Story of The Rich Man

A wise and pious rich man, sensing his approaching death, called his son to his side and gave him these instructions: "My son, I shall be leaving you very shortly. On the day when I die, and they have washed my body and come to wrap it in the shroud, I want you to put one of my socks on my foot. This is my final request of you."

Soon after this, the old man did indeed die, leaving behind his goods and property, his children and his dependents. Family, friends, acquaintances and neighbors attended his funeral. The body had been washed and was almost completely wrapped in the shroud, when the son remembered his father's wish. Finding one of his old socks, he handed it to the washer of the dead, saying, "In accordance with my father's last request, please put this sock on his foot."

"That is quite impossible,” said the man. "Such a thing is utterly impermissible in Islam. I cannot act against the Sacred Law." Despite this valid objection, the son insisted, "That was my father's final request; it must certainly be carried out."

The washer of the dead was unmoved. "If you won't take my word for it," he said, "go and ask the mufti. He will confirm what I tell you, that it is not permissible." Holding up the funeral, they consulted the mufti, preachers and scholars, all of whom declared that this was not permissible in Islam. Just then, an aged friend of the deceased interrupted the debate with these words to the son: "My boy, your late father entrusted me with a letter which I was to hand over to you after his departure. Here, this letter belongs to you." So saying, he gave him an envelope. Taken by surprise, the boy opened the envelope and read out the contents of his father's letter:

"My son, all this wealth and property I have left to you. Now you see: at the last moment, they won't even let you give me an old sock to wear. When you yourself come one day to be in my condition they will also refuse to let you keep anything but your shroud. Few yards of shroud are all you will be able to carry over from this fleeting world into the Hereafter. So pull yourself together and be prepared. Spend the fortune I have left you, not for the satisfaction of vain desires, but in ways pleasing to Allah, that you may achieve honor in both worlds."

On Which will you usually Sleep On?

Can you imagine that nowadays we sleep on a royal beds and furniture as shown in below picture,

Do you know about the Mattress of Prophet Muhammad(saw)?

Lets have a look on it!

" Today Topic Is Mattress of Prophet Muhammad(saw) "

Muhammad(saw) is a Humble man. Loves a Simple Life.

Here are the Hadiths,

Narated By 'Aisha (radi Allahu anha): The bed mattress of the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) was made of a leather case stuffed with palm fibres. [Bukhari Volumn 008, Book 076, Hadith Number 463. ]

There is another hadith narrated by Umar bin Al-Khattab to Ibn Abbas (Radi Allahu Anhuma), sharing the last part of the hadith:

Then I put on my clothes and went to Allah's Apostle's residence, and behold, he was staying in an upper room of his to which he ascended by a ladder, and a black slave of Allah's Apostle was (sitting) on the first step. I said to him, 'Say (to the Prophet ) 'Umar bin Al-Khattab is here.' Then the Prophet admitted me and I narrated the story to Allah's Apostle. When I reached the story of Um Salama, Allah's Apostle smiled while he was lying on a mat made of palm tree leaves with nothing between him and the mat. Underneath his head there was a leather pillow stuffed with palm fibres, and leaves of a saut tree were piled at his feet, and above his head hung a few water skins. On seeing the marks of the mat imprinted on his side, I wept. He said.' 'Why are you weeping?' I replied, "O Allah's Apostle! Caesar and Khosrau are leading the life (i.e. Luxurious life) while you, Allah's Apostle though you are, is living in destitute". The Prophet then replied. 'Won't you be satisfied that they enjoy this world and we the Hereafter?' " [Bukhari 435]

Four Folds Or Two?

Umm ul-Mumineen Hafsa (radi Allahu anha) was asked: “What kind of bed did you make for the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) in your house?” She replied: “There was a canvas cloth which we used to fold up and spread under the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam). One day, I thought that if I folded the cloth into four layers it would make a rather soft bed. So I folded up the canvas into four layers and spread it for the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) to sleep on. The next morning the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) enquired, ‘What was it that you spread beneath me last night?’ I replied, ‘It was the same canvas cloth. However, I had folded it up into four layers to make a softer bed.’ The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘No, keep it folded in two layers. The softness of the bed proved a hindrance in rising up for Tahajjud prayers last night.’” [Shamail Tirmidhi]

The burden of prophet-hood was a heavy one. Tahajjud prayers, to wake up in the middle of the night and pray, was obligatory for our Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam). He accepted Allah’s decree for him to be a Prophet but it entailed great hardship for him and his family in the life of this world. It included renunciation of its pleasures, to the extent even of a soft bed.

But he (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) bore every difficulty with determination and patience so that Islam could reach me. He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) accepted all of his rewards on credit. He didn’t ask Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) to give him anything in cash. That is why Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has reserved the highest and best station in Jannah (Waseela) for him. We should ask Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) to grant Rasul Allah this place as a show of our appreciation for how he lived for our sake. It is a part of the recommended Dua to make after hearing the Adhan.

Sacrificing animal on a Holy Month- Dhu al-Hijjah

A FEW KILOS VS GREAT REWARD

Prophet (peace be upon him) said about the meat of the sacrificial animals: ''eat some and preserve some and give some in charity (last part of a hadith) .’” (Reported by Muslim, 3643).

So this time on Eid when you separate Meat for the poor or as charity in the way of Allah. spare it with OPEN and BIG heart. it can be cooked or uncooked. but don't give them only fats and bones with little bit flesh over them that you yourself never accept. remember the story of Habil and Qabil when they were advised to sacrifice before Allah Habil presented the best (which was accepted) and Qabil was taken over by his greedy desires and he presented poorly. so as result it was rejected by Allah. Allah clearly tells us in the Qur'an:

Allah (Subhan Wa Ta’ala) says: "It is neither their flesh nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)

So be humble and thankful to Allah for granting you this opportunity of sacrificing in His way. and give best parts and portions to the poor and take lots of Duas Insha Allah! :) don't miss the great Ajar for some kilos of 

meat which is going to be finished in couple of days anyway. Share it with your Families Insha Allah!

Evil Eye - According to Quran and Sunnah

Hadith - Muwatta 50.1

Yahya related to me from Malik that Muhammad ibn Abi Umama ibn Sahl ibn Hunayf heard his father say, "My father, Sahl ibn Hunayf did a ghusl at al-Kharrar. He removed the jubbah he had on while Amir ibn Rabia was watching, and Sahl was a man with beautiful white skin. 

Amir said to him, 'I have never seen anything like what I have seen today, not even the skin of a virgin.'

Sahl fell ill on the spot, and his condition grew worse. Somebody went to the Messenger of Allah (saw) and told him that Sahl was ill, and could not go with him. The Messenger of Allah (saw) came to him, and Sahl told him what had happened with Amir.

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said, 'Why does one of you kill his brother? Why did you not say, "May Allah bless you?" (ta baraka-llah) The evil eye is true. Do wudu from it.'

Amir did wudu from it and Sahl went with the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) and there was nothing wrong with him.

Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas:

Hadith - At-Tirmidhi, Narrated Abu Sa'id al-Khudri

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to seek protection against the Jinn and the evil eye till surahs al-Falaq and an-Nas were revealed. After they were revealed he stuck to them and discarded everything beside them.
[Transmitted by Tirmidhi.]

What is El-'Ayn?

Fataawa Esh-Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen, 2/117, 118

Many people suffer unexplained illnesses, break up of marriages, childbirth defects or stillbirths, breakup of communities, failed businesses etc. never understanding why. Many of us in the West are unaware of the harms of Hasad (Envy) or El 'Ayn (the Evil Eye). The 'ulamaa' (scholars) of the El-Lajnah El-Daa'imah (Standing Committee for Islaamic Research) were asked to define al-ayn. They responded with the following:

"The Arabic word El-'Ayn (the 'ayn) refers to when a person harms another with his eye. It starts when the person likes a thing, then his evil feelings affect it, by means of his repeated looking at the object of his jealousy. Allaah commanded His Prophet, Muhammad (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) to seek refuge with Him from the haasid (envier), as He said:

"And from the evil of the envier when he envies" (El-Falaq 113:5) 


Everyone who puts the 'ayn o­n another is haasid (envious), but not every haasid puts the 'ayn o­n another. The word haasid (envier) is more general in meaning than the word 'aa'in (one who puts the 'ayn o­n another), so seeking refuge with Allaah from the o­ne who envies includes seeking refuge with Him from the o­ne who puts the 'ayn o­n another. The 'ayn is like an arrow which comes from the soul of the o­ne who envies and the o­ne who puts the 'ayn o­n another towards the o­ne who is envied and o­n whom the 'ayn is put; sometimes it hits him and sometimes it misses. If the target is exposed and unprotected, it will affect him, but if the target is cautious and armed, the arrow will have no effect and may even come back o­n the o­ne who launched it. 

Adapted from Zaad El-Ma'aad by Ibnul-Qayyim (Rahimuhullaah). 

There are ahaadeeth from the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) which speak of the effects of the 'ayn. For example it is narrated in Es-Saheehayn that 'Aa'ishah (Radiyallaahu 'anhaa) said: The Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) used to tell me to recite ruqyah for protection against the 'ayn.

Muslim, Ahmad and Et-Tirmidhi narrated from Ibn 'Abbaas (Radiyallaahu 'anhumaa) that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) said: "The 'ayn is real and if anything were to overtake the divine decree, it would be the 'ayn. When you are asked to take a bath (to provide a cure) from the influence of the 'ayn, you should take a bath." This was classified as saheeh by Et-Tirmidhi, and also by El-Elbaani in Es-Silsilah Es-Saheehah, 1251.

Imaam Ahmad and Et-Tirmidhi (2059), where he classed it as saheeh) narrated that Asma' bint 'Umays said: "O Messenger of Allaah, the children of Ja'far have been afflicted by the 'ayn, shall we recite ruqyah for them?" He said, "Yes, for if anything were to overtake the divine decree it would be the 'ayn." Classified as saheeh by El-Elbaani in Saheeh Et-Tirmidhi.

Abu Dawood narrated that 'Aa'ishah (Radiyallaahu 'anhaa) said: The person who had put the 'ayn o­n another would be ordered to do wudoo', then the person who had been afflicted would wash himself (with that water). This was classified as saheeh by El-Elbaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

Imam Ahmad (Hadeeth #15550), Maalik (Hadeeth #1811), An-Nasaa'i and Ibn Hibbaan narrated from Sahl ibn Haneef that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) came out and traveled with him towards Makkah, until they were in the mountain pass of El-Kharaar in El-Jahfah. There Sahl ibn Haneef did ghusl, and he was a handsome white-skinned man with beautiful skin. 'Aamir ibn Rabee'ah, o­ne of Banu 'Adiyy ibn Ka'b looked at him whilst he was doing ghusl and said: "I have never seen such beautiful skin as this, not even the skin of a virgin," and Sahl fell to the ground. They went to Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) came and said, "O Messenger of Allaah, can you do anything for Sahl, because by Allaah he cannot raise his head." He said, "Do you accuse anyone with regard to him?" They said, " 'Aamir ibn Rabee'ah looked at him." So the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) called 'Aamir and rebuked him strongly. He said, "Why would o­ne of you kill his brother? If you see something that you like, then pray for blessing for him." Then he said to him, "Wash yourself for him." So he washed his face, hands, forearms, knees and the sides of his feet, and inside his izaar (lower garment) in the vessel. Then that water was poured over him, and a man poured it over his head and back from behind. He did that to him, then Sahl got up and joined the people and there was nothing wrong with him. Classified as saheeh by El-Elbaani in El-Mishkaat, # 4562.

The majority of 'ulamaa' are of the view that people can indeed be afflicted by the 'ayn, because of the ahaadeeth quoted above and others, and because of the corroborating reports and other evidence.

With regard to the hadeeth, (One third of those who are in the grave are there because of the 'ayn), we do not know how sound it is, but the author of Nayl El-Awtaar said that El-Bazzaar narrated with a hasan isnaad from Jaabir (Radiyallaahu 'anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) said:

"Most of those who die among my ummah die because of the will and decree of Allaah, and then because of the 'ayn."

The Muslim has to protect himself against the shayaateen (devils) among the evil jinn and mankind, by having strong faith in Allaah and by putting his trust in Him and seeking refuge with Him and beseeching Him, reciting the prayers for protection narrated from the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem), reciting El-Ma'awwadhatayn [the last two soorahs of the Qur'aan], Soorat El-Ikhlaas, Soorat El-Faatihah, and Aayat El-Kursi.

Du'aa's for protection include the following:

A'oodhu bi kalimaat-illaah il-taammati min sharri ma khalaqa (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allaah from the evil of that which He has created).

A'oodhu bi kalimaat-illaah il-taammati min ghadabihi wa 'iqaabihi, wa min sharri 'ibaadihi wa min hamazaat esh-shayaateeni wa an yahduroon (I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allaah from His wrath and punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the evil promptings of the devils and from their presence).

And o­ne may recite the words of Allaah:


"Hasbi Allaahu laa ilaaha illa huwa, 'alayhi tawakkaltu wa huwa Rubb ul-'arsh il-'adheem
(Allaah is sufficient for me. Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne)" (Et-Towbah 9:129)

And there are other similar du'aa's that are prescribed in sharee'ah. This is what was meant by Ibnul-Qayyim in the words quoted at the beginning of this answer.

If it is known or suspected that a person has been afflicted by the 'ayn, then the o­ne who put the 'ayn o­n him should be ordered to wash himself for his brother. So a vessel of water should be brought, and he should put his hand in it, rinse out his mouth into the vessel. Then he should wash his face in the vessel, then put his left hand into the vessel and wash his right knee, then put his right hand in the vessel and wash his left knee. Then he should wash inside his garment. Then the water should be poured over the head of the o­ne o­n whom he put the 'ayn, pouring it from behind in o­ne go. Then he will be healed, by Allaah's leave.

Fataawa El-Lajnah El-Daa'imah lil-Buhooth El-'Ilmiyyah wel-Ifta, 1/186

The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) said: "The 'ayn is real and if anything were to overtake the divine decree, it would be the 'ayn. When you are asked to take a bath (to provide a cure) from the influence of the 'ayn, you should take a bath." Narrated by Muslim. An-Nasaa'i and Ibn Maajah narrated that 'Aamir ibn Rabee'ah passed by Sahl ibn Haneef when he was bathing and he quoted the hadeeth. 
Reality confirms that and it cannot be denied.

In the event that you are afflicted by the 'ayn, you should use the treatments recommended in sharee'ah, which are:

1. Reciting ruqyah: The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) said, "There is no ruqyah except in the case of the 'ayn or fever." Et-Tirmidhi, 2057; Abu Dawood, 3884.

Jibreel used to do ruqyah for the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) and say, "Bismillaahi arqeeka min kulli shay'in yu'dheeka, min sharri kulli nafsin aw 'aynin haasid Allaahu yashfeek, bismillaahi arqeek (In the name of Allaah I perform ruqyah for you, from everything that is harming you, from the evil of every soul or envious eye may Allaah heal you, in the name of Allaah I perform ruqyah for you)."

2. Asking the person who has put the 'ayn o­n another to wash, as the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) commanded 'Aamir ibn Rabee'ah to do in the hadeeth quoted above. Then the water should be poured over the o­ne who has been afflicted.

With regard to taking his waste, such as his urine and stools, there is no basis for doing so; the same applies to taking any of his belongings. Rather what is narrated is that which is mentioned above, washing his limbs and washing inside his garment, or likewise washing inside his headgear and garments. Allaahu 'Alam (And Allaah knows best).

There is nothing wrong with taking precautions against the 'ayn before it happens, and this does not contradict the idea of tawakkul (putting o­ne's trust in Allaah). In fact this is tawakkul, because tawakkul means putting o­ne's trust in Allaah whilst also implementing the means that have been permitted or enjoined. The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallem) used to seek refuge for El-Hasan and El-Husayn and say: U'eedhukuma bi kalimaat Allaah Et-taammati min kulli shaytaanin wa haammah wa min kulli 'aynin laammah (I seek refuge for you both in the perfect words of Allaah, from every shaytaan and every poisonous reptile, and from every 'ayn).'" Et-Tirmidhi, 2060; Abu Dawood, 4737. And he would say, "Thus Ibraaheem used to seek refuge with Allaah for Ishaaq and Ismaa'eel, ('Alaihumaa Salaam)." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3371.

The Importance of Last Ten Days of Ramadan.

THE VIRTUES OF THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAAN AND LAYLAT AL-QADR:

Prophet Muhammad(saw) loved the Night Time For Ibadah:

1. Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) woke up one night and said, “Subhaan Allaah! What tribulations have come down tonight! What treasure has come down tonight! Who will wake up the dwellers of the apartments? There may be women who are clothed in this world and naked in the Hereafter.” (Al-Bukhaari, 1074).

2. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to strive hard (in worship) during the last ten days of Ramadaan in a way that he did not strive at any other times. (Muslim, 1175, from ‘Aa’ishah).

3. Among the things he did were secluding himself in I’tikaaf and seeking Laylat al-Qadr during this time. (Al-Bukhaari, 1913; Muslim, 1169).

4. when the last ten days of Ramadaan came, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family and gird his loins. (Al-Bukhaari, 1920; Muslim, 1174).

5. It was also reported (in Saheeh al-Bukhaari) that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to wake ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) when he wanted to pray Witr. (Al-Bukhaari, 952). But when he woke his wives during the last ten nights of Ramadaan, this was more persistent than at other times of the year.

6. Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Al-Bukhaari, 1910; Muslim, 760).

This night is described as peace, i.e., it is safe, for the Shaytaan cannot do any evil or cause any harm on this night, as Mujaahid said. (See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 4/531). On this night, many people are saved from punishment because of what they do to worship Allaah, may He be glorified.

Allah Said:

“Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [Al-Dukhaan 44:4]

'A'ishah reported: "When the (last) ten started, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would tighten his izar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in prayer) and wake up his family." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

And she said: "Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) used to exert more (in worship) on the last ten than on other nights." [Muslim]

Punishment For Breaking Fast

A saheeh report which warns against not fasting was narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah (1986) and Ibn Hibbaan (7491) from Abu Umaamah al-Baahili who said: 

I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Whilst I was sleeping two men came to me and took my by the arm and brought me to a cragged mountain. They said, ‘Climb up.’ I said, ‘I cannot.’ They said, ‘We will make it easy for you.’ So I climbed up until I was at the top of the mountain. Then I heard loud voices. I said, ‘What are these voices?’ They said, ‘This is the howling of the people of Hell.” Then I was taken until I saw people hanging by their hamstrings, with the sides of their mouths torn and blood pouring from their mouths.’ I said, ‘Who are these?’ He said, ‘These are people who broke their fast before it was time.’” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Mawaarid al-Zam’aan, no. 1509.

We ask Allaah to keep us safe and sound in this world and in the Hereafter.

Ameen..!

Trees that are Mentioned In Quran And Sunnah...!

Praise be to Allaah.

There are lots of trees(One of the creation of Allah Almighty) are mentioned in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, some of which are mentioned below.

1. THE DATE PALM TREE:

This is a good tree to which Allaah likened the word of Tawheed when it is established in the sincere heart, where it bears fruits of good deeds that strengthen eemaan (faith).

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): Have you not seen how God puts forth the example that a good word is like a good tree, whose root is firm and whose branches are in the sky. [Ibraaheem 14:24]

This is the tree to which Allaah likens the believer because it is good in all aspects, it is lasting and it offers different kinds of benefit. Ibn ‘Umar reported: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘There is a kind of tree whose leaves do not fall and it is like the Muslim. Tell me what it is.’ The people mentioned different kinds of desert trees … and I said to myself, ‘It is the date palm tree,’ but I felt too shy to speak up. Then the people said, ‘Tell us what it is, O Messenger of Allaah.’ He said: ‘It is the date palm tree.’" (Al-Bukhaari, 60)

2. THE BLESSED OLIVE TREE:

The purity of which Allaah set forth as a parable

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Allaah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as (if there were) a niche and within it a lamp, the lamp is in glass, the glass as it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east (i.e., it neither gets sun-rays only in the morning) nor of the west (i.e., nor does it get sun-rays only in the afternoon – but it is exposed to the sun all day long), whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself), though no fire touched it. Light upon Light! Allaah guides to His Light whom He wills. And Allaah sets forth parables for mankind, and Allaah is All-Knower of everything." [Al-Noor 24:35]

In Soorat al-Mu’minoon, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And a tree (olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that grows oil, and (it is a) relish for the eaters." [Al-Mu’minoon 23:20]

Abu Aseed said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Eat the oil and use it on your hair and skin, for it comes from a blessed tree." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 1775; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’)

3. THE TREE WHICH ALLAAH CAUSED TO GROW FOR YOONUS PBUH FOR FOOD AND HEALING:

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And, verily, Yoonus was one of the Messengers … Then a (big) fish swallowed him and he had done an act worthy of blame. Had he not been of those who glorify Allaah, he would have indeed remained inside its belly until the Day of Resurrection. But We cast him forth on the naked shore while he was sick, and We caused a plant of gourd to grow over him." [Al-Saaffaat 37:139, 142-146]

The mufassireen (commentators) said: The gourd (al-yaqteen) is a kind of pumpkin. Some of them described the benefits of the pumpkin, such as: it grows quickly, it provides shade, it has large, smooth leaves, it keeps flies away and its fruit provides good nourishment: it can be eaten raw or cooked, and its skin may be eaten too. It is known that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) liked this kind of pumpkin and used to look for it on the plate of food. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).

4. THE GREAT TREE IN HEAVEN WHERE OUR PROPHET PBUH SAW HIS FATHER IBRAAHEEM:

Samurah ibn Jundub reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, describing his vision: "Then we went up until we reached a green garden, in which there was a great tree, with an old man and children at its base, and another man near the tree, trying to light a fire in front of him. They took me up to that tree and into a house; I have never seen any more beautiful than that house. In it there were men, old men, youths, women and children. Then they brought me out and took me up to the tree and into another house, even better than the first one. In this house there were old and young men. I said: ‘You have shown me around tonight; tell me about what I have seen.’ They said, ‘Yes… the old man at the foot of the tree was Ibraaheem (upon whom be peace), and the children around him were the children of mankind…" (Al-Bukhaari, 1270).

5. SIDRAT AL-MUNTAHA, BY WHICH THE PROPHET PBUH SAW JIBREEL WHEN HE WAS TAKEN UP INTO THE HEAVEN:

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And indeed he (Muhammad (saw) saw him (Jibreel) at a second descent (i.e., another time), near Sidrat al-Muntaha (the lote tree of the utmost boundary, beyond which none can pass), near it is the Paradise of Abode, when that covered the lote-tree which did cover it! The sight (of Prophet Muhammad (saw)) turned not aside (right or left), nor did it transgress beyond (the) limit (ordained for it). Indeed, he did see of the Greatest Signs of his Lord (Allaah)." [Al-Najm 53:13-18]

The phrase translated here as "when that covered the lote-tree which did cover it" is explained by the hadeeth narrated by Imaam al-Bukhaari from Abu Dharr, in which the Prophet (saw) said: "It was covered in colours, I do not know what they are…" According to a hadeeth narrated by Abu Sa’eed and Ibn ‘Abbaas, he said: "It was covered by the angels." According to a report narrated by Muslim, he said: "When it was covered with whatever covered it by the command of Allaah, it changed, and none of the creation of Allaah could describe its beauty."

In the famous hadeeth about his Mi’raaj (ascent into heaven), the Prophet (saw) said that when Jibreel took him up into the heavens, he went through from one heaven to the next by the command of Allaah, until he reached the seventh heaven. He said: "Then I was taken to Sidrat al-Muntaha; its fruits were like the pitchers of Hajar and its leaves were like the ears of elephants. He said, ‘This is Sidrat al-Muntaha’…" (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 3598).

The reason why it is called Sidrat al-Muntaha is stated in the hadeeth narrated from Ibn Mas’ood by Imaam Muslim: "There everything that comes up from earth stops (yantahee), and it is taken from there, and there everything that comes down stops, and it is taken from there." Al-Nawawi said: It is called Sidrat al-Muntaha because the knowledge of the angels stops at that point, and no one has gone beyond it except the Messenger of Allaah Muhammad(saw).

It is the tree at which the knowledge of every Prophet who has been sent and every angel who is near to 

Allaah stops. What lies beyond it is unseen; no one knows it except Allaah or the one to whom He tells it. It was said that this is the ultimate destination of the souls of the martyrs.

The fruits described in the hadeeth are well known: they are the fruits of the lotus tree. Al-Khattaabi said that the phrase "like the pitchers of Hajar" meant that they were big like pitchers; this is something that was known to the first listeners, which is why this analogy was used. Hajar is a place-name. The phrase "its leaves were like the ears of elephants" is also indicative of huge size.

6. THE TREE OF TOOBA IN PARADISE:

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "In Paradise there is a tree in whose shade a rider could travel for a hundred years without crossing it. Recite, if you wish: ‘In shade long-extended’ [al-Waaqi’ah 56:30]" (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 4502)

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Tooba is a tree in Paradise, one hundred years big. The clothes of the people of Paradise are made from its calyces (outer casing of its flowers)." (Reported by Ibn Hibbaan; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3918)

‘Utbah ibn ‘Abdin al-Salami said: "A Bedouin came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and asked him about al-Hawd (the cistern). He mentioned Paradise, then the Bedouin asked him, ‘Is there fruit there?’ He said, ‘Yes, and there is a tree called Tooba.’ The Bedouin asked, ‘What tree of this world does it resemble?’ He said, ‘It does not resemble any tree of your land. Have you been to Syria?’ He said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘It resembles a tree in Syria called al-Jawzah (walnut) which grows on one trunk then spreads its branches higher up.’ The Bedouin asked, ‘How big is its trunk?’ He said, ‘If one of the camels of your people was to go around it, it would not complete one circuit before its neck broke of old age and exhaustion. The Bedouin asked, ‘Are there grapes there?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ He asked, ‘How big is a bunch?’ He said, ‘The distance a crow could fly without stopping in a month.’ He asked, ‘How big is one grape?’ He said, ‘Does your father ever slaughter a he-goat from his flocks?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘And does he skin it and give the hide to your mother, and say, "Make me a bucket"?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ The Bedouin asked, ‘Is one grape big enough to satisfy me and my family?’ He said, ‘Yes, and your whole tribe.’" (Reported by Imaam Ahmad).

7. THE TREE OF ZAQQOOM, WHICH IS THE FOOD OF THE PEOPLE OF HELL:

This tree is described in the Qur’aan as (interpretation of the meaning): "… the accursed tree (mentioned) in the Qur’aan" [Al-Israa’ 17:60].

Allaah also says about it (interpretation of the meaning):

"Then, moreover, verily, - you the erring-ones, the deniers (of Resurrection)! You verily will eat of the trees of Zaqqoom. Then you will fill your bellies therewith, and drink boiling water on top of it, so you will drink (that) like thirsty camels! That will be their entertainment on the Day of Recompense!" [Al-Waaqi’ah 56:51-56]

"Verily, the tree of Zaqqoom, will be the food of the sinners, like boiling oil, it will boil in the bellies, like the boiling of scalding water. (It will be said): ‘Seize him and drag him into the midst of blazing Fire, then pour over his head the torment of boiling water, taste you (this)! Verily, you were (pretending to be the mighty, the generous! Verily! This is that whereof you used to doubt!’" [Al-Dukhaan 44:43-50]

"Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqoom (a horrible tree in Hell)? Truly We have made it (as) a trial for the Zaalimoon (polytheists, disbelievers, wrongdoers, etc.). Verily, it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-fire, the shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of shayaateen (devils); truly they will eat thereof and fill their bellies therewith. Then on the top of that they will be given boiling water to drink so that it becomes a mixture (of boiling water and Zaqqoom in their bellies). Then, thereafter, their return is to the flaming fire of Hell." [Al-Saafaat 37:62-68]

8. THE TREE UNDER WHICH THE PROPHET PBUH ACCEPTED HIS COMPANIONS’ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE UNTO DEATH AND NOT TO DESERT HIM:

This happened during the campaign of al-Hudaybiyah, when he heard of the betrayal of the mushrikeen. This tree is also mentioned in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):

"Indeed, Allaah was pleased with the believers when they gave the Bay’ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad) under the tree…" [Al-Fath 48:18]

9. THE TREE NEXT TO WHICH PROPHET PBUH USED TO PREACH:

Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go and stand next to a tree or palm-tree on Fridays. A woman or a man of the Ansaar said: "O Messenger of Allaah, should we not make for you a minbar ("pulpit")?" He said, "If you wish." So they made a minbar for him, and when the next Friday came, he was shown to the minbar. The tree cried like a small child, then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came down and hugged the crying tree until it calmed down." Jaabir said: "It was crying because of the dhikr (remembrance of Allaah) that it used to hear." (Al-Bukhaari, 3319).

10. THE TREE FROM WHICH ALLAAH SPOKE TO MOOSA UWBP AND SENT HIM AS A PROPHET:

Allaah says in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):

"So when he reached it (the fire), he was called from the right side of the valley, in the blessed place from the tree: ‘O Moosa! Verily! I am Allaah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists)!" [Al-Qasas 28:30]

11. THE TREE FROM WHICH ALLAAH FORBADE OUR FATHER AND MOTHER (ADAM AND HAWWA) TO EAT:

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree, otherwise you both will be of the Zaalimoon (unjust and wrong-doers)." [Al-A’raaf 7:19]

"Then Shaytaan whispered to him, saying: ‘O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?" [Ta-Ha 20:120]

"So He misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): ‘Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily Shaytaan is an open enemy to you?’" [Al-A’raaf 7:22]

12. THE CEDAR TREE TO WHICH ALLAAH LIKENED THE KAAFIR (DISBELIEVER):

Abu Hurayrah said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘The example of the believer is like that of a plant which is continually bent over by the wind; the believer is continually beset with afflictions. The example of a hypocrite is like that of the cedar tree, which does not yield until it is uprooted in one go." (Muslim, 5024)

The scholars of Arabic language said: the cedar (al-arz) is a tree similar to the stone pine tree, which grows in Syria and Armenia. According to another report, the Prophet (saw) said: "The example of the kaafir is that of the firmly-rooted cedar which does not yield to anything until it is uprooted in one go."

The scholars said: The meaning of this hadeeth is that the believer suffers a great deal, in his physical health, with his family and with his wealth, but this is an expiation for his sins and will raise his status. The kaafir, however, suffers little, but even if something happens to him it will not expiate for his sins at all; he will come with a full burden of sin on the Day of Resurrection.

13. THE TREE IN THE RIGHTEOUS VISION THAT WAS NARRATED CONCERNING THE SAJDA (PROSTRATION) TO BE PERFORMED WHEN RECITING CERTAIN AAYAT OF THE QUR’AAN:

Ibn ‘Abbaas said: A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said: "O Messenger of Allaah, last night I had a dream in which it was as if I was praying behind a tree. I prostrated and the tree prostrated after me. I heard it saying: ‘Allaahumma uktub li bihaa ‘indaka ajran wada’ ‘anni bihaa wizran waj’alhaa li ‘indaka dhukhran wa taqabbalha minni kamaa taqabbaltahaa min ‘abdika Daawood (O Allaah, record for me because of it (the sajdah) a reward, alleviate some of my burden, and make it an investment on my behalf with You. Accept it from me as You accepted it from Your slave Daawood).’" Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recited an aayah where a sajdah is required, then he prostrated, and I heard him saying the same words that the man had reported that the tree had said. (Reported by Al-Tirmidhi, 528)

14. THE TWO TREES WHICH CAME TOGETHER TO CONCEAL THE PROPHET PBUH WHEN HE WAS ANSWERING THE CALL OF NATURE:

This was recorded in the saheeh report narrated by Imaam Muslim, may Allaah have mercy on him, from Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him): "… We stopped in a fragrant valley, and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wanted to answer the call of nature. I followed him, bringing a bottle of water, but he could not find anywhere where he could conceal himself. There were two trees at the edge of the valley, so the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went to one of them, took hold of one of its branches, and said: ‘Follow me, by the permission of Allaah.’ So it followed him like a camel being led by a rope, until he came to the other tree. He took one of the other tree’s branches and said: ‘Follow me, by the permission of Allaah.’ So it followed him until he reached the halfway point between them, then he put them together and said: ‘Stay together and cover me, by the permission of Allaah.’ So they stayed together." Jaabir said: "I kept away, for fear that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) might feel my presence and move even further away. So I sat down, thinking to myself, and when I turned around, I saw the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) coming towards me, and the two trees had separated and taken up their former positions." (Saheeh Muslim, 5328)

15. THE TREES (ALL EXCEPT THE GHARQAD) WHICH WILL SHOW THE JEWS TO THE MUSLIMS SO THAT THEY MAY KILL THEM DURING THE GREAT BATTLE AT THE END OF TIME:

The Prophet (saw) said: "The Hour will not come until the Muslims fight the Jews and kill them. The Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, and the rocks and trees will say: ‘O Muslim, O slave of Allaah! There is a Jews behind me, come and kill him!’ (All the trees will say this except for the gharqad (box-thorn), for it is one of the trees of the Jews.’" (Reported by Imaam Ahmad; it is a saheeh hadeeth).

These are a number of the trees mentioned in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, from which we may learn many lessons. We ask Allaah to help us benefit from these lessons. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad(saw).

Ameen..!