MOST people who come to the Kingdom carry back fond memories of a chain of bookstores called ‘Jarir’, yet not many of us know much about the eponymous poet after whom the chain of stores is presumably named.
He was Jarir Bin ‘Atiyyah Bin Huthayfah Al-Khatfi Bin Badr Al-Kulaibi Al-Yarboo’i, Abu Hazrah, from Banu Kulaib, a sub-tribe of Banu Tamim.
Born to a humble family in Yamamah during the reign of Caliph Uthman Bin Affan, he later moved to Damascus where he lived through the era of the Umayyad Caliphs (648 to 722 CE). It is said that he succeeding in impressing the tyrant governor of Iraq, Al-Hajjaj Bin Yusuf, with his fawning verse, subsequently made a living by penning eulogies in praise of some of the other Umayyad caliphs.
According to an account in Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, Jarir was the only ‘court poet’ who was granted an audience by the ascetic Caliph Umar Bin Abdul Aziz. On the occasion, Jarir recited a few couplets of extempore verse, praising ‘Umar Bin Abdul Aziz for his generosity and comparing him favorably with some other past Caliphs, but he was admonished by Umar Bin Abdul Aziz to “stop lying for a living.”
On hearing this, Jarir asked ‘Umar Bin ‘Abdul-’Aziz for some money, since he was poor and had no other means of sustenance. Umar Bin Abdul Aziz said, “If you could prove to me that you are included among the list of people mentioned in the Qur’an who should be helped with alms, I would be the first person to do so.” When Jarir insisted on receiving some money, pleading his poverty, Umar Bin Abdul Aziz gave him 200 Dirhams from his own pocket, taking care to clarify that it was not from the public exchequer. Jarir later said that those two hundred Dirhams brought him such plenitude, that he was not reduced to begging for money ever again.
For more read here.
Sajdat-ut-Tilawah
Q- If I come across a verse of Sajdat-ut-Tilawah (prostration of recitation) when I am reciting the Qur’an at my desk, or when I am teaching the students, or in any place, should I perform the Sajdat-ut-Tilawah? And is the prostration for both the reciter and the listener?
A – Sajdat-ut-Tilawah is a sunnah for the reciter and for the listener. It is not an obligation. Also, it is not prescribed for the listener except while following the reciter. So if you recite such a verse in your office or the place of instruction, it is lawful for you to make prostration and it is prescribed for the students to follow by prostrating with you, because they are the listeners. And if you do not observe the prostration, there is no objection.
– Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Baz; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 2, pg. 282
Speaking to women
Q- What is the ruling if a young, unmarried man spoke with a young unmarried women on the telephone?
A – Speaking with an unrelated woman in a manner that provokes desires, such as speaking words of love or flirting and subduing one’s voice, whether on the telephone or otherwise, is not permissible. This is in accordance with what Allah said: “Then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire.”
As for speaking when there is a need, there is no objection to it, as long as it is free from corruption, but only in cases of necessity.
– Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Verdicts; Fatawa Islamiyah, pg. no. 120, vol. 5.
Q- Which of the two is better: Dedicating oneself to da’wah or dedicating oneself to seeking knowledge?
A – Seeking knowledge is better and more worthy. It is possible that the student of knowledge gives da’wah while seeking knowledge, but it is not possible that he gives da’wah to Allah while he does not have knowledge. Allah said: Say (O Muhammad): “This is my way; I invite unto Allah with sure knowledge…” (Qur’an, 12:108)
So how could there be da’wah without knowledge? And no one has ever given da’wah without knowledge; and whosoever calls without knowledge, (he will) not be successful.
– Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen; Kitab-ul-’Ilm
Our lives are usually so preoccupied with materialism today that we hardly find time to think about the eternal life to come. Our quest to conquer every desirable thing in this temporary world has left little energy in us to work for eternal happiness. ‘Aaidh Bin Abdullah Al-Qarni mentions in his book ‘Don’t Be Sad’ some telling narrations of people who lived otherwise.
A RIGHTEOUS person was once thrown into a lion’s cage, and Allah then saved him from its claws. He was later asked, “What were you thinking about at the time.” He said, “I was considering the saliva of a lion – whether it is considered by scholars to be pure or impure (i.e. whether, when I die, I will be in a state of purity or not).”
Allah described those who were with the Prophet (peace be upon him) according to their intentions:?“Among you are some that desire this world and some that desire the Hereafter.” (Qur’an, 3:152)
Ibn Al-Qayyim mentioned that a person’s value is measured according to his determination and his goals. A wise person once said words to the same effect: “Inform me of a man’s determination and I will tell you what kind of man he is.”
A vessel capsized at sea. A pious man among others was hurled into the water. He began to make ablution, one limb at a time. Later, he managed to get to shore and was saved. He was asked about why he made the ablution. The man replied, “I wanted to make ablution so that I would die in a state of purity.”
Imam Ahmad, during the pangs of death, was pointing to his beard while others were making his ablution for him, reminding them not to miss a spot.
“So Allah gave them the reward of this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter.” (Qur’an 3:148)
ALLAH’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever has an atom’s worth of kibr (pride and arrogance) in his heart will not enter Paradise.” So a man said: What about a person who loves (i.e. takes pride in) wearing beautiful clothes and beautiful shoes? So he replied: “Indeed Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Kibr is to reject the truth, and to despise the people.” (Sahih Muslim, 1/65)
So Allah informs us that the Hellfire is the abode of those who have kibr (pride and arrogance). And we learn from the (above) hadith that: “Whoever has on atom’s worth of kibr in his heart will not enter Paradise.” So this is a proof that kibr necessitates entry into the Hellfire and prevents entry into Paradise. And this comprehensive explanation that the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned has clarified the meaning of kibr in the dearest possible manner. So he divided kibr into two types:
1. Kibr against the truth This is to reject truth and not accept it. So anyone who rejects the truth is proud and arrogant – in accordance with what he rejects. So it is obligatory upon everyone to humble themselves to the truth that Allah sent His Messenger with, and (the truth) He sent down in His Book.
Those who, out of pride and arrogance, do not comply with the Messengers (i.e. do not believe in them and their message) are disbelievers and they will eternally dwell in the Hellfire. This is because they rejected the truth that the Messengers brought to them with clear signs and proofs. They are prevented from accepting it because of the kibr they harbor in their hearts. Allah said: “Verily, those who dispute about the Signs of Allah, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride.” (Qur’an, 40:56) For more read here.
EXQUISITELY styled abayas are on the wish list of every woman in the Kingdom. Expat women too are determined to make a fashion statement out of the typically black cloaks that are, by and large, not mandatory in their home countries. “Saudi women as well as expat women prefer modern abaya styles. However, women in Riyadh are more conservative in their choice of abaya colors, and there are some restrictions prohibiting very attractive and colorful abayas in Riyadh. On the other hand, women in Jeddah like to wear colorful abayas,” said Hala Droubi, a Syrian PR coordinator in TBWA\RAAD, Jeddah.
“Another difference between Saudi women and expatriate women,” she said, “is that most Saudi women are willing to invest more in abayas than the average expatriate women. They also buy new abayas more frequently and in almost every season or have their own custom-made abayas, making sure that they follow the latest trends in abaya styles.”
Abayas in vibrant hues, with bands of glistening diamantes, sheaths of leopard prints, glittering stones, ribbon and lace embellishments, etc. are just some of the designs in abayas that are gaining popularity with expat women.
Droubi said the latest trend in abayas is inspired by the old traditional Egyptian “milaya laf” dress, which women used to wear in the 1920s in Egypt.
Abayas in butterfly and fish silhouettes and with embroidery designs on the neck, back and borders also score high with expat women, and so do black abayas blended with bright and flashy colors, and those embellished with sparkling diamantes and detailed bead work in the front. Satin pleated abayas with chic net sleeves give a modern and contemporary look. For more read here.
Mistake in recitation
Q- If the Imam makes a mistake in his recitation during the audible prayers, such as omitting a verse or part of a verse, or altering the words of a verse by mistake... should he be corrected by the worshipper who is being led by him?
A – If the Imam makes a mistake in his recitation, by omitting a verse or by some grammatical error therein, it is prescribed for those behind him to correct him. If the mistake is in Surah Al-Fatihah, he must be corrected, because its recitation is a pillar of the prayer; unless the mistake does not change the meaning of the Verse, in which case, it is not obligatory to correct him, such as would be the case if he recited: Ar-Rahmana or Ar-Rahima or the like.
– Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Baz; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 2, pg. 420
Satan’s whispers
Q- When we think about doing a good deed, Satan comes and whispers, “You are only doing that ostentatiously, to be seen of men and for good reputation.” Therefore, we don’t do that good deed. How can one remain free of such occurrences?
A – One can remain free of such occurrences by seeking refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan, as well as by continually performing good deeds. He should not pay attention to such whisperings that make him stop doing such good deeds. If he turns away from such whisperings and seeks refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan, such whisperings will stop by the Permission of Allah.
– Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen; Islamic Fatawa regarding women, pg. 56
‘CHECK that out; that guy walks likes this!’ exclaimed a friend, pointing discreetly at a passerby in the university hallway as we sat perched on the stairs during a free slot between classes. She then made a swinging movement with her shoulders and waist that made the rest of us burst out laughing in loud guffaws. The person under ‘dissection’, realizing that he was the source of our jest, made himself scarce as peals of our laughter echoed through the halls.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “A person is on the faith of his friend; so watch whom you befriend.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)
During student days at school and university, we tend to hang out with the most popular crowd. Peer pressure kicks in and we do anything, good or bad, to “fit in” and be accepted by the group. Sadly, sometimes we end up committing major sins this way, such as backbiting, slander, malicious gossip, rumormongering, cheating in examinations, and having flings with members of the opposite gender.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used an analogy to explain the opposite effects of good and bad company.
Abu Musa reported Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: “The similitude of good company and that of bad company is that of the owner of musk and that of the one (iron-smith) blowing bellows; the owner of musk would either offer you some free of charge, or you would buy it from him, or (at least) you would smell its pleasant fragrance; and as for the one who blows the bellows, he would either burn your clothes or you shall have to smell its repugnant smell.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 6361)
For more read this.
MOST people who come to the Kingdom carry back fond memories of a chain of bookstores called ‘Jarir’, yet not many of us know much about the eponymous poet after whom the chain of stores is presumably named. 
