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At - Taqwā October - December 2012

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At - Taqwā October - December 2012

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At - Taqwā October - December 2012

Editorial On this auspicious occasion of the 4th Annual Da’wah Conference, organised by At-Taqwā Academy, when this

magazine will find it’s way into your hands, Inshā’Allāh, an extremely important piece of advice is to be shared with

our readers, an advice which was delivered by our noble master and Prophet, Muhammad s, on the occasion of the

first ever Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) which was held in the vicinity of Banū Sālim on route from Qubā to

Madīnah.

Prior to sharing the valuable words of our Prophet s with the readers, it is necessary to understand the background

before the deliverance of the above mentioned advice which is a portion of advice contained in the Friday Sermon.

We need to remember this was the first ever Friday sermon delivered by the Prophet s after thirteen years of

oppression where the Prophet s’s life was threatened on more than one occasion. The Prophet s had witnessed his

family being isolated, boycotted and harassed, his Companions t persecuted physically and mentally tortured to the

extent of being murdered in a barbaric way which hearts feel troubled and tongues find hard to express due to the

nature of the killings but what we witness from the lofty character and morals of this greatest Prophet s is that there

was not a word of enmity, hatred and revenge. This is something to be learnt and adopted by true believers.

Let us proceed with the advice of Prophet s, after praising Allāh S seeking his forgiveness and guidance the Prophet

s said,

“I advise you to fear Allāh (adopt taqwā) the reason being that this is the best advice a Muslim can give to another Muslim and that he

motivates him to prepare for the hereafter and that he commands him to adopt the fear and piety of Allāh S and that he commands him

that he refrains from that which Allāh S has warned against, there is no advice greater than the fear of Allāh S and there is no truer

help in regards to the hereafter than the fear of Allāh S, and whosoever corrects his inner and outer self for the sake of his Lord without

any worldly motive then such a transformation is a sincere change for the inner and outer self, which will bring respect and honour in this

world and which will act as a springboard for success in the hereafter and that is when a person will be in desperate need of good

deeds.” (Tārīkh at Tabarī)

Nabi s further mentions that Allāh S asks you to fear him not out of tyranny but rather out of mercy this is just like

a beloved father or beloved teacher warns his child or student to be mindful of their anger, we know this is nothing

but love, affection and concern on part of the father and teacher hence what can one say about the well-wishing of

Allāh S for his servants.

After realising the importance of taqwā in one’s life it is necessary to understand that this quality of taqwā cannot be

attained by the mere reading of books rather it is a quality which resides in the heart it is therefore we find the

Prophet s pointing towards his heart while saying, “Taqwa is here, Taqwa is here.” (Muslim) Thereafter this quality of

taqwā is manifested in one’s outer actions. One of the ways of attaining taqwā is adopting the company of those who

possess this quality. These fortunate ones are none other than the pious, how elegantly a poet puts it:

“I love the pious although I am not from amongst them but my hope is that Allāh S will bless me with piety due to their company.”

My beloved youth let us hold fast to this advice of the one who had nothing but love in his heart for his Ummah, our

beloved Prophet s.

To learn more regarding taqwā one may listen to the following lectures of Shaykh Mawlana Muhammad Saleem

Dhorat hafizahullāh at www.at-tazkiyah.com:

English: Invitation to Taqwā (London-17/10/10) Urdu: Taqwā: Tamam Pareshani ka Hul (Part 1 & 2)

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At - Taqwā October - December 2012

In Shaykh’s CompanyIn Shaykh’s Company www.shaykh.org

shaykh.org is a blog maintained by the students of Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (may Allāh S

preserve him). It aspires to meticulously record the eminent Shaykh’s teachings, discourses, and advices in the

light of the Sharī’ah.

Lectures of Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh to listen out for at:

www.at-tazkiyah.com

1) Urdu: Tasawwuf kiya hai? (28th Ramadhān 1433—Late night Majlis)

2) English: The challenge after Ramadhān (Delivered shortly after Ramadhān 1430)

One may benefit from the lectures and teachings of Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh from the following websites:

www.idauk.org & www.liwajhillah.co.uk

Staying mentally prepared “When we go to see somebody who is critically ill, we should console the family by reminding them to constantly

maintain hope in Allāh S; there is nothing that is beyond His power.

If Allāh S wills, He will return the patient’s health and grant him a long and healthy life.

However, if Allāh S wishes otherwise, we must understand that Allāh S is All-Knowing and All-Wise; hence, whatever He does will not be without wisdom and will definitely be for our betterment.”

The need for both good company and a good environment “It is necessary to adopt good company and also to remain in a good environment. Adopting one without the other is not sufficient. A person could be sitting in the masjid (a good environment), but due to sitting with the wrong people still engage in sin. Similarly, a person may be in good company but due to being in a bad environment still become involved in sin. It is thus evident that we need both, the adoption of good company and good environment.”

Defend Yourself “What would you do if someone attacked you in the street? Would you just stand there and take the pain or would you fight back and defend yourself? You would definitely defend yourself. The same should be the case with Shaytān; when he attacks you, you must fight back. Use the self-defence of willpower and protect yourself from spiritual injury.”

Ask from Allah S Upon receiving tawfīq to ask from Allāh S, understand that Allāh S desires to give.

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At - Taqwā October - December 2012

The Importance of Duà By Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Du‘ā is asking Allāh S for help or for the fulfilment of a

particular need. It expresses a slave’s helplessness and

dependence on Allāh S, the All-Powerful and Merciful.

It is the channel through which one gets directly in touch

with one’s Creator.

The purpose of man’s creation is worship and according

to a Ḥadīth, ‘Du‘ā is the essence of worship’. (Tirmdhī) And

according to another Ḥadīth, ‘Du‘ā is the worship’. (Tirmdhī)

Just as Ṣalāh, Ṣawm, Zakāh, Ḥajj etc. are acts of worship,

du‘ā too is an act of worship. Therefore just as one takes

out time to pray Ṣalāh or to recite the Qur’ān or make

dhikr, similarly, according equal importance to du‘ā, one

should also take out sufficient time for the sake of du‘ā.

The objective behind every act of worship is the

Recognition of Allāh S as the Creator and the All-

Powerful, and that one acts according to His Will and

not as one likes. A Servant of Allāh S accepts his

weaknesses and recognises his need for Allāh S. Out of

all devotions, this humbleness and total submission is

best expressed in du‘ā. Furthermore, other acts of

worship can become a source of pride whilst du‘ā is an

act which is usually free from any trace of pride.

Nowadays, du‘ā has become a mere ritual. It has become

a routine practice which one is accustomed to perform at

certain times of the day. People raise their hands for a

few moments at the time of du‘ā, uttering a few words,

some consciously, and some without even realising what

they are asking for.

Today hardly anybody resorts to du‘ā for solutions to

their problems. For most people du‘ā is a devotion

which is the most difficult to practise. Even at the

blessed places and in the blessed moments, a short while

occupied by du‘ās will seem like hours. By and large, we

find that the engagement in Ṣalāh or the recitation of the

Qur’ān is relatively easier than making du‘ā. This only

reflects our distance from the Being of Allāh S, as du‘ā

is the only act of worship which provides us with the

opportunity to communicate with Allāh S in the manner

we wish. Lack of concentration in this act of worship

shows that the performance of other acts of worship are

also customary and superficial, and lacking the true

essence. If we truly enjoyed the Proximity of Allāh S,

we would inevitably have found enjoyment in confiding

in Him and beseeching Him. We would have always felt

an eagerness to turn to Him, in open and in solitude.

Many of us make du‘ā half-heartedly, not convinced

whether our demands will be answered or not. We

should know that Allāh S always answers the du‘ās of

people. However, it may not always seem so and many

people, failing to experience the effects immediately,

begin to feel dejected and put off. This, however, should

not be the case, as Allāh S, the All-Hearing,

undoubtedly hears and accepts the supplications of

people, only that the du‘ās of some are answered

immediately, whilst those of others are deferred for their

own benefit.

One should keep in mind that the acceptance of du‘ās

also depends on the expectations of a person. Allāh S

deals with people in accordance with what they expect of

Him. In one Ḥadīth, the Prophet s has related the

following Statement of Allāh S: ‘I treat my servant as he

expects of me…’ (Bukhārī, Muslim)

The Ahādīth also tell us that du‘ās (provided that their

requisites have been fulfilled) are accepted invariably, but

their acceptance is manifested in either of the three

below-mentioned ways: Sometimes, Allāh S immediately

answers them and blesses the seekers with what they

have asked for; sometimes He substitutes what they have

asked for with something that in His Knowledge was

better for them; or alternatively, through the blessings of

the du‘ā, He removes an impending calamity that was to

befall them. At times, neither of the above may transpire,

but on such occasions, the du‘ā is treasured for the

Hereafter.

(Continued on page 5)

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At - Taqwā October - December 2012

FEEDBACK

We welcome and appreciate any queries and comments regarding this publication. Please send your queries or

comments by post or by e-mail:

At-Taqwã Magazine

104-106 Ley Street

Ilford, IG1 4BX

[email protected]

(Continued from page 4)

These unanswered du‘ās will bear so much reward that a

person, on the Day of Qiyāmah, will wish that none of

his du‘ās were accepted in the world. (Kanzul ‘Ummāl)

Abstaining from ḥarām (clothing, food, income, etc.) is

another essential requisite for the acceptance of du‘ā.

The Prophet s once made mention of a person who

travels widely, his hair dishevelled and covered with dust.

He lifts his hands towards the sky (and thus makes the

supplication): “O Lord, O Lord,” then the Prophet s

said, “But his diet is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his

clothes are unlawful and his nourishment is unlawful.

How then can his supplication be accepted?” (Muslim)

By keeping the following few points in mind concerning

du‘ā, inshā’allāh, one will benefit greatly. Firstly one

should remember that du‘ā is an act of worship and

should be given an independent status of its own. It

should not remain a mere ritual.

Secondly, one should make du‘ā after performing all

good deeds such as Ṣalāh, recitation of Qur’ān, dhikr

etc., and also fix a specific time especially for du‘ā. In

du‘ā, one should adopt humility and ensure that one

understands what is being asked. The time spent in du‘ā

should be gradually lengthened. In the initial stages, the

same du‘ās can be repeated over and over, and in the

meantime more and more du‘ās should be memorised.

An effort should be made to learn those du‘ās in

particular which encompass the general need of all the

Muslims.

Thirdly, when making du‘ā, a person should have a firm

faith that he is asking from Allāh S the All-Powerful,

and He is able to fulfil every need of ours. The chances

of being cured from a fatal illness, for instance, may

seem remote but it should be believed from the depths

of the heart that Allāh S is able to cure any illness if He

so wished. Dr. ‘Abdul Ḥay ‘Ārifi v (a renowned saint)

used to say, ‘Does there exist any problem that cannot be

solved through du‘ā?’, and then he would say ‘How can

there, when du‘ā is a request made to Allāh S for the

removal of problems and there is no problem on earth

whose removal is beyond His ability.’

One should ask Allāh S for both worldly needs and

those of the Hereafter. Rasūlullah s has instructed us to

ask Allāh S for all our needs, however petty they may

seem to be. He s mentioned that even if a person’s

shoelaces break, he should ask Allāh S before

embarking to obtain new ones.

Finally, one should not ask for anything unlawful. Many

young people do not realise this and by asking for

impermissible things incur the displeasure of Allāh S.

May Allāh S give us all the tawfīq to turn to Him for all

our needs and may He fulfil all our lawful needs of this

world and the Hereafter. Āmīn.

© Islãmic Da‘wah Academy

A supplication for protection against all illnesses taught to us by the Prophet s:

)النسائي(اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الجنون و الجذام والبرص و سيئ السقام

O Allāh, I seek refuge with You from insanity, all forms of leprosy and from the

worst of illnesses (Nasaī)

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At - Taqwā October - December 2012

My journey to islÃm By a Muslim sister

I had grown up in a loving English family home. One

that was not what many perceive as a stereotypical

working class family, consisting of being down the pub

or stuck in front of the TV. Instead my parents spent

quality time with me. Educating me, taking me out and

instilling in me good morals. Much of my younger years

were spent around horses and with my parent’s

encouragement and support I competed on a semi-

professional level. Unfortunately things changed when

my father was struck with a serious mental illness and my

mother eventually divorced him taking me with her.

Although this was a difficult and upsetting time, I was

relieved as my mother was free from the suffering she

unfortunately endured. Although life was different it was

still good and my mother continued to care for me well.

However a few years down the line my world fell apart

when I was placed into care, due to my father’s

complicated illness and behaviour. At first I was placed

temporarily in a children’s home and although it was

worlds apart compared to my family life. The staff and

the other children were very welcoming and protective.

Only a short time passed and I was moved in to foster

care so that I could continue my education. My

experiences here were very disheartening; as the family I

moved in with made it clear to me that I was simply a

means to pay their mortgage. From here on in I

practically took care of myself apart from my evening

meal. No love or affection was shown. This was a very

sad time in my life and if it hadn’t been for my contact

with my own family I would most likely have gone off

the rails.

Looking back on this period made me realise how

important our parents’ love and support is and how

damaging unkindness towards others can be. However it

was during this time in foster care between the ages of

eleven and nearly sixteen that my road to Islām began,

although I did not realise at the time. My un-practising

Church of England faith first became questionable

during a history lesson at school, and the deeper I

researched, my doubts only increased. I was in search of

something but did not know what. I was fortunate

enough to have travelled during this time to Yugoslavia

and remember being fascinated with the golden dome on

top of what I now know to have been a Masjid. A

beautiful melodious sound that use to emanate from that

building left me feeling tranquil, this I much later

discovered was the call for prayer (Azān).

A short time before I turned sixteen I returned to live

with my mother. There is nothing in this world more

comforting than the love of a mother and, alhamdulillāh,

my life was finally good again. It was at this time while

studying at college that I discovered Islām. I would find

myself sitting in the back rows of Islāmic lectures,

reading Islāmic literature and on occasions fasting with

friends during the month of Ramadhān. The more I

delved in to it the more content my heart felt.

With each step I took towards Allāh S the more Allāh

S seemed to reach out to me. I started with small things

like avoiding harām foods which meant at the time going

vegetarian at home and reading the Qur’ān in English. It

wasn’t always easy and I went through periods of

thinking Islām was about giving up everything that I

enjoyed. I was unable to let myself fully commit yet at

the same time I could not turn away.

At this point in my life I met my dear husband to be who

encouraged my desire of Islām and he gave me an

unarguable explanation to the one question that had

been holding me back which was ‘If there is only one

God why are there so many religions in this world?’ For

the first time I had found my answer and with a clear

conscience and firm belief in my heart I took my

Shahādah. This change in me was unknown to my family

at the time as they were of a nationalist background and I

knew that they wouldn’t agree or understand at the time.

Alhamdulillāh, a year later I was blessed with my nikāh

(Marriage ceremony) and I could not have wished for a

better family to be a part of and to this day I have

nothing but praise for them. They treated me as their

own daughter from the first time we met.

(Continued on page 8)

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At - Taqwā October - December 2012

Jewels of islÃm By Bint Abdur Raheem

Hadhrat Ãdam u was created from a handful of soil

containing portions from all its varieties on Earth.

Angels were sent to earth to collect the soil that was to

become Ãdam u. It was red, white, brown, and black; it

was soft and malleable, hard and gritty; it came from the

mountains and the valleys; from infertile deserts and lush

fertile plains and all the natural varieties in between. The

descendants of Ãdam u were destined to be as diverse

as the handful of soil from which their ancestor was

created; all have different appearances, attributes and

qualities.

The soil was then mixed with water and it is from this

Allāh S moulded the form of Ãdam u. His naked

soulless body was left to dry, the winds would blow and

the sun would shine, after which Allāh S blew his soul

into him. If Allāh S wished He could have ordered that

Hawwā u be created in the same manner, together with

Ãdam u. On the contrary, Ãdam u was put to sleep,

a veil was put over the eyes of the Angels and only then

did Allah (swt) create Hawwā u, beautiful, covered and

concealed. Jannah was given to Ãdam u without delay,

but for Hawwā u, Ãdam u was made to wait. From

the very beginning woman was created with honour.

We often hear the critics, people who fabricate that a

Muslim woman is suppressed, disparaged, abused,

looked down at. However the reality is a woman has

received so much attention in Islām that Allāh S

revealed an entire surah, Surah Nisā, the chapter of the

woman. This chapter is specifically related to her law, her

rights, and her principles. In Islām a woman is a mother,

a daughter, a wife, a sister. She has rights to take and

duties to serve; it is for this very reason why our beloved

Prophet s ordered the nation of his to take extreme

good care of women and to respect her highly. She is a

source of happiness for her husband and a soft, tender

loving mother for her children. Thus Allāh S, the Most

Wise, and the Most Loving ordered her, not out of

oppression, but out of protection and safety, to cover

herself, and thus remain as much as possible within the

confines of her home.

What we wear speaks volumes about ourselves; this is

why a complete stranger can summarise our character

and personality simply based on what we wear. When

deciding our attire we need to turn to the most pure and

authentic book on the face of the earth, we need to open

this book with sincerity, with acceptance, with love, and

let Allāh S communicate our attire to us. We should

then grasp and cling with full acceptance, because we are

believers, and this is no ordinary book, it is the word of

Allāh S.

We are in Islām like precious jewels, immune from being

portrayed as objects of lust and desire. We have travelled

so far from the lifestyle of the Sahābā y, Islām was best

understood by them. This was the best generation;

therefore they are the closest to the truth, which makes

their way the best way. Their lives are a role model for

us, these great women have engraved their names in the

books of history, their achievements and influence can

be found in every sphere of that momentous period. The

first to embrace Islam was none other than our mother

Hadhrat Khadījah t, the first martyr in Islām was

Hadhrat Sumayyah t, Nusayba Umm Amara is credited

with being the first female soldier. It was Fātimah bint

Khattāb t who converted her brother Umar bin

Khattāb t and it was Umm Sulaim t that influenced

Abu Talha t.

Many played an important role in politics, the likes of

Shifā bint Abdullāh t was so valued by Umar t that he

would often consult with her regarding certain matters.

The name of Hadhrat Ãisha t cannot be left out, a

master in many fields and one of the greatest narrators of

Ahādīth. The names and works of these great women

can fill volumes; it is enough to say that there was no

sphere of activity that was not influenced by these

precious jewels of Islām. How true is the saying, ‘Behind

every great man is a great woman.’ After researching the

lives of our pious predecessors’ one will realize that it has

always been the work and influence of either their

mother, sister, aunty etc. who encouraged and facilitated

them to become the personalities that they did.

(Continued on page 8)

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At - Taqwā October - December 2012

(Continued from page 6)

About a year after that I graduated from university and

completed my registry wedding with my family’s blessing

and support. We bought a house and moved in together.

For me this is when Islām became easier as there was less

pressure of upsetting my mother.

Both my husband and I were working and living what we

considered an Islāmic life. However it wasn’t until about

eight years later after the birth of our first two children

that we came to realise that we were far away from Allāh

S’s path. Just as Allāh S had always stepped towards me

when I needed him, again he reached out to us both as

we pleaded for guidance. This came in the form of a

renowned and much respected scholar; it was his

influence and guidance that helped us to change our lives

further. Islām is so much more than I ever envisaged. I

was given the opportunity to spend quality time with the

scholars’ family who showed me the true nature of

Muslim’s. Not by lecturing me but just by their humble

loving ways. As my thirst for knowledge and practising

what I learnt increased, I began to study with an inspiring

and pious lady who too showed me not just by her

teaching but through her kind and compassionate ways.

It was around this time that I started to wear the hijab

after a couple of previous failed attempts. This for me

was the hardest of all my Islāmic acts as it was the most

outwardly statement to my family. At first my mother

would avoid going out with me but time has passed and

slowly she has come round. She still doesn’t like it but

has come to accept it and my husband has become her

favourite of her four son-in-laws. I can only pray that

Allāh S gives my beloved mother guidance.

My life experiences have shown me how to never

underestimate the effect that kind and caring acts can

have on people’s hearts and that those that practice Islām

to the full are the most amazing role models I have come

across. I am so truly grateful to Allāh S for helping me

find the right path and by placing all these wonderful and

inspiring people in my life. When things in life went

wrong I questioned and pondered why me? But Islām

has made me understand that in all bad comes good

whether it be here or in the hereafter. All you need is

patience and trust in Allāh S and to take that step with

true desire in your heart and Allāh S comes running to

you.

What I have come to realise is that this road doesn’t end

till the day I die. Taking my Shahādah was not the finality

of me being a Muslim, but it was merely just the

beginning and there is so much more to Islām than just

the physical acts of worship. By following the teachings

of our beloved Prophet s it has helped me change my

life for the better. It’s only now I can put my hand on my

heart and say I am content. Allāh S has brought peace

to my life that no amount of words could ever describe.

(Continued from page 7)

A beautiful example has been given for the precious jewels of this Ummah; our responsibility is like that of the

archers in the battle of Uhud. They were not in the forefront of the battle, nor in the thick of the action, however

they had the most important position, to guard the entire army. If they moved, the whole army would be uncovered

and as a result the army would be defeated. We are the silent heroes and the backbone of this Ummah; we do all the

great work. We are like those archers, but remember, when the archers left their responsibility in anticipation for the

spoils of war, the army was left uncovered and thus the army was defeated.

Words of Wisdom “Take account of yourselves before your account is taken, and weigh yourselves (your good and bad deeds) before you are weighed,

and prepare for the greatest parade, on the day when you will be brought forward in a way that no secret of yours will

remain.” (Umar t)

“O child of Ãdam! You are but a number of days; every day that passes a part of you passes with it.” (Al Hasan Al Basri v)

“We would frequently be told that the people with the most sins are the one who have the most time to mention the faults of

others.” (Muhammad ibn Sīrīn v)

9

At - Taqwā October - December 2012

ATAT--TaqwaTaqwa

The boy and the apple tree

Umme-Kulthum stormed into her room, slamming the door behind her. She was angry and upset

after having an argument with her parents. She was moaning away to herself and miserably sat in

her room. Her sister Fatima slowly emerged into the room; ‘What is the matter Umme-Kulthum?’

she asked gently, comforting her younger sister. Umme-Kulthum did not want to talk to anyone

and so did not reply. Fatima remained in the room silently and after a while, once again repeated

her question, ‘What is the matter Umme-Kulthum?’ Umme-Kulthum did not want to shout, but in

the midst of her anger yelled ‘Mum and dad won’t buy me a brand new ipod, all my friends have

one and I’m the only one who does not have one!’ instantly regretting shouting at her sister, who

had done nothing to upset her. ‘Don’t worry Umme-Kulthum’ Fatima replied ‘Maybe Allāh S has

something better in store for you!’ Just as she turned to leave, Fatima remembered a story she

had been told in Madrasah. She settled herself besides Umme-Kulthum and began the story;

“A long time ago, there was an enormous apple tree. A little boy named Mustafa loved to come

and play around with it every day. He would climb to the treetop, eat the apples and take naps

beneath the shade; he had found great happiness in the tree. He loved to play with the tree and

the tree loved to play with him. As time went by, Mustafa grew older and he no longer spent his

days with the tree.

One day, he returned to the tree and Mustafa looked very sad. ‘Come and play with me’ the tree

called. But Mustafa replied; ‘I am no longer a kid, I do not play around with trees anymore, I want

toys and I need money to buy them.’

‘I don’t have money’ replied the tree ‘But, I do have apples, you can pick them and sell them for

money.’ Mustafa was so excited. He gathered all the apples on the tree and happily left. Mustafa

never returned to the tree and the tree became sad.

Time passed by and Mustafa was now a man, he returned to the tree and the tree was excited!

‘Come and play with me’ the tree called. “I do not have time to play. I have to work for my family.

We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?” “Sorry, but I do not have any house. But you can

chop off my branches to build your house.” So he cut all the branches of the tree and left

happily. The tree was glad to see him happy but he never came back. The tree was again lonely

and sad.

(Turn over for the rest of the story)

10

At - Taqwā October - December 2012

Competition !!! Competition !!! Competition !!!

Instructions: Answer the questions opposite then

write your answers down on a separate piece of

paper with your name, age and address and send it

to the address below.

At-Taqwã Competition

104-106 Ley Street

Ilford

IG1 4BX

PLEASE NOTE: One winner and two runners up

will be drawn at random. Closing Date: 17th

November 2012. Entrants must be under 12.

One hot summer day, Mustafa returned and the tree was delighted. "Come and play with me!” the

tree said. “I am getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat?” he said.

"Use my trunk to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy.” So he cut the tree trunk

to make a boat. He went sailing and once again never showed up for a long time.

Finally, Mustafa returned after many years. ‘Sorry, my boy but I do not have anything left for

you anymore. No more apples for you…’ the tree said. ‘No problem, I do not have any teeth to bite

anyway’ he replied. ‘No more branches and trunk for you to climb on…’ ‘I’m too old for that

now’ he said. ‘I really cannot give you anything...! The only thing left are my dying roots’ the tree

said with tears. ‘I do not need much now, just a place to rest. I am tired after all these years!’ he

replied. ‘Good! Old tree roots are the best place to lean on and rest, Come! Come sit down with me

and rest.’ The tree replied. Mustafa sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears of

happiness…”

Fatima explained to Umme-Kulthum that the tree is like our parents, when we are young we love

to play with them and spend time in their company. Yet as we grow older we distance ourselves

from them and only go to them when we need something. No matter what, our parents will always

be there for us and they will do everything they can for us just to make us happy. We may think

the boy is cruel to the tree, but that is how all of us treat our parents. We take them for

granted and we don’t realise how much they do for us until it’s too late! Umme-Kulthum, quickly

realised how badly she treated her parents and apologised to them. May Allāh S forgive us all

for our neglect towards our parents and give us the ability to mend our ways, Ãmīn!

Last Issues (Vol. 1 Issue 8) Results MashaAllah to all those who correctly entered our

competition. The winner and two runners up drawn at random are:

Winner. Aisha Jasat Runner up 1. Rumaitha Patel Runner up 2. Asad Mankda

Your Prizes are on their way to you.

1) What is the fifth pillar of Islam?

2) To go and visit the Grave of the Prophet s

is called.........

3) Which mountain do we end our Sa’ee at?

4) Who is buried next to the Prophet s?

5) Jannah Al Baqi is the famous ............ of

Madinah Al Munawwarah.

6) What are the two sheets of cloth worn by

men during Hajj called?

7) What is tawāf?

8) The small version of Hajj that can be

performed anytime of the year outside the

days of Hajj is called…………….

9) In which month does Hajj take place?

10) Write three things that are not

permissible while in Ihrām?

HINT: The answers to these questions can be

found in HOW TO PERFORM HAJJ by Shaykh

Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat

hafizahullāh

11

At - Taqwā October - December 2012

At Taqwa Academy Lilla h Appeal At-Taqwā Academy is a registered charity (Charity No. 1138453) and has been in operation for approximately five years. The Academy started with the publication of magazines/literature and the organising of conferences and programmes focusing on the youth. (See chart below for history of At Taqwā Academy) The Academy wished to further expand on their current activities therefore there was a need to purchase a property.

Through the Fadhl and grace of Allāh S, your sincere duās, kind donations and loans; At-Taqwā Academy has purchased a property on Ley Street, Ilford, for £520,000.

With this property we aim to serve the needs of the wider community through the following:

1) To provide a deeper understanding of Islām

2) To further community cohesion

3) To provide religious education/tarbiyyah activities

4) Publication and free distribution of literature and audio CD’s

5) To provide a safe environment for the youth

The building was built around the 1850's and essential maintenance and refurbishment works must be carried out to meet the current regulations. The total cost of the works is estimated at £175,000.

We make a humble appeal for all to pray for the success and acceptance of At-Taqwā Academy, it's works, future plans and fulfilment of all its needs, In order for the completion of the works we are accepting Lillāh donations and Qardh e Hasanah (interest free loans) for this project. (We have a 30 days repayment (upon request) policy in place for loans)

FOR WAYS TO DONATE PLEASE SEE BACK PAGE

PLEASE CONTINUE TO MAKE DUÃ AND CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS

THE COMPLETION OF THIS NOBLE PROJECT.

Established under the instruction of Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

October 2009 First Da’wah conference held at Lister Community School, Plaistow. Speakers include Mawlānā Saleem

Nawab Sahib, Mawlānā Ayadh Sidat Sahib and Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahumullāh

October 2010

1) At Taqwā Academy becomes a registered charity

2) Started quarterly magazine called “At Taqwā”

3) Second Da’wah conference held at Pavilion hall, Walthamstow. Speakers include Mufti Suleman Sahib,

Mufti Imran Sahib and Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahumullāh

4) Started weekly spiritual reformation programme

February 2011

Held our first local programme titled “Seerah of the Sublime s” at Masjid ul Hidaayah, Church Road, East

Ham. Speakers were Mawlānā Muhammad Ali Sahib, Mawlānā Yahya Musa Sahib and Mawlānā Faisal

Meman

July 2011 “Preparation for Ramadhān” programme held at Islamic Centre Upton Park (ICUP) Selwyn Road,

September 2011 Third Da’wah conference held at Pavilion hall, Walthamstow. Speakers include Mawlānā Faisal Meman,

Mawlānā Yasir (Chorley) and Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahumullāh

January 2012 –

August 2012

1) Purchased property on Ley Street, Ilford for £520,000

2) Held our “Seerah of the Sublime s” programme at Islamic Centre Upton Park

3) Held our Preparation for Ramadhān” programme at Markaz ud Dawat wal Irshad, Plashet Grove

History of At Taqwa Academy

12

At - Taqwā October - December 2012