syllabus. 

May Allah Ta'ala abundantly reward those who put this website together - Ameen.

Newsletters and Posters for Maktabs

http://talimiboardkzn.org/?page_id=654

Maktab Worksheets

http://talimiboardkzn.org/?page_id=964#tab-f8d4f80f979015d48d6

Maktab and other Documents/Forms

The Traveller

What would you think of someone who goes for Umrah on a one-week trip, and while there, buys a car, clothes, a house, groceries… He even takes dollars with him and doesn’t exchange them into the local currency. We would think that something is wrong with that person—right?

This is what most of us do: We become so busy in this life that we lose focus on its reality. We forget the everlasting life of the Hereafter.

The Messenger ﷺ once passed through the market and came across a dead goat with its ears cut off. He held it by the ear and asked, “ Who would like to have this for one dirham ?” (a very small amount at the time). The people replied that they would not take it even if it were free—what use was it to them? He ﷺ then asked, “ Would you like it if it were yours ?” They said that even if it were alive, they would not want it because of its defect—so how could they want it now that it was dead? 

Did you know the Prophet ﷺ taught a way to calm your mind from overthinking?

 1. Stop saying “what if” 

what if they leave?

what if I fail?

what if I mess everything?

Replace ’what if’ with

قَدَّرَ الله وَمَا شَاءَ فَعَلَ

Allah decreed it, and whatever He wills, He does.

Shaytan loves hypothetical disasters. He keeps you in fear so you never move forward.

Udhiya (Qurbani)

What is Udhiya?

'Udhiya' is an Arabic word meaning "blood sacrifice", and 'Qurbani' is an Urdu and Persian word derived from the Arabic word "Qurban" which literally means an act performed to seek Allah Ta'ala's pleasure. It is technically used for the sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.

The sacrifice of an animal has always been a recognised form of worship in many religions, but in the 'Shariah' (Islamic sacred law) of The Last and Final Messenger of Allah Ta'ala (Peace be upon him) the sacrifice of an animal has been recognised as a form of ibadah (worship) during the three days of the month Zul Hijjah, namely the 10th, 11th, and 12th .

The Only Audience That Matters

On her wedding day, the bride stands adorned with care. Every detail has been attended to: the garment chosen with deliberation, the jewellery placed just so, the effort of hours visible in her appearance. The women of the household admire her as they enter. Compliments follow one after another and the room hums with approval.

Yet beneath all of this praise lies a quiet, uncomfortable question: what if the one person for whom she prepared herself, her husband, remains unmoved? What if he offers no smile, no admiration, no pleasure? At that moment, all the praise of the guests begins to feel strangely hollow. Not because their words are false, but because they are secondary. The true audience was always one and the purpose of the adornment was never the crowd.

An Athiest Doctors Journey to Islam. From Crisis to Faith

Dr. Laurence Brown

There is a certain fascination with conversion stories, and for good reason. Frequently they involve dramatic life-altering events, sufficient to shock the convert out of the materialistic world and into the spiritual. Most who pass through such moments of trial and panic experience an overwhelming feeling of helplessness, and turn to their Creator in prayer. In virtually every case I know, they forget the strained theological formulas they have been taught and instinctively pray directly to our Creator.

When Faith Meets Adversity 

For example, a lady once related her ‘Born Again Christian’ conversion story on a popular evangelical television show. This lady told how she had been the sole survivor of a terrible boat-wreck. During her days and nights alone in the harsh elements of the open ocean, she told how God spoke to her, guided her and protected her and how, seeking His favor, she prayed to God and to God Alone. In her long tale, she mentioned God over and over again, and never once mentioned Jesus Christ. However, the moment she was saved by a passing ship, she threw her arms open to the heavens and yelled, “Thank you, Jesus!”

Checklists and Goals– A Simple Way to Become Closer to Allah Ta‘ala

One of the easiest ways to improve consistently is to have clear goals. Small, consistent deeds are more beloved to Allah than large deeds done occasionally.

Don't overwhelm yourself. Start with just a few goals. Once they become habits, add more. The aim is progress, not perfection.

Remember that a large yearly goal can be broken down into monthly, weekly or even daily checklists. For example, if your yearly goal is to complete the Qur'an, divide it into monthly or daily reading targets. If your goal is to give charity, set aside a small amount each week.

Make your goals SMART

S – Specific

M – Measurable

A – Attainable

R – Realistic

T – Time-bound

🌱 Tips to Break Bad Habits & Build Good Habits.

Every one of us has habits we'd like to leave behind and good habits we'd love to develop. Through sincere effort, tawbah and His help, we can change.

Many people begin to notice real change after 21–30 days of consistent effort. While every person is different, consistency over several weeks is often enough to weaken old habits and establish new ones.

Here are some tips to assist.

1️⃣ Make a sincere intention

Change for the sake of Allah alone. Every action begins with a sincere intention.

2️⃣ Choose ONE habit

Don't try to change everything at once. Focus on one habit for the next 21–30 days. Once it becomes easier, move on to the next one.

Becoming a Means of Guidance for Non-Muslims

Yesterday a new friend, let’s call her Michelle, was telling me the story of how she became Muslim.

She was born in the South, into a staunchly Christian family, Baptist. She grew up going to church on Sundays. As a young woman, she worked in one of the offices at a small university. Nobody that she lived or worked or interacted with was a Muslim.

But one day as she ate lunch, she glanced out her office window and noticed something bizarre. There was a woman with something covering her head outside and way across the parking lot who would stand, bow, and fall to the ground under a tree. When she’d finish this odd thing, she would sit with her back leaning against the tree and read a book.

Every single day during the lunch hour, this unknown woman would do this same strange routine.

Five Priceless Pearls

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once (addressed the Sahaabah [radhiyallahu ‘anhum] and) said, “Who will take these words (of advice) from me and practise upon them, or teach them to one who will practise upon them?” Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “I replied, ‘I will, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)!’ Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then held my hand and counted five (qualities). He said,

 – ‘Safeguard yourself from all haraam, you will be the greatest worshipper among the people.

– Be pleased (and content) with that (sustenance and wealth) which Allah Ta‘ala has allotted for you, you will be the wealthiest of people.

– Show your neighbour kindness, you will be a (perfect) believer.

– Love for people that which you love for yourself, you will be a (perfect) Muslim.

– Do not laugh abundantly, for abundant laughter causes the death of the (spiritual) heart.’”

(Sunan Tirmizi #2305)

The Courage to Correct

In a time when many parents are deeply concerned about their children’s happiness, confidence and emotional well-being, an important responsibility of parenting is increasingly being overlooked: the responsibility of correcting them. While love, affection and encouragement are essential in raising a child, so too is teaching him right from wrong, setting boundaries and correcting him when he goes beyond them. A child does not naturally know what is acceptable and what is not. He needs guidance, and that guidance sometimes requires a parent to say, “This is wrong,” and to firmly correct him.

Correction is not a sign that a parent does not love his child. In fact, proper correction is an expression of a parent’s love and concern. When a parent sees his child developing a bad habit, behaving disrespectfully or neglecting an important responsibility, remaining silent does not help the child. Allowing every mistake to pass without addressing it may keep the child happy for the moment, but it does little to prepare him for life. A child needs parents who will lovingly guide him, teach him boundaries and help him understand that actions have consequences.

One of the greatest mistakes that can be made in the upbringing of children is to confuse love with a permissive approach. A parent may feel that correcting the child will upset him, cause him to become distant or make him feel bad about himself. As a result, certain behaviours are repeatedly overlooked. Disrespect is tolerated, disobedience is excused, responsibilities are neglected and mistakes are brushed aside. With time, however, what was initially a small behaviour can become a deeply rooted habit.

A Muslim’s Fascinating and Disturbing Encounter with the Vikings

By :Abu Zakariya

In 921, an Arabian nobleman, Ahmad ibn Fadlan, set out on a diplomatic mission from Baghdad to the Vikings on the Volga River, known as the “Rus.” They were Nordic Vikings who had set out on voyages of trade and plunder. Ibn Fadlan was sent by the caliph in Baghdad to explore the newly conquered areas under Islamic rule.

The account of Ibn Fadlan—a distinguished and refined Islamic scholar representing the upper echelons of Islamic society—is both fascinating and disturbing. It is particularly fascinating because it reveals to us the very apparent superiority of Islam and Muslims at the time. However, it is also very telling as to how the roles have now been reversed, and it imparts some very valuable lessons that can be gleaned from history.

The work itself reveals Ibn Fadlan as a keen and fair observer. His tone is neutral, and he does not try to color the account in any biased way. One could even say that it comes off as a bit humorous sometimes due to the awkwardness of such a cultured man having to endure the company of people as low and savage as the Vikings.

Alimahs, Zalimahs, and Lazymas

Female Muslim Scholars: Past vs. Present (Alimahs, Zalimahs, and Lazymas)

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

My wife is an ‘alimah.

For the major part of my life I had assumed that her humility, respect, patience, tolerance, love, piety, attachment to the Qur’an, the quality of her khidmah towards myself and my parents, her wonderful rearing of our children, the support she gave me and the great advice and guidance that she offered when it was needed was all a result of her studies in becoming an ‘alimah.

It was only much later on in life that I realised my monumental mistake and profound error.