A GIFT TO THE DISTRESSED

Everything in the world happens in accordance with a divine system. This system will see no change until the day of Judgement. Much of the secrets of this system are altogether hidden from man. Allah has outlined in the Noble Qur'an those aspects of His system which are imperative for man's success and salvation. His revered Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) has further illucidated and elaborated on the subject in more detail.

At times, due to his ignorance about this system of Allah, man finds it hard to fathom occurrences around him. This causes him to question the doings of Allah Ta'aala. When this happens, shaitaan seizes the opportunity to insinuate such thoughts into his mind that create severe confusion and perplexity, followed by frustration and despondency.

In this booklet, such Qur'anic verses and sayings of the Prophet have been collected that are relevant to people undergoing difficulty, in the form of financial straits, illness, death of a close relative or friend, and the like.

By contemplating over these verses and sayings, besides finding immense solace, such persons may also find answers to their questions and problems.

The last chapter contains supplications, which may be beneficial for those in distress.

ISTIKHARAH IN THE LIGHT OF THE SUNNAH

Whosoever adopts the lifestyle brought to us by our beloved, the noble Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings be showered upon him), will find that his life in this world will become one of pleasure tranquility, contentment and free of worries.

During his life, man experiences various awkward situations. One such situation is the confusion and perplexity that he experiences when needing to take decisions. Almost everyday of his life, he is faced with the task of selecting one of two or many choices. Generally, decisions to make are not major, but occasionally they get serious. Even in these circumstances, our beloved Prophet taught us what to do, and clearly outlined the solution. This solution is called Istikharah.

Miftahuddin Books has a wonderful book to present to you on this subject. It outlines the issue, and eradicates many misconceptions and false beliefs that people hold about the topic.

WHO ARE THE BLIND FOLLOWERS

In this day and era in which every person claims to be an Islaāmic 'scholar", "thinker" and "researcher' in his own right and much unwarranted and devious criticism is being levelled against people who rightly recognize the significance of Taqleeīd [i.e. the unflinching and unwavering adherence to one madh-hab in Deeīni matters] there was a great need to remove doubts created in the minds of the unwary public. The Author has very ably compiled this booklet wherein the replies to many pertinent questions pertaining to Taqlīeed have been given. The layout of the book is very admirable in that it has been prepared in a question and answer format, thus making it convenient for readers to find convincing replies to pertinent issues. He has endeavoured to present the subject in layman's language, thereby facilitating its comprehension for as many readers as possible. As far as possible, he has given references for texts quoted from other academic works as well. Some of the questions in the book are given below:

• There is one Qur'aān and one Nabi, so what is the need for different madhaaāhib?
• …In that case, why do only four madh-habs exist?
• Can all four schools of jurisprudence be correct concurrently?
• If a man claims to be following the Fiq-h of Imaām Bukhari, will he not be on the straight path?
• Kindly explain Taqlīeed through a practical example
• Please list at least ten of the most distinguished scholars of Hadīeeth, who lived in different centuries, and hailed from various lands, that followed each of the four madhaahib respectively
• I am a Muĥhammadi not a HĤanafi/Shaaāfi`ee. Is this statement correct? – Why?

The book consists of 25 similar questions about Taqleeīd. At the end of the book a summary has been presented of a debate between two scholars. Thereafter, as an example of how easily people are misled, the issue of performing Salah with short sleeves has been dealt with in detail.

AN EASTERN WESTERN ADVENTURE

Greetings to you, young lady with peace

On completion of an era as daughter and niece

Dawning is the privilege to serve as housewife,

And unto your spouse, a wonderful partner in life.

 

The pleasures of love, motherhood, and a home-of-your-own you await,

With a duty of, many to please and to satiate

Through happiness, laughter, compassion and food,

Kindness and sincerity, and a pretty good mood

 

Towards a man-in-your-life who shall never be angry

For an angry man is only he who is hungry

A good meal - enough to cool him down,

With some delicacies awarding you a brilliant crown

 

If ever you tire to give him your idea

Or ever desire that he praise you in media,

Then remember the stomach - the only way to his heart,

A plot, tried and tested, and exceptionally smart

 

But this can only be when you really cook,

In a neat apron, with a modest look

 

A dash of lemon pepper with a pinch of salt,

And a sprinkling of aromat added to the pot

Crispy golden brown onions fried in ghee

A meal fit for a king, it will be

Are you looking for perfection to the very peak?

With aspirations high - which the east and west seek,

Why not delve in "An Eastern Western Adventure"

And then sigh - a heavenly rapture

 

In it the delightful east is in western flair

a promise of exotic flavours wafting the air

Tingling the nostrils and tantalizing taste buds

For watery mouths and crazy nuts

Saucy dips, smacking lips

Hearty sips and … many more tips

"Here I challenge every test,

to excel all, and be the best"