What to do in the End of Times?

Noting the previous post Hadith about Makkah and how it indicates that the end of times are closer (although we don't know when, it seems to be very close, Allah knows best), the question arises, "what should we do if we are found in that time?"

See:
http://seekersguidance.org/ans-blog/2011/06/09/the-end-of-times-isolating-oneself-sticking-to-the-majority-and-protection-from-the-dajjal/

 Isolation versus Community

Regarding the first hadith, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani mentions that it would seem to refer to the end of time, and that it indicates the merit of isolation in times of tribulation.

However, he also states that, in general, the preference of isolation versus remaining within the community is situation specific: there are some scenarios when isolation is preferred, such as in difficult times so as to protect one’s religious practice; and there are other situations when remaining within the community is better, so as to fulfill communal obligations and rights. [Fath al-Bari]

However, we do not know if this tribulation is specifically at the time of Dajjal’s emergence or beforehand.

Adhering to the Way of the Majority

Regarding the second hadith, Ibn Hajar mentions the general ruling that if there are many factions among the Muslims, then as per this hadith, one should avoid the disputation and stick to the majority, as well as adhere to the Noble Sunna. Some defined the “majority” as the Sahaba, and others defined them as the religious scholars in every age, since neither of these two groups will agree on misguidance. [Fath al-Bari]

Badr al-Din al-Ayni also mentions that the “majority” could either be the Sahaba or the community of scholars in any time period. He adds that the basis of interpreting the majority as the community of scholars is that they are the ones whom Allah has made a proof (hujja) against the evil among creation, and to them do the general laity turn when there is tribulation in their religious practice, such as heretical sects, reprehensible innovations, and the like.

With respect to the first “time of evil” mentioned in the hadith, some commentators said it refers to the time of fitna when our Master Uthman (Allah be well pleased with him) was killed. The subsequent “time of good” then would be the caliphate of our Master Ali (Allah ennoble his face), and the “tainted” aspect of that time would refer to the Khawarij and similar groups that caused tribulation. [Umdat al-Qari]

What is the Way of the Mainstream?

Another key hadith, also found in Sahih Bukhari, helps us understand the way of the mainstream.

Our Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “There will remain a group from my nation manifest [on truth and upholding the Sacred Law], until the matter of Allah comes [the Day of Judgment], while they are manifest.”

And in the next narration in Bukhari, there is the additional phrase “Anyone who betrays or opposes them will not harm them.”

Traditionally, this manifest group was understood to be the righteous scholars of The People of the Sunna and Majority (Ahl al-Sunna wal-Jama’a), the methodology of which is to adhere to one of the four schools of jurisprudence (Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali), as well as one of the two schools of theology (Ash’ari and Maturidi).

Yet along with such legal and theological diversity comes an appreciation and respect of valid difference of opinion, which is key in avoiding internal discord. Sunni orthodoxy is predicated upon unity and respect, not necessarily uniformity; this is essential to the strength of its methodology.

For detailed explanations of Sunni Orthodoxy, please see the following articles by Shaykh Nuh Keller and Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad:

What is a Madhhab? Why is it necessary to follow one?
Understanding the Four Madhhabs
Social Implications of Remaining with the Majority

Our Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) highlighted the importance of remaining with the group in several hadiths:

He said, “Stick to the group, and beware of being separate. For indeed, Satan is with the one who is alone, yet further from two together. Whoever wishes to live in the best part of Paradise, at its center, then let him stick to the group.” [Tirmidhi]

He is also reported to have said, “The group is a mercy, while separation is torment.” [Musnad Shihab]

Allah Most High has placed a very special mercy in the hearts of believers united for Allah. He Most High states, “The believers are but brethren,” (49:10) and our Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) explained the brotherhood of believers when he said, “The example of believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion is like a single body: if one limb complains of pain, the rest of the body’s limbs call one another [to react], with fever and insomnia.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

What to do if Dajjal Comes?

Linguistically, “dajjal” means “imposter” (kadhdhab), or literally “one who covers over,” since he covers the truth with falsehood, to the extent that he claims divinity. He is also called that because he covers the earth with so many of his followers.

He is also called “maseeh,” which has the meaning of “anointed,” since half his face is “anointed,” such that he has no eye on that side. The Dajjal is the one who brings the greatest tribulation of this life. [Misbah Munir; Tahdhib al-Asma'; Lisan al-Arab]

There are many descriptions of him in the hadith literature, such as, “Verily, your Lord is not one-eyed. Verily, the Masih Dajjal is one-eyed: his right eye is like a floating grape,” and “Between his two eyes is written: Kafir.” [Sahih Bukhari]

The sunna is to seek refuge from the tribulation of Dajjal. The dua of the Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace)—which he recited at the end of the prayer and which he taught the Companions the way he would teach them a surah of the Qur’an—was:

“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the torment of Jahannam; I seek refuge with You from the torment of the grave; I seek refuge with You from the False Messiah (dajjal); and I seek refuge with You from the tribulations of life and death.” [Sahih Muslim]

اللّهُمَّ إِنَّي أَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ جَهَنَّم وَأَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْر وَأَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَسِيْحِ الدَّجَّال وَأَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَات

The sunna is also to recite Surah Kahf, specifically the first ten verses. Our Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surah Kahf will be safe from Dajjal,” and in another narration, “So whoever among you encounters him [Dajjal], let him recite the opening verses of Surah Kahf.” [Sahih Muslim]

Lastly, if the Dajjal does come during one’s life, then one should do what one should always do: turn wholeheartedly to Allah, and continue to serve Allah’s religion. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that if a person is planting a seed and the Day of Judgment suddenly begins, he should continue planting the seed. [Musnad Ahmed]

Whether it is the end of the world or not, there is much work to be done, so as to serve this ummah and gain the pleasure of Allah Most High.

And Allah knows best.

Hadith Prophecy about Makkah- Signs of Day of Judgement

"Until recently the people were not able to understand the real meaning of this Hadith, but now the meaning has become quite clear to them. It is narrated by Sayyidina Abdullah bin Umar that: 

"When the belly of Makkah will be cleft open and through it will be dug out river-like passage (i.e. tunnels) and the buildings of the Holy City of Makkah will rise higher than its mountains when you observe these signs, then understand that the time of trial is near at hand" (Kitab al-Fitan (1:43 no. 59) and Fath al-Bari (Kitab al-Hajj)).

Mufti Taqi Usmani then explains:

"This Hadith has continued on records of the last fourteen centuries. The commentators of the Hadith felt baffled, while explaining this Hadith as they could not understand how belly of' the Holy City of Makkah could be cleft asunder nor could they understand the meaning of digging out river like passages. It was really very difficult to imagine the sense of all these predictions. But by seeing today's Makkah one feels that the Holy Prophet s.a.w. made these predictions, as if he e was actually seeing with his own eyes today's Makkahtul-Mukarramah. Previously the commentators (Muhaddithin) interpreted this Hadith by saying that in their times Makkah was a dry and mountainous city, but in some future age Allah may cause rivers and canals to flow in that city. However today one feels by seeing these (underground) tunnels how the belly of Makkah has been cleft asunder.

The other sentence which the Holy Prophet spoke out in this Hadith is that the buildings of the Holy City of Makkah will rise higher than its mountains. A few years ago none could imagine that buildings would be built in Makkah which would rise higher than its mountains, as the city was surrounded by mountains on all sides. But go to Makkah and see for yourself how (high-rise) buildings higher than mountains have been built there.

It appears from this Hadith, as if fourteen centuries ago the Holy Prophet s.a.w. had seen these changes and conditions with his own eyes. All these things had been shown to him clearly through revelations and light of Prophetic knowledge which Allah had granted him The Holy Prophet s.a.w. has clearly mentioned one by one what trials and tribulations the Muslims will have to face in the times to come. He has also mentioned simultaneously what the Muslims should do at such a time.

(Source: http://www.central-mosque.com/signs/signsT.htm Adapted from Discourses On Islamic Way Of Life, Justice Mufti Taqi Usmani, Vol 7, page 233-235)

Why did God/Allah send tsunami?

Excellent article by Sheikh Ibrahim Osi Efa:
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3006536508710505889#editor

Name Muhammed

An excellent talk on the name Muhammed, by Sheikh Ya'qoubi:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzr2s36KySU&feature=youtu.be

Fatiha contains whole Qur'an

Ever heard that the Fatihah contains the entire Qur'an? Ever wondered how? There are many explanations; here's one I liked! as-Suyuti quotes al-Fakhr ar-Razi as saying:

"The purpose of the Qur'an can be explained in terms of four matters: [1] matters of Divinity; [2] The Afterlife; [3] Prophethood; and [4] Demonstrating destinty and decree. [In the Fatihah, Allah says]: "All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds". This pertains to Divinity. His saying: "Owner of the Last Day" pertains both to negating coercion [and hence, establishes human free-will] as well as proving that everything is under the decree of Allah. His saying: "Guide us to the straight path" until the end of the Fatihah pertains to demonstrating the divine decree of Allah, as well as matters of prophethood. Thus, [Surat al-Fatihah] encompasses all four points, which in turn indicate the primary purpose of the sending of the Qur'an." (Thanks to Suleiman AlMuslim)

Being remembered in history

'Peace and salutation to Ibrahim! Thus indeed do we reward those who do right' (Surah Saffat v109-110)

Have you thought how tyrants and celebrities make tall structures or do big projects, or attempt to put pictures of themselves in every shop and house so that they can be remembered. Yet they're either forgotten, or remembered in a bad way, and insulted be future generations. What is Fir'awn remembered for? For building pyramids through the degradation of humans. What is Marilyn Monroe remembered for? For her depravity and having committed suicide.

Yet look at the righteous like Sayyidina Ibrahim (as), he was rewarded in many ways, including being mentioned by the SPEECH of Allah in the Quran, which is recited by billion Muslims, recited by many righteous Muslims, till end of times. His story of how he stood up for Islam, in the face of all odds and the people, is remembered in the best of books (the Qur'an). What a reward right?

Also, in a hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reports that Allah said, “Whoever makes remembrance of Me to himself, I make remembrance of him to My Self. And whoever makes remembrance of Me in a gathering, I make remembrance of him in a gathering better than his gathering [ie. of angels].” [Musnad Ahmad]

So we should do things that will be remembered by Allah swt and by the righteous and angels, for generations to come, in a way pleasing Him.

SubhanAllah!

The Poor and the Pot

Sheikh Muhyi ad-Din Ibn Arabi (RA) said: "We were once invited by some of the poor to a meal in Ziqaq al-Qanadil in Cairo, where a number of shaykhs gathered. There was so much food that the vessels in which it was served could hardly hold it all. Among these was a new glass pot which had been acquired for use as a urinal but which had not yet been put to use. The host was dipping the food out of it, and as the group ate, it said, "Now that Allah has honoured me by allowing such noble souls to eat from me, never will I allow myself to be a place of offense," whereupon it broke in two. 

"Did you hear what the pot said?" I asked them.

"Yes, we did," they repied.

"What did you hear?" I asked.

In reply, they repeated the words above.

"It [also] said something else," I told them.

"What is that?" they queried.

I replied, "It said, 'So it is with your hearts: Now that Allah has honoured them with faith, never again allow them to be the site of the impurity of disobedience and love of the world. Allah has given you and us understanding from Him and the ability to receive His disclosures thanks to His grace and bounty." (From "Subtle blessings" book by Ibn Ata Allah)