HOW I STOPPED LISTENING TO MUSIC

All of us have a certain time in life of which we are ashamed of and I really hope that Allah will forgive me! I'll be frank here: I was a massive music addict. When I say I was a music lover, I don't just say that I listen to it to kill boredom. I listened to music because I loved it, and there were nights where I'd sit up until late midnight. Past 3 a.m too, listening to music. And yes, in most cases, I ended up missing my Fajr prayer. I am ashamed of what I did. I really am... May Allah forgive me.

I know that there are a lot of Muslims who are struggling with their addiction with music. I can relate a lot to this, having been a music addict myself. I knew that listening to music is Haraam, but that didn't stop me. I regret all what I did. There were times though when the reality of the fact that music is prohibited in Islam hit me, and I did make some vague resolutions to stop myself from listening to it, but generally after a few weeks or so, I'd get back to my disgusting addiction.

The fact it, I've always thought that giving up listening to music was going to be really tough, but now that I have stopped it, I realize how exceptionally easy it was. Subhanallah! A word of advice for those who are reading this: If you are trying to avoid music, the first thing you should do is have a firm intention and resolution. I guess the only reason why I have not been able to avoid music was due to the fact that my resolutions were always weak. If you set your heart on your intentions, everything becomes easy. If you try for the Sake of Allah, not matter how hard it may seem to be, Allah will make it beautifully easy for you. I know this because that's how I gave up listening to music.

Wallahi, avoiding music might seem like a really daunting task, but it's so much more easier- if you are firm in your intentions. I made a promise to Allah that I would never listen to music again, and that promise has made me far stronger than I thought I could be, and I would never want to break that promise I made with Allah. May Allah protect me!

From my years of listening to music, I can definitely relate to one fact: I did take pleasure in music, but it was always accompanied by a massive sense of guilt of disobeying Allah. I tried to push away that guilt away, but it always persisted. Now, after avoiding music, my eyes opened up to so many possibilities. So many 'What if's'.... 

Be truthful to yourself: Are you really at peace when you listen to music? Doesn't the thought that you are disobeying Allah cross your mind? Is it worth the momentary pleasure of music at the cost of earning the displeasure of Allah? Is that one song, which is probably no longer than 5 minutes, worth your losing Jannah? What if you die in that state, may Allah protect all of us! What if that music is the cause of your entering Jahannum? What if all those songs you listened to will stop you from uttering the Kalimah at the time of your death? What if music and the disgusting lyrics in that tempts you towards committing more sins? What if your listening to music takes you away from your Allah, the One Who created you, is forever compassionate towards you and is forever merciful to you?

Is it worth it? 

Now, Alhamdulillah, not only have I avoided music, but I have a raw hatred for it. And once you hate it, you'll never be tempted again, In Sha Allah! Music today, is more or less audio pornography. Women are spoken of as sexual objects, the lyrics encourage vile behaviour and provoke haram desires within a person. And this is what we have grown addicted to, this is what we listen and this is what we take pleasure in... May Allah forgive us all for our ignorance. It exactly because of this that Prophet Muhammad Sallahi Alaihi Wasallam has said:"Verily, singing generates hypocrisy in the heart just as water causes farm-produce to grow". (Baihaqi)

There is nothing more soothing than the recitation of the Quran and the beautiful meaning of it, so if music is just a portal you use to calm your mind, kow that you can NEVER find peace that way. How can we expect to find peace, consolation and happiness in something Allah has proibited? You want peace and happiness? Listen to the Quran, read the meaning of it or listen to Nasheeds without music of course. There are some beautiful ones, MashaAllah. For a start, you can listen to 'Al Habib' and 'Heartsong' by Talib Al Habib. I couldn't help but cry when I heard it, Subhanallah!

If you have any songs on your phones, computers or iPods, delete them. You can't listen to them if it's deleted, right? Replace all those who recitation of the Quran, Islamic lectures or Nasheeds, and if you still persist in listening to music when you can easily listen to the Quran/Nasheeds/lectures, the guilt would be too much to bear. Trust me on that.

Never do the love of songs and the love of Qur`an come together in a person’s heart except that one expels the other.

Something in you might tell you that you might miss out on so much of fun when you avoid music or movies, but know that this is nothing but the whispers of Shaytan. What kind of enjoyment can you ever find in doing something Haraam? You are not missing out on fun when you avoid music/movies. You are only earning for yourself the Pleasure of Allah and sacrificing your desires for the Sake of Allah. This in itself, would help you rise in ranks on the Day of Qiyamah. After all, isn't the greater Jihad struggling against your own desires for the Sake of Allah?

Finally, if you want to stop listening to music and watching movies, make lots of Du'aa. Du'aa can change anything, and so long as you are sincere in your Du'aa, Allah will surely show you a way out. When you listening to music, you are sinning and moving away from Allah, and each time you avoid it, you are strengthening your relationship with Allah. Do it for the Sake of Allah. Allah will help you, make it easy for you, reward you and above all, love you... And where does this immeasurable Love of Allah count with the love of music and movies?

Avoiding music is not difficult. It's about the easiest thing I have ever given up. And this, coming from a massive music addict, really relates to quite a lot. 

“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out, and provide for him from whence he could never imagine.” [ Sûrah al-Talâq : 2-3]

Stay strong in your intentions, make Du'aa and fear Allah. Everything else will naturally be made easy for you!

"Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: 'Verily, the bell is of the musical instruments of shaitaan." (Muslim and Abu Dawood)

"The Malaaikah do not associate with a group in which there is a dog or a bell." (Muslim and Abu Dawood)

"Most certainly, there will be in my Ummah people who will make lawful fornication, silk, liquor and musical instruments." (Bukhaari)

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Most certainly, people from my Ummah will consume liquor which they will describe with some other name. Over their heads will be playing musical instruments and singing girls. Allah will cause the earth to swallow them, and from among them He will transform into apes and pigs." (Ibn Maajah)

FASTING ON THE 9TH AND 10TH OF MUHARRAM & ITS VIRTUES

Praise be to Allaah.  

Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ does expiate for the past year, because the Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162. This is by the bounty that Allaah bestows upon us, whereby fasting one day expiates for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of great bounty. 

The Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ because of its great status. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, and this month – meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867. 

What is meant by being keen to make sure he fasted it is so as to earn its reward. 

With regard to the reason why the Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ and urged the people to do likewise is mentioned in the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1865) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: The Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He said, “We have closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast. 

The words “this is a good day” – according to a version narrated by Muslim, “This is a great day when Allaah saved Moosa and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people.” 

The words “so Moosa fasted on this day” – Muslim added in his report: “In gratitude to Allaah, so that is we fast on this day.” 

According to another version narrated by al-Bukhaari, “So we fast it out of respect for it.” 

The expiation of sins that is achieved by fasting ‘Ashoora’ refers to minor sins; with regard to major sins, they need separate repentance. 

Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah expiates for all minor sins, in other words this brings forgiveness for all sins except for major sins. 

Then he said: 

Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah is an expiation for two years, and the day of ‘Ashoora is an expiation for one year, and if a person’s Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven… Each of the things mentioned may bring expiation. If he does something that expiates for minor sins he will be expiated, and if there are no minor or major sins, it will be recorded for him as good deeds and he will rise in status thereby… If there is one or more major sins and no minor sins, we hope that it will reduce his major sins.  Al-Majmoo’ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, part 6. 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The expiation of purification, prayer, and fasting Ramadaan, ‘Arafah and ‘Ashoora’ applies to minor sins only.  Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, part 5.

Via Islamic Q & A

PICTURES OF HIJABIS FOR DAWAH- IS IT REALLY NECESSARY?

I’ve noticed a lot of Islamic Dawah pages on Facebook, and MashaAllah, the messages are really good and inspiring. But the thing is, particularly when the topic of Hijab comes up, there are some things that had better be avoided. For one thing, when putting up a message about the correct Hijab, the explanation that’s given, together with Quranic Aayahs and Hadith to back it up are really, really good. And it is something that needs to be addressed. The point is that, the images that accompany the messages aren't so good.

It’s really disappointing to see these pages have images of sisters donning the incorrect Hijab, with tight jeans and the camel hump Hijab style, etc. These have to be corrected - yes- but not by exposing the sins of other sisters. Having cartoonified images may be ok, but how can we put up pictures of sisters without their permission? For one thing, the sister who had donned the incorrect Hijab may have corrected herself and for all we know, she might even be a Niqabi. So how can we expose their sins for the whole world to see? Allah would have forgiven them for their mistake, but would He forgive us for exposing the sins of another?

The other thing is that uploading pictures like that- even though the message you intend to give is good- is certainly not the proper way to give Dawah and it might even push certain sisters away from the Hijab. One thing we really need to remember is to be gentle when giving Dawah and that too particularly where the Hijab is concerned.

I recently saw a post like this together with an image of two sisters wearing the Hijab with tight jeans, and a lot of fans on the page have mentioned that the image should be removed. And it's right too… We should try our best to not be the cause of another person sinning and this calls for special attention online. Remember that if you are posting images of sisters in Hijab/Niqab or even a picture of a brother to use it alongside your Dawah message, be exceptionally careful. Think twice whether an image is actually necessary. And also remember that each time someone sees those images, you’re being the reason for them to not lower their gaze. None of us would want to bear that sin, right? And imagine how many people are going to see, stare or get attracted to those images… and each time they do so, we will have to bear that sin too. And how many more people are going to see it if the post gets shared? Subhanallah.

So this is my message- try as much as you can to avoid putting up pictures of Hijabis/Niqabis or even images of brothers because just as men have to lower their gazes, so should women. You can get your message across even without an image, so why use such pictures? And also, please be gentle and understanding when giving Dawah. It’s not only Muslims who may read it but non-Muslims too, so maintain good Akhlaq and be kind and gentle in your Dawah- just like our beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam was. And trust me, this will not only inspire Muslims but non-Muslims too, In Sha Allah.

Please share this message with other Islamic Dawah pages too.

Jazakallah Khair!

WHY I SHED BIKINI FOR NIQAB- SARA BOKKER

This is one of my favourite stories and it's a real inspiration for all Muslims and non-Muslims out there. 

* * *

I am an American woman who was born in the midst of America’s “Heartland.” I grew up, just like any other girl, being fixated with the glamour of life in “the big city.” Eventually, I moved to Florida and on to South Beach of Miami, a hotspot for those seeking the “glamorous life.” Naturally, I did what most average Western girls do. I focused on my appearance and appeal, basing my self-worth on how much attention I got from others. I worked out religiously and became a personal trainer, acquired an upscale waterfront residence, became a regular “exhibiting” beach-goer and was able to attain a “living-in-style” kind of life.

Years went by, only to realize that my scale of self-fulfillment and happiness slid down the more I progressed in my “feminine appeal.” I was a slave to fashion. I was a hostage to my looks.

As the gap continued to progressively widen between my self-fulfillment and lifestyle, I sought refuge in escapes from alcohol and parties to meditation, activism, and alternative religions, only to have the little gap widen to what seemed like a valley. I eventually realized it all was merely a pain killer rather than an effective remedy.

By now it was Sept. 11, 2001. As I witnessed the ensuing barrage on Islam, Islamic values and culture, and the infamous declaration of the “new crusade,” I started to notice something called Islam. Up until that point, all I had associated with Islam was women covered in “tents,” wife beaters, harems, and a world of terrorism. As a feminist libertarian, and an activist, I was pursuing a better world for all.

One day I came across a book that is negatively stereotyped in the West – The Noble Qur’an. I was first attracted by the style and approach of the Qur’an, and then intrigued by its outlook on existence, life, creation, and the relationship between Creator and creation. I found the Qur’an to be a very insightful address to heart and soul without the need for an interpreter or pastor.

Eventually I hit a moment of truth: my new-found self-fulfilling activism was nothing more than merely embracing a faith called Islam where I could live in peace as a “functional” Muslim.

I bought a beautiful long gown and head cover resembling the Muslim woman’s dress code and I walked down the same streets and neighborhoods where only days earlier I had walked in my shorts, bikini, or “elegant” Western business attire.

Although the people, the faces, and the shops were all the same, one thing was remarkably distinct – I was not – nor was the peace at being a woman I experienced for the very first time. I felt as if the chains had been broken and I was finally free. I was delighted with the new looks of wonder on people’s faces in place of the looks of a hunter watching his prey I had once sought. Suddenly a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Finally, I was free.

Of all places, I found my Islam at the heart of what some call “the most scandalous place on earth,” which makes it all the more dear and special.

While content with Hijab I became curious about Niqab, seeing an increasing number of Muslim women in it. I asked my Muslim husband, whom I married after I reverted to Islam, whether I should wear Niqab or just settle for the Hijab I was already wearing. My husband simply advised me that he believes Hijab is mandatory in Islam while Niqab is not. At the time, my Hijab consisted of head scarf that covered all my hair except for my face, and a loose long black gown called “Abaya” that covered all my body from neck to toe.
A year-and-a-half passed, and I told my husband I wanted to wear Niqab. My reason, this time, was that I felt it would be more pleasing to Allah, the Creator, increasing my feeling of peace at being more modest.

He supported my decision and took me to buy an “Isdaal,” a loose black gown that covers from head to toe, and Niqab, which covers all my head and face except for my eyes. Soon enough, news started breaking about politicians, Vatican clergymen, libertarians, and so-called human rights and freedom activists condemning Hijab at times, and Niqab at others as being oppressive to women, an obstacle to social integration, and more recently, as an Egyptian official called it – “a sign of backwardness.”

I find it to be a blatant hypocrisy when Western governments and so-called human rights groups rush to defend woman’s rights when some governments impose a certain dress code on women, yet such “freedom fighters” look the other way when women are being deprived of their rights, work, and education just because they choose to exercise their right to wear Niqab or Hijab.

Today I am still a feminist, but a Muslim feminist, who calls on Muslim women to assume their responsibilities in providing all the support they can for their husbands to be good Muslims. To raise their children as upright Muslims so they may be beacons of light for all humanity once again. To enjoin good – any good – and to forbid evil – any evil. To speak righteousness and to speak up against all ills. To fight for our right to wear Niqab or Hijab and to please our Creator whichever way we chose. But just as importantly to carry our experience with Niqab or Hijab to fellow women who may never have had such a chance.
Most of the women I know wearing Niqab are Western reverts, some of whom are not even married. Others wear Niqab without full support of either family or surroundings. What we all have in common is that it is the personal choice of each and every one of us, which none of us is willing to surrender.

Willingly or unwillingly, women are bombarded with styles of “dressing-in-little-to-nothing” virtually in every means of communication everywhere in the world.

As an ex non-Muslim, I insist on women’s right to equally know about Hijab, its virtues, and the peace and happiness it brings to a woman’s life as it did to mine. Yesterday, the bikini was the symbol of my liberty, when in actuality it only liberated me from my spirituality and true value as a respectable human being.

Today, Niqab is the new symbol of woman’s liberation.

To women who surrender to the ugly stereotype against the Islamic modesty of Hijab, I say: You don’t know what you are missing.

– Sara Bokker is a former actress/model/fitness instructor and activist.

NIQAB & ITS NECESSITY EXPLAINED BY THE SAHABA, TABI'EEN AND ULEMA

FROM THE SAHABA (Radhiallaahu Ánhum)

Ibn Jarir (Rahimahullah) with an authentic chain of narrators has quoted Ibn Abbaas' (Radhiallaahu Án) opinion was "that the Muslim women are ordered to cover their head and faces with outer garments except for one eye." (This is quoted in the Ma'riful Qur'an in the tafseer of Surah Ahzaab ayah # 33, with reference of Ibn Jarir with a sahih chain of narrators).  
The Tabiee Ali Bin Abu Talha explained that this was the last opinion of Ibn Abbas and the other opinions quoted from him were from before Surah Al-Ahzaab, Verse #59 and the order of  the "Jalabib".  Shaikh Ibn Uthaimin commented on this saying of Ibn Abbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) by saying "This statement is "Marfoo" and in shariah that is the same category as a hadith which is narrated directly from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). The quote of Ibn Abbas is quoted by many tabi'een like Ali Ibn Abu Talha and Ibn Jarir in Ma'riful Quran by Mufti Muhammad Shafi vol.7 pg.217 and also in Tafseer Ibn Jarir, Vol. 22, pg.29 and also by Imaam Qurtabi all with SAHIH Chains and explained in the book "Hijaab" by Ibn Uthaimin, Page # 9 and authenticated in the book "Hijaab wa Safur"by Shaikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah) on page #11 and by Shaikh AbdulAziz bin Bazz  (Rahimahullah) on page # 55 and 60 )


Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) Who was known as the most knowledgeable Sahabi in matters of Shariah. Umar Ibn Khattab (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) said about him "By Allah, I don't know of any person who is more qualified in the matters dealing with the Quran than Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud"Explained, the word Jilbaab (as mentioned in the Quran Surah Ahzaab ayah # 59 ) to mean a cloak which covers the entire body including the head, face and hands. (Quoted from Ibn Taymiyyah(Rahimahullah) in his book on fatwaas Page# 110 Vol # 2 and By Shaikh Ibn Uthamin in the book Hijaab Page # 15)


Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) Stated that in verse 30 and 31 of Surah An Nur "What has been allowed to be shown is the hands, bangles and rings but the face must be covered.
(Quoted by Shaikh Abdul A'la Maududi in the book Purdah P# 195 and in his Tafseer of Quran under the tafseer of Surah An Nur)

Abu Ubaidah Salmani (Radhiallaahu Ánhu), another well known Sahabi is quoted saying 
"Jilbaab should fully cover the women's body, so that nothing appears but one eye with which she can see." (Tafseer Al-Qurtubi) And In the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) "The women used to don their cloaks (Jilbaabs) over their heads in such a manner that only the eyes were revealed in order to see the road." (The Book "Hijaab" page # 9)

Ubaida bin Abu Sufyan bin al-Harith('Radhiallaahu Ánhu' An' Other well known and knowledgeable Companion of Rasulullah ) Imam Muhammad bin Sirin (Rahimahullah) One of the most knowledgeable tabi'een) said "When I asked Ubaida bin Sufyan bin al-Harith ('Radhiallaahu An') how the jalbaab was to be worn, he demonstrated it to me by pulling a sheet of cloth over his head to cover his entire body, leaving the left eye uncovered. This was also the explanation of the word 'Alaihinna in this verse"  (Commentary by Ibn Jarir and Ahkam-ul-Quran, Vol.3, p.457 also in "hijaab wa Safur" quoted by Shaikh AbdulAziz Bin Bazz under the chapter of his fatwaa on hijab on page #54)

FROM THE TABI'EEN

Hassan Al Basri (Rahimahullah) 
States in his tafseer of the Surah An-Nur,  "What a woman is allowed to show in this Ayah implies to those outer garments (not the face or hands) which the woman puts on to cover her internal decoration (her beauty).

(Quoted in the book "Purdah" P#194 )

Ibn Jarir (Rahimahullah) Quotes the opinion of  Ibn Ábbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu)
"Allah has enjoined upon all Muslim Women that when they go out of their homes under necessity, they should cover their faces by drawing a part of their outer garments over their heads." (Tafseer Ibn Jarir, VOL 22, pg.29)

The Tabi'ee, Qatadah (Rahimahullah)
Stated that the Jilbab should be wrapped and fixed from above the forehead and made to cover the nose, (although the eyes are to show) and the chest and most of the face are to be covered.

The Tabi'ee Ali bin Abu Talha (Rahimahullah)
Quotes from Ibn Abbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) that he used to say it was allowed to show the hands and face when Surah Nur ayah #31 was revealed but after Surah Al-Ahzaab, Verse #59 with the word "Jalabib" was revealed then after this  Ibn Abbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) said that That the Muslim women are ordered to cover their head and faces with outer garments except for one eye."  And this was also the opinion of Ibn Mas'ud (Radhiallaahu Ánhu). (This is quoted by Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah) in his book of fatwaa and by Shaikh AbdulAziz Bin Bazz (Rahimahullah) in the book "Hijaab wa Safur" Page # 60)

Imam Muhammad bin Sirin (Rahimahullah) One of the most knowledgeable tabi'een
"When I asked Ubaida bin Sufyan bin al-Harith ('Radhiallaahu Ánhu' Other well known and knowledgeable Companion of Rasulullah) the meaning of this verse about "Alaihinna" and how the jalbaab was to be worn, he demonstrated it to me by pulling a sheet of cloth over his head to cover his entire body, leaving the left eye uncovered. This was also the explanation of the word 'Alaihinna in this verse"(Commentary by Ibn Jarir and Ahkam-ul-Quran, Vol # 3, p.457 also in "hijaab wa Sufor" quoted by Shaikh AbdulAziz Bin Bazz under the chapter of his fatwaa on hijab on page #54)

FROM THE MUFASSAREEN OF THE QURAN 

The Mufassir, Imaam Al-Qurtubi (Rahimahullah),

Cites in his Tafseer of the Ayah on Jilbaab (Al-Ahzab 33:59), that the Jilbaab is: "a cloth which covers the entire body... Ibn 'Abbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) and 'Ubaidah As-Salmaani (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) said that it is to be fully wrapped around the women's body, so that nothing appears but one eye with which she can see." (Tafseer Al-Qurtubi Surah Al-Ahzab ayah # 59.  This was also agreed upon by Imam WahidiImam Neishapuri in the book of tafseer of Quran "Gharaib -ul-Quran" and "Ahkam-ul-Quran", Imam Razi, in his tafseer of Surah Azhab in the book "Tafsir-i-Kabir"Imam Baidavi in his tafseer of Quran "Tafsir-i-Baidavi" and by Abu Hayyan in "Al-Bahr-ul-Muhit" and by Ibn Sa'd Muhammad bin Ka'b Kuradhi and they have all descirbed the use of jalbaab more or less in the SAME way as the two described by Ibn Abbas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu).)

Also from Imaam Qurtubi (Rahimahullah) in his Al-Jamia li Ahkaamul Qurãn states: "All women are in effect covered by the terms of the verse which embraces the Sharée principle that the whole of a woman is ‘Áwrah’ (to be concealed) – her face, body and voice, as mentioned previously. It is not permissible to expose those parts except in the case of need, such as the giving of evidence…" ("Al-Jamia li Ahkaamul Qurãn")

At-Tabari and Ibn Al-Mundhir described the method of wearing the jalbaab according to Ibn Abbas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) and Qatadah(Radhiallaahu Ánhu). The sheet should be wrapped around from the top, covering the forehead, then bringing one side of the sheet to cover the face below the eyes so that most of the face and the upper body is covered. This will leave both eyes uncovered (which is allowed in necessity).(Rul-ul-Ma'ani, Vol 22, p.89)

Ibn Kathir (Rahimahullah) said...
"Women must not display any part of their beauty and charms to strangers except what cannot possibly be concealed." (Quoted by Mufti Ibrahim Desi in his article on hijaab)
Maoulana Abul A'la Maududi (Rahimahullah) In his tafseer of Surah Azhab ayah #59
"In verse 59 the third step for social reform was taken. All the Muslim women were commanded that they should come out well covered with the outer garments and covering their faces whenever they came out of their houses for a genuine need." (From Tasfeer of Quran by Maoulana Abul A'la Maududi in tafseer of ayah # 59 of Surah Al-Ahzaab)
From the 4 Madhabib (4 madhabs).......

Mufti Anwar Ali Adam Al Mazahiri (Mufti A'azam (Head Mufti) of Madrasa Madinatil Uloom Trinidad & Tobago.)
"Imam Shafi, Malik and Hanbal hold the view that niqaab (covering the face and the hands completely with only a small area for the eyes to see) as being compulsory (fard).  Imam Abu Hanifa says that niqaab is Wajib and the face and hands can be exposed provided that there is not fear of desire if one looks at the female face, otherwise if there is the slightest chance of desire developing in the looker (the meaning of desire is that the looker would see the female face and think that she is beautiful, sexual thaught is not what is meant) then exposing the face and hands is Haraam.
(This is from the fatwaa issued by  Mufti Anwar Ali Adam Al Mazahiri on 13/9/99. 
He derived the opnions of the 4 Imaams  from these sources Tafseer Ibn Katheer, Tafseer Ma'rifatul Qur'aan, Durre Muhtaar, Fatawa Shami, Al Mabsoot, Fathul Qadeer. And the opinion of Imaam Abu hanifah is a directly derived from his statements in the Famous book of hanafi Fiqh Fatwaa Shami)

Shaikh AbdulAziz Bin Bazz (One of the greatest scholars of our times. He passed away 26th of Muharram 1420 Hijrah. (12th of May 1999) Rahimahullah.  He belonged to the Hanbali School of jurisprudence.)
"It is compulsory for a woman to cover her face in front of non mahram men" (This has been quoted in Shaikh Bin Bazz's pamphlet on Hijab and in the book 'Islamic Fatwas regarding Women' and in the Arabic version of the book "hijaab Wa Safur" page #51)

Shaikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah)
Relates that the correct opinion for the Hanbali and Malki madhaib is that is is wajib to cover everything except one or two eyes to see the way.
(from the Arabic book "Hijaab wa Safur" under the fatwaa of Ibn Taymiyyah on hijaab, page # 10)

Shaikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Quotes All of the woman is awrah based on the hadith of "Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said “All of a woman is ‘awrah.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi with a sahih isnaad).This is the correct view according to the madhhab of the Hanbalis, one of the two views of the Maalikis and one of the two views of the Shaafa’is. (Quoted in his book of fatwaa and on his web site)

Jamiatul Ulama Junbi Africa stated that the proper opinion for the Hanafi madhab is that  "A woman must be properly and thoroughly covered in a loose outer cloak which totally conceals her entire body including her face!"
(This from the book Islamic Hijab by Jamiatul Ulama P.12)

Mufti-e-Azam Rasheed Ahmad Ludhyanvi (Rahimahullah, one of the head Muftis of the  hanafi Madhab of his time This opinion is taken to be the correct opinion of the hanafi madhab today)
Explained in his tafseer of Surah Al-Ahzaab, Verse #59.  "Allah Ta'ala is telling them that whenever out of necessity they have togo out, they should cover themselves with a large cloak and draw a corner of it over their faces so that they may not be recognised.
(From his article "A Detailed, analytical review on the Shar'ee hijab")
From the known and respect authentic Ullima.......

Ibn Al-Hazam (Rahimahullah)
"In arabic language, the language of the Prophet (saw), the word jilbaab (as mentioned in the Quran Surah Ahzaab ayah # 59) means the outer sheet which covers the entire body. A sheet smaller than that which would cover the entire body, cannot be catagrized as jilbaab. (Al-Muhallah, Vol 3. Pg 217)

Ibn Al-Mandhur (Rahimahullah)
"Jalabib is plural for Jilbaab. Jalbaab is actually the outer sheet/coverlet which a woman wraps around, on top of her garments to cover herself from head to toe. This covers the body entirely." (Lisan ul-Arab, VOL 1. Pg.273)

Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalanee (Rahimahullah)

A tradition reported on the authority of Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) says: "A woman in a state of Ihram (during Hajj and Umrah) should stretch her head cloth over to her face to hide it." (In Fathul Bari, chapter on Hajj)

Shaikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah) relates:
"Women used to room about without Cloaks (Jilbaabs) and men used to see their faces and hands, but when the verse stating 'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks over themselves.' (Surah Al-Ahzaab,Verse #59)was reveled, then this was prohibited and women were ordered to wear the Jilbaab.  Then Ibn Tayimiyyah goes on to say "The word Jilbaab means a sheet which Ibn Mas'ud (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) explained as a cloak covering the entire body including the head,  face and hands.  Therefore, it is not permissible for the women to reveal the face and hands in public. (Ibn Taymiyyah's book on fatwaas Page# 110 Vol # 2 also in the book Hijaab Page # 15)

Shaikh AbdulAziz Bin Bazz (Rahimahullah)
"According to the understanding of the best generations (the "Salaf") after the ayah of hijaab was revealed than Muslims women must cover everything including the face and hands.  they can show one eye or two eyes to see the way.  this was the opnion held by many of the sahaba like Ibn Abbaas, Ibn Masud, Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánhuma) and others and this opnion was upheald by the Tab'ieen who followed than as Ali bin Abi Talha and Muhammad bin Sirin (Rahimahullah) and by the ritious ullima who followed them as Ibn Taymiyyah and Imaam Ahmed bin Hanbal (Rahimahullah)"  (Quoted from the book "hijaab wa Sufor")

Shaikh Abubakar Jassas (Rahimahullah)
states "This verse of Surah Ahzab shows that the young women when going out of their homes are ordered to cover their faces from strangers (non-mahram men), and cover herself up in such a manner that may express modesty and chastity, so that people with evil intentions might not cherish hopes from her". (Ahkum Al-Quran, VOL. III, p.48)
Imaam Ghazaali (Rahimahullah) "Woman emerged (during the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam)with NIQAABS on their Faces" (From his famous book of Fiqh "Ihyaal Uloom")

Qazi Al-Baidavi (Rahimahullah)
"To let down over them a part of their outer garments" means that they should draw a part of their outer garment in front of their face and cover themselves" (Tafsir-I-Baidavi, Vol 4, p.168)

Wallahu 'Alam

THE DAY OF ARAFAH AND ITS GREAT SIGNIFICANCE

Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for two years
It is highly recommended (mustahabb) for non-pilgrims to fast during this day for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, so he said, “It expiates the sins (Minor) of the past year and the coming year.” [Muslim]

Allah frees slaves from the fire on Arafat more than any other day:
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ’Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” [Tirmidhi]

Forgiveness of the Sins even if they are like the foam on the Sea:
As for you staying till the evening in Arafah, then Allah descends to the sky of the Dunya and He boasts about you to the Angels, and says: ‘My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy, so if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or who you have interceded for.’
[Reported by at-Tabarani in his book “al-Kabeer” and by al-Bazaar. Shaykh Al-Albani graded it Hassan. Taken from ‘Saheeh al-Targheeb wa Tarheeb’. Volume 2, Page 9-10, hadeeth no. 1112]

[Source : Ahadith regarding the benefits and blessings of Hajj - Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya Taken from 'Saheeh al-Targheeb wa Tarheeb' By the Shaykh Muhammad Nasr ud-Deen al-Albaani]

Allaah expresses His pride to His angels:  
It was reported from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah expresses His pride to His angels at the time of ‘Ishaa’ on the Day of Arafah, about the people of Arafah. He says, ‘Look at My slaves who have come unkempt and dusty.’” [Narrated by Ahmad and classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani].

Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) saying, “The best of supplications are those on the Day of `Arafah.” [Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Malik, and others]  

A repost from islaamictruths.blogspot.com

THE QURAN HAS ALL THE ANSWERS

Why am I being tested so much?
Quran answers: “Do men think that they will be left alone saying, ’We believe’, and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.” [29:2-3]

Why do I never get what I want?

Quran answers: "It is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing, which is bad for you. But Allah knows, while you know not.” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:216]

Why am I burdened this way?

Quran answers: “Allah does not place a burden to a soul greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns.” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:286]
AND
“So verily, with every difficulty there is relief: (repeated) Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.” Surah Al-Insyirah [94:5-6]

Why do I lose hope?

Quran answers: “So lose not heart, nor fall into despair…” Surah Al-Imran [3:139]

How can I face the problems in life?

Quran answers: "O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah that you may prosper.” Surah Al- Imran [3:200] AND
“And seek (Allah’s) help with patience, perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a humbly submissive (to Allah).” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:45]

What do I get for all these I'm going through?

Quran answers: “Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and properties (in exchange) for that they will have the garden (of Paradise) …” Surah At-Taubah [9:111]

On whom can I depend?

Quran answers: “(Allah) suffices me: there is no god but He: On Him is my trust- He the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme.” Surah At-Taaubah [9:129]

But I can’t take it anymore!

Quran answers: “…and never give up hope of Allah’s Soothing Mercy; truly No one despairs of Allah’s Soothing Mercy except Those who have no faith.” Surah Yusuf [9:87] AND
“Despairs not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives All sins for He is Often- For giving, Most Merciful.” Surah Az-Zumar [39:53]