Tuesday 19 December 2017

Reflections on Surah Al-Kahf

saudigazette.com.sa


Reflections on Surah Al-Kahf


It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), a light will shine for him from beneath his feet to the heaven, which will shine for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will be forgiven (his sins) between the two Fridays.’”(Al-Hakim and Al-Bayhaqi)

Every Friday we make an effort to recite Surah Kahf. Yet, sadly, the majority of us are unaware of what we are reciting. Surah Al-Kahf contains one hundred and ten verses, with four main narratives. This surah is amazing as it brings together many lessons contained in narrations of nations past. It traverses the story of youths in the cave, the story of the two men and the garden, the story of Prophet Musa and the man of knowledge, Al-Khidr. Last but not least, the surah tells us the story of Dhul-Qarnain. Patience, gratitude, knowledge, and much more can all be learnt from this surah.

The first narrative being that of the young men, or the People of the Cave. These youth were tested by Allah in regards to their faith and belief in Allah and belief in Resurrection. They were given the choice to abandon their belief in Allah to save their lives or face persecution and death. Ultimately they chose their belief in Allah, for it is priceless, no pleasure can buy it, nor can money. This connects to the trial of the Dajjal or Anti-Christ who will appear as the major signs of the Day of Judgment occur. The first and biggest test he will come with, is the trial of iman; faith and belief in Allah. He will appear with many powers, and will even have a paradise and hellfire. Many will be deceived by him and will fall into disbelief; may Allah protect us from disbelief and the trial of the Dajjal.

The second story is that of the two men and the two gardens. One man, possessed wealth and a garden which yielded a large harvest, yet he disbelieved in Allah and in accountability on the Last Day, and he refused to give in charity. The second man was poorer, with less harvest, yet he knew his provision was secured with his Lord, and he believed in Allah. This is a trial of wealth.

Many of us experiences this trial today. How many today are granted wealth, yet deny the One who bestowed this favor upon them? It is a reminder to us that Allah blesses whomsoever He wills, and we should be grateful for the bounties we have. Success in the dunya, and in one’s wealth does not mean success on the Day of Judgment. This again refers back to the Dajjal. For the Dajjal will induce many with wealth, to the point that he will call out to the wealth of a valley and it will come out following him. Those who follow the Dajjal will be in abundance of wealth, and he will afflict those who shun him with severe poverty. Thus the believer should have his wealth in his hand, so that it is easy to release, not in his heart the believer does not become overly attached and obsessed with wealth. The believer’s faith and trust in Allah is rooted in his heart, so that it remains unaffected by the trial of wealth.

The third narrative is perhaps to many the most intriguing; it is the story of Prophet Musa and Al Khidr. Musa, was a great prophet of Allah, and was endowed with knowledge, yet Allah instructed him to seek out Al-Khidr, who also possessed a different type of knowledge. Knowledge should humble a person and not make them arrogant. Today, Muslims have neglected the Qur’an and the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Many people find it a burden, thinking that it is outdated and the knowledge it contains is ancient, and this is the trial of knowledge; will we truly hold on to the guidance of Allah? When the Dajjal appears he will distort what is left of the knowledge, and only the true believers will cling to the knowledge of this religion.

The fourth and final story in Surah Al-Kahf is that of Dhul-Qarnayn; a powerful king who ruled with justice. He is the very king that sealed off Gog and Magog, whose release is also a major portent of the final hour. The story of Dhul-Qarnayn, though not in detail, exemplifies one who is granted power and authority and uses this in the service of Allah. A minor sign of the hour is tyrannical and foolish leaders, who are astray and lead the people astray. Leadership is a responsibility, a duty, and trust from Allah. There are a lot of responsibilities attached to being a ruler. This trial, relates to the Dajjal for the Dajjal will give authority to those who favor him, and will deprive the true believers.

That is why reading this Surah protects the believer from being fooled and tricked by the Dajjal, and it shields us from his deception and power.

Moreover, it is the only Surah that is explicitly linked to the Dajjal, as mentioned in various sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is of vital importance, for we are living in the end of times; the hour is near. A prelude to the hour is the arrival of the Dajjal. This surah should play a major role for us in our preparative preventative measures, against the Anti-Christ. The Dajjal is one the greatest trials to come, and throughout Surah Al-Kahf we see a recurring theme of trials and tribulations linking it back to the coming of the Dajjal.

So, the next time you read Surah Al-Kahf, try to remember these points, reflect upon the tales of truth contained in it. Reflect on the morals of the stories, and make a sincere intention to implement it in your life.

Noorani travel Ltd offer cheap Hajj and Umrah packages with flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and all the UK. Our Hajj and Umrah offer special for UK citizen.



source: saudigazette.com.sa

Friday 8 December 2017

The importance of the city of Jerusalem in Islam


The importance of the city of Jerusalem in Islam




Jerusalem is perhaps the only city in the world that is considered historically and spiritually significant to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The city of Jerusalem is known in Arabic as Al-Quds or Baitul-Maqdis (“The Noble, Sacred Place”), and the importance of the city to Muslims comes as a surprise to some Christians and Jews.

CENTER OF

MONOTHEISM

It should be remembered that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all spring from a common source.

All are religions of monotheism—the belief that there is one God, and one God only. All three religions share a reverence for many of the same prophets responsible for first teaching the Oneness of God in the area around Jerusalem, including Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus—peace be upon them all. The reverence these religions share for Jerusalem is evidence of this shared background.

FIRST QIBLAH

FOR MUSLIMS

For Muslims, Jerusalem was the first Qibla—the place toward which they turn in prayer. It was many years into the Islamic mission (16 months after the Hijrah), that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was instructed to change the Qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca (Quran 2:142-144). It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad said, “There are only three mosques to which you should embark on a journey: the sacred mosque (Mecca, Saudi Arabia), this mosque of mine (Madinah, Saudi Arabia), and the mosque of Al-Aqsa (Jerusalem).”

Thus, Jerusalem is one of the three holiest places on earth for Muslims.

Site of the Night Journey and Ascension

It is Jerusalem that Muhammad (peace be upon him) visited during his night journey and ascension (called Isra’ and Mi’raj). In one evening, legend tells us that the angel Gabriel miraculously took the Prophet from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Furthest Mosque (Al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem.

He was then taken up to the heavens to be shown the signs of God. After the Prophet met with previous prophets and led them in prayer, he was then taken back to Mecca. The whole experience (which many Muslim commentators take literally and most Muslims believe as a miracle) lasted a few hours. The event of Isra’ and Mi’raj is mentioned in the Quran, in the first verse of Chapter 17, entitled “The Children of Israel.”

Glory to Allah, Who did take His servant for a journey by night, from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless—in order that We might show him some of Our signs. For He is the One who hears and knows all things. (Quran 17:1)

This night journey further reinforced the link between Mecca and Jerusalem as holy cities and serves as an example of every Muslim’s deep devotion and spiritual connection with Jerusalem. Most Muslims harbor a deep hope that Jerusalem and the rest of the Holy Land will be restored to a land of peace where all religious believers can exist in harmony. — Courtesy of saudigazette

Wednesday 6 December 2017

5 Star Umrah Packages - Easter Umrah Packages 2018 | Noorani travel

5 Star Umrah Packages


5 Star Umrah Packages -  Easter Umrah Packages 2018 For UK Citizen


Inclusions :


Flight is included in this 5 Star Umrah Packages UK.
Direct & In-Direct flights can be arranged on special request.
4 Nights in Makkah 4 Star Hotel
3 Nights in Madina 4 Star Hotel
Umrah visa
All packages are based on 4 people sharing.
Ground transfers can be arranged at extra cost.

From:£815/pp

For Booking Call Now 0208-819-3505

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ACCOMODATION FEATURES


Hotel in Makkah


Hilton tower


Pullman ZamZam Makkah is located just a few meters away from the Holy Mosque and offers luxurious studios and suites. It features a restaurant and views of the city and the Kaaba. Masjid Al Haram is 100 metres away.

All the units at Zamzam are air-conditioned and elegantly decorated. They include a seating area with satellite TV and work desk. They also have a minibar and a safety deposit box. Some rooms feature panoramic Haram/Kaaba views.

Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast or choose to be served in the privacy of their rooms. For lunch and dinner it is possible to taste the gourmet cuisine at the hotel restaurant or explore the variety of local restaurants.

Hilton tower

A 24-hour reception and a car rental are available at Pullman ZamZam Makkah. Currency exchange services and an ATM are also offered on-site. King Abdulaziz International Airport is 100km away.


Hotel in Madina


Crown plaza


The 16-floor LEADER Al Muna Kareem Hotel offers elegant 5-star accommodations in central Madinah. It is just 230 ft from the Prophet’s Mosque and offers free Wi-Fi.
The rooms at LEADER Al Muna Kareem Hotel have bright décor and furnishings. Each room comes with a work desk, satellite TV and bathroom toiletries.
In the mornings, guests can enjoy a rich buffet breakfast prepared with seasonal ingredients. The trendy restaurant also offers a dining menu consisting of local dishes as well as international specialties for lunch and dinner.
LEADER Al Muna Kareem Hotel has a 24-hour front desk and free on-site parking. The commercial and business districts of Medina are within walking distance of the hotel.


Note: For Booking Call Now 0208-819-3505