Refresh Your Imaan

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “I have been sent to join the ties of relationship (with kindness and affection), to break the idols, and to proclaim the oneness of Allah (in a manner that) nothing is to be associated with Him.” [Sahih Muslim] When Mahmud Ghaznavi conquered India and broke the temple at Somnath he also smashed all the idols in it. When he was about to break the biggest idol, its worshippers pleaded for it to be spared and offered its weight in gold in exchange. So Mahmud consulted his advisers all of whom said, “We have already gained victory, what will it harm us if we leave one idol? The money we will get in exchange for it will help our forces. We should spare the idol.”  The commander-in-chief Masood Ghazi was also present in the meeting. He said, “This would be trading in idols! Up until now our king was known as an idol breaker, now he will be called an idol vendor!” This statement impacted Mahmud but he deliberated and postponed a...

"O believers, when the call is proclaimed for the prayer on Friday, come to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business, that is better for you if you but did know." [Al-Jumuah, 62:9] Purifying and cleaning oneself The person intending to perform Salat al-Jumah is highly encouraged to have ghusl (full bath or shower). The majority of the scholars are of the opinion that the ghusl for Salat a-Jumah is recommended (sunnah) but not obligatory. The ghusl is performed starting from the time of Fajr Prayer. Also, if a person performs ghusl and then later invalidates his ablution, he need not repeat the ghusl. Making ablution (wudhu) suffices. Furthermore, one ghusl may be used for removing sexual defilement (janabah) and for Salat al-Jumuah. Going early to the masjid There is a great reward in going early to Salat al-Jumuah, beginning after sunrise. By leaving for Salat al-Jumuah, one gets the reward of waiting for the Prayer, making dhikr (remembering Allah) and volunt...