THE FIRST PUNISHMENT: 'THE ORIGINAL PUNISHMENT' FOR 'THE ORIGINAL SIN'

The First Punishment: 'The Original Punishment' for 'The Original Sin'

(Article For Muslims)

The First Punishment: 'The Original Punishment' for 'The Original Sin'


Assalamu-alaikum!

The verses from the Quran: Chapter 7: verses 11-31 mention the story of Adam (Aadam) (pbuh) and Eve (Hawwa/Havva) (pbuh). Wherein it is mentioned that Satan/Iblis cheated them both to disobey Allaah/Allah/God. In a way, it can be understood that both Adam and Eve committed a sin in the view of Allah.


In Allah's kingdom, a sin is a punishable act. Thus, if Adam and Eve have committed a sin, then there should be a punishment for them. So, from the aforementioned verses, it is understood that as soon as they committed a sin by tasting the fruit of the forbidden tree, their shame became visible.

In short, it is clear that the first punishment onto mankind from Allah, was making them naked.

But it is really astonishing that, in this modern world, people have been making themselves naked by wearing minimal clothing. Thus adopting the punishment of God by their own willingness, deprived of God's gift of Beautiful Clothing, which Allah has granted only to mankind, and not to any of the animals.

If you have got the meaning of the verses above, and understood my point here, then there is an indication in the explanation of these verses as a SIGN FOR THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND, that only those people who give though for it, can only understand the meaning from these verses.

Although many people have talked about 'the first sin' termed as 'the original sin' especially from the Biblical passages, but people have hardly pondered upon 'the first punishment' or 'The Original Punishment'.

...Yet to complete. But please pass on your suggestions in the comments.


Verses from the Holy Quran: Chapter 7 (The Heights): Verses 11 to 31.

007.011 It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We bade the angels bow down to Adam, and they bowed down; not so Iblis; He refused to be of those who bow down.


007.012 (God) said: "What prevented thee from bowing down when I commanded thee?" He said: "I am better than he: Thou didst create me from fire, and him from clay."


007.013 (God) said: "Get thee down from this: it is not for thee to be arrogant here: get out, for thou art of the meanest (of creatures)."


007.014 He said: "Give me respite till the day they are raised up."


007.015 (God) said: "Be thou among those who have respite."


007.016 He said: "Because thou hast thrown me out of the way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on thy straight way:


007.017 "Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left: Nor wilt thou find, in most of them, gratitude (for thy mercies)."


007.018 (God) said: "Get out from this, disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow thee,- Hell will I fill with you all.


007.019 "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and enjoy (its good things) as ye wish: but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression."


007.020 Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them (before): he said: "Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest ye should become angels or such beings as live for ever."


007.021 And he swore to them both, that he was their sincere adviser.


007.022 So by deceit he brought about their fall: when they tasted of the tree, their SHAME BECAME MANIFEST (open) to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: "Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?"


007.023 They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost."


007.024 (God) said: "Get ye down. With enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood,- for a time."


007.025 He said: "Therein shall ye live, and therein shall ye die; but from it shall ye be taken out (at last)."


007.026 O ye Children of Adam! We have bestowed RAIMENT (CLOTHES) upon you TO COVER YOUR SHAME, as well as to be an ADORNMENT to you. But the RAIMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,- that is the BEST. Such are among the SIGNS OF GOD, that they may receive admonition!


007.027 O ye Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you, in the same manner as He got your parents out of the Garden, STRIPPING THEM OF THEIR RAIMENT, TO EXPOSE THEIR SHAME: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where ye cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends (only) to those without faith.


007.028 When they do aught that is shameful, they say: "We found our fathers doing so"; and "God commanded us thus": Say: "Nay, God never commands what is shameful: do ye say of God what ye know not?"


007.029 Say: "My Lord hath commanded justice; and that ye set your whole selves (to Him) at every time and place of prayer, and call upon Him, making your devotion sincere as in His sight: such as He created you in the beginning, so shall ye return."


007.030 Some He hath guided: Others have (by their choice) deserved the loss of their way; in that they took the evil ones, in preference to God, for their friends and protectors, and think that they receive guidance.


007.031 O Children of Adam! WEAR YOUR BEAUTIFUL APPAREL at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for God loveth not the wasters.


007.032 Say: Who hath forbidden the beautiful (gifts) of God, which He hath produced for His servants, and the things, clean and pure, (which He hath provided) for sustenance? Say: They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) purely for them on the Day of Judgment. Thus do We explain the SIGNS in detail FOR THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND.



And Allah Knows Best

DECENT CLOTHING

Decent Clothing

(Article For Muslims)

Assalamu-alaikum!
Alhamdulillah, clothes are one of the greatest gifts of Allaah bestowed upon humans. But are we considerate enough to know whether we are taking care of our gifts? So, being in your home, just spend few minutes to look around you and sense the reality. Observe the clothing worn by the male members of your family, viz, father, brother, husband, son, etc. And then observe the clothing worn by the female members of your family, viz, mother, sister, wife, daughter, etc. At first glance, nothing looks special. So, try to make a note of what clothes are generally worn by these immediate members of your family.


(Considering the dressing trends of an Indian family.)


Men:Shirt-Pants, T-Shirt-Jeans, Kurta-Pyjama, Punjabi Suit, Sherwani, Blazer, etc.


Women:Saree-Blouse, Salwar-Kameez, Frock, Maxi (Nighty), Skirt, Burqa, etc.


If you observe more, you can see that most of the clothes worn by men have collar, full sleeves, loose fitting, thick material, etc. But similarly, if you observe women’s clothes, you can find the following:


Saree:1.Tight enough to show the figure of a woman, especially from the back.
2.If a woman is climbing a high step, the legs above the feet become visible.
3.Since it is generally thin, it can't hide the parts which are uncovered by a blouse; and it can't fully cover the hair too.

Blouse:1.Doesn't have a collar. So, complete neck and the chest (including some private part of chest) is very much visible.
2.The design of the neck is so broad that the back is completely open; and shoulders, backbone, etc are all clearly on display.
3.Doesn't have full sleeves; so arm, elbow and forearm can be seen.
4.Length is too short. Hence, the belly, navel, waist, back and some part of hips, etc are visible.
5.Generally thin and transparent in such a way that the inner garment (bra, etc) is clearly visible. And similarly the visibility of the skin-color and skin-folds is obvious.

Salwar:1.It is so thin that, if viewed, the shape of the legs is easily visible thru the garment. And if a woman stands in a bright place, the legs can be completely seen very clearly.

Dupatta:1.Very-very thin. Doesn't serve the purpose of hiding any body parts when spread. But it is used just as a matching piece of cloth with the complete dress.
2.And most of the times, it hangs only near the throat leaving the upper chest open.

Tight Leggings: 1.The new and easy way of dressing is the tight and CHEAP leggings, over a CHEAP kurti with long slits.
2.Its tightness shows the complete figure of the legs, if the top doesn't cover the legs. It is as good as showing 'colored legs'.

Burqa:1.Although the Burqa is supposed to cover everything, including the colors, shine, designs of the clothes, jewelry, etc, it is not doing so. Recent trends in burqas have shown that burqas are available in very attractive patterns, actually more than the regular clothes. Instead of covering the shine of the clothes, burqas themselves are shiny with colorful and shining designs, patterns over it.
2.Another new trend in Burqas is the transparency. Nowadays, the burqas have some part cut-off from them as a design, or instead a net is used instead of cloth. So, from this part, the clothes worn inside are displayed. And if the clothes are not covering this part, then this skin is visible to others, even after wearing the burqa.
3.Some women wear the Scarf of the Burqa in such a way that it covers only the ears. The face is open. The scarf is not big enough, so the hair are visible from back, and the hair on the forehead. Moreover, since it is short, it displays the figure of the chest, and some skin between chest and throat is also visible.


So, one or the other similar properties can be observed in other dresses too of the females. Any of these dresses hardly have the collar like that of what men wear.



 



Sense of good and bad:It is amazing to know that we hardly know what is haraam and what is halaal. Although we say that women should be modest, we never notice anything wrong with our own women, since we have lost this sense of good and bad. Even if our mothers are showing their navels through their small blouses, we are not feeling anything wrong in it. Because we are slowly losing our sense. If this continues, the day is not far when Islam is completely lost from our lives.


The Struggle (Jihaad):Finally, we need to conclude that, to make sure we are guarding our households, we need to struggle for it. So, dear brothers and sisters, please make sure of common 4 things especially in an Indian family: Chest, Back, Elbow, Waist. Convey to your women that even the household dress should cover their chest and their back with the help of a collar, the hands must be covered at least till elbow with full sleeves, and the blouses should be long enough to cover the waist, belly and navel. And show them that men are covering more skin than the women, although women are supposed to cover their shame more. Moreover, it should be noted that men would also be questioned by Allaah, about their ignorance towards their women, and why they had not provided sufficient money to buy full covering clothes.


Please make sure that women cover their bodies more than men in your home, and not the vice-versa!!!

RECITATIONS FOR BECOMING RICH

Recitations For Becoming Rich

In the name of Allaah

The following is the collection of duaas, recitations (zikr/ dhikr), surahs, etc, to help us pay our debts/loans, etc, in an Islamic way and Insha-Allaah, gain more wealth and become rich.

Note: Sorry for not uploading the Arabic recitations. Inshaa-Allaah, I shall do that when I get time

Allaahummakfinee…:

Recite this following duaa when in Debt (qarz) or Financial Difficulty. Hazrat Ali – may Allaah be pleased with him said, “Shall I not teach you words that the Messenger of Allaah - may peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him – taught me that even if you have an equivalent of a mountain of debt upon you that Allaah will pay it off on you behalf? Say”:

Allaahummakfinee bihalaalika ‘an haraamika wa aghninee bifazlika ‘amman siwaak.

O Allaah make what You have made lawful sufficient for me, as opposed to what You have made unlawful, and spare me by Your grace, of need of others.

Surah Aal-e-Imraan:

For repayment of debts, recite the following verse from Surah Aal-e-Imraan (Chapter-3: The Family of Imraan) seven times after Fajr and seven times after Maghrib. Insha Allaah, Allaah will make means for debts to be settled.

Qulillaa humma maalikal mulki tu’til mulka man tashaaau wa tanzi’ul mulka mimman tashaaa. Wa tu’izzu man tashaaau wa tuzillu man tashaaa. Biyadikal khair. Innaka ‘alaa kulli shai in qadeer.

Quran-3:26. Say: O Allaah! Master of the sovereignty! You give sovereignty to whomever You desire, and withdraw sovereignty from whomever You desire. You exalt whomever You desire and debase whomever You desire. In Your hand is goodness. Truly, You possess power over everything

Surah Al-Shuraa:

For increment in one’s rizq, recite the following ayah from Surah Al-Shuraa (Chapter-42: Consultation) excessively after each Salaah.

Allaahu lateefum bi’ibaadihee yarzuqu mai yashaaa. Wahuwal qawiyyul ‘azeez.

Quran-42:19. Allaah is gracious unto His slaves - He provides for whom He wills. And He is the Strong, the Mighty.

Surah Al-Talaaq:

Excessive recitation of the following ayah from Surah Al-Talaaq (Chapter-65: Divorce) is very effective in removing poverty (ghareebi). If it is recited for any purpose, it will be realised - Insha Allaah.

Wamai yatawakkal ‘alallaahi fahuwa hasbuh. Innallaaha baalighu amrih. Qad ja’alallaahu likulli shai in qadeeraa.

Quran-65:3. And whoever puts his trust in Allaah, He will suffice him. Lo! Allaah brings His commands to pass. Allaah has set a measure for all things.

Surah Fatihah:

Recite Surah Fatihah (Chapter-1: The Opening) 111 times during the latter portion of the night. Insha-Allaah, rizq will be acquired without difficulty.

Surah Waqiah:

For rizq without difficulty, keep reciting Surah Waqia (Chapter 56: The Inevitable Event).

Surah Nooh:

Recitation of Surah Nooh (Chapter-71: Noah) in Salah removes poverty.

Surah Al Qari’ah:

Excessive recitation of Surah Al-Qari’ah (Chapter-101: The Calamity) is very effective in increasing one’s rizq.

Surah Al Qalam:

Recitation of Surah Al-Qalam (Chapter-68: The Pen) in Salaah removes poverty.

Surah Hijr:

Reciting Surah Hijr (Chapter-15: The City of Rocks) is effective in acquiring barakah (blessing) in one’s income. Moreover, he will not be disappointment by anyone when he enters into a business transaction with him.

Aayat-ul-Kursi:

Recite Aayat-ul-kursi (Chapter-2: Verse 255) for progress and protection in business. If Aayatul-Kursi is recited and “blown” on one’s merchandise the following benefits will be reaped:

a. the merchandise will prove beneficial for its owner;

b. one will make good progress;

c. one will be protected from the mischief and evil promoting of Shaytan;

d. a poor person will become wealthy;

e. sustenance (rizq) will be acquired from strange and unknown sources.

If recited on entering the house and when going to bed:

a. no thieves will enter such a house;

b. the reader will not drown, burn or die due to an accident;

c. he will enjoy good health.

Reciting the names of Allaah:

Allaah has many names depending upon His divine qualities, powers, etc. Generally these are considered to be 99 names, although there are many derivates out of them, and they are called as “Asma-ul-Husna”. Allaah’s names are written with a prefix as “Al” in Arabic, which has a meaning as “The”. So, for example, Allaah is also called as “Al-Wahhaab”, meaning ‘The Bestower’. So, while reciting this name, instead of ‘Al’, “Yaa” should be used, which has a meaning as “Oh!”. So while reciting this name, it should be recited as “Yaa Wahhaab”. Thus reciting different names of Allaah for a specific number of times has a significant effect on ones spiritual and worldly life, apart from the rewards of reciting it.

AR-RAZZAAQ (The Sustainer and Provider):

Anyone who blows in all 4 corners of the house after saying this Beautiful name (Yaa Razzaaqu) 10 times in each corner before proceeding for Fajr, Allaah will open for him the doors of rizq. Moreover, his family will be safeguarded against poverty and sicknesses (Begin from the right hand corner while facing the Qibla).

AL-BAASIT (The Expander):

Life the hands as in Dua after Salaatud - Doha and say this Name of Allaah 10 times. Thereafter pass the hands across the face as when finishing the Dua. If this is done on a daily basis, Allaah will grant self-sufficicency and independence.

AL-LATEEF (The Subtle One):

Whoever reads this Name of Allaah 133 times daily, Allaah will grant him abundance in rizq and all his tasks will be accomplished without difficulty. To remove poverty, misery, sicknesses, loneliness etc., a person should perform Wudhu in the best of manner and offer 2 Rak'aat Salaat and then say this Attribute 100 times. Insha-Allaah his object will be accomplished.

AL-QAYYOOM (The Self Subsisting):

Honour and respect will be attained if this beautiful name of Allaah iw recited excessively.Anyone saying it excessively in seclusion will become affluent and wealthy.  The continuous recitation of from Fajr till sunrise will cause lethargy and laziness to be driven out.

AL-MAALIK-UL-MULK (The Eternal Owner of Sovereignty):

Wealth and self-sufficiency will be granted to a person if he says this beautiful name excessively. And also the luxuries of life will become abundantly available Insha-Allaah if recited excessively.

AL-MUGHNEE (The Enricher):

Material as well as spiritual wealth will be acquired if a person reads 11 times Salawaat (Durood) before and after reciting this beautiful name of ALLAAH 1,111 times. Surah Mazzammil must also be recited after this. All this may be done after Fajr or Esha Salaah. The reading of  this name 1,100 times and Surah Muzzammil 40 times (otherwise 11 times if it is difficult to read 40 times) is very effective in acquiring sufficiency of the heart.

AL-GHAFOOR (The All Forgiving):

One who repeats this Name of Allaah frequently, all his grief and sorrow will be removed ----Insha Allaah. Moreover, Allaah will give barakath in his wealth and offspring. According to the Hadeeth, anyone who says Yaa Rabbe Ighfir lee! thrice in Sajdah, Allaah will forgive all his past sins and any sins that he may commit in the future.

ASH –SHAKOOR (The Appreciative):

Recite this name 41 times daily for any difficulty---financial, physical,spiritual or mental. Allaah Ta'ala will remove the difficulty ---insha Allaah.

AL-WAHHAAB (The Bestower):

A poverty-stricken person should either say this Attribute of Allaah excessively or write it and keep it on him or say it 40 times in the last Sajdah of Salaath - Doha (Chashst) : he will be amazed at how Allaah will deliver him from poverty. For any need to be fulfilled, observe Sajdah thrice in the courtyard of the house of Masjid and thereafter lift the hands as in Dua and repeat this Attribute of Allaah 100 times. Allaah willing, one's need will be fulfilled. Or recite Durood Shareef seven times before and after reciting “Yaa Wahhaabu” for fourteen times.

AL-KABEER (The Most Great):

Anyone who is dismissed from his post, fasts for 7 days and each day says this Beautiful Name 1000 times, such a person will regain his job with honour and dignity--insha Allaah.

Allaah knows best!

References:
All the data presented here, has been compiled from different books including the following books:
* Remedies From The Holy Quran
* 99 Names Of Allah
* Prayers Of The Prophet.

MEMORIZING VERSES OF QURAN WITH THE HELP OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY

Memorizing Verses Of Quran With The Help Of Modern Technology

Although the technological gadgets come with a lots of features, which distract a Muslim from his good deeds, but at the same time, these might be very helpful if used in a practical and a fruitful way.

In this post, I thought of sharing my own experience of how I learnt the few verses of Surah Kahf. In fact this era is full of fitnah and everywhere you see some or the other mischief in this world. The fitnah of Dajjal (Anti-Christ) may not be far enough from today's world. When I read a few Hadith, I got to know that prophet Muhammad pbuh has advised to memorize the first and last 10 verses of Surah Kahf (Chapter 12) from the Holy Quran, so as to be safe from the fitnah of the Masiah-al-Dajjal. Hence I decided not to wait till Dajjal appears, to start memorizing these verses by heart. Thus I started to search for MP3 file for this Surah, and found a good website, from which I could listen to more than 20 different Qaris (reciters) to choose from.

This website is: http://quranicaudio.com/

After listening to the recitations of different people, I selected the recitation of one of them (I suggest you to listen to different recitations for the first time, so as to select which tone pleases you. And for doing this better choose a small Surah like 'Surah Kausar' as this is small and its MP3-file can be downloaded fastly). Once selection is done, I downloaded the free MP3 file of this Surah and copied this into my MP3 Player (Stick) and my Cellphone. Since this surah contains about 110 verses in it, I thought of selecting only the required verses. And for doing so, I downloaded a free software named 'Audacity'. Using this software I was able to cut only the required vereses from this big file (ripping/cutting takes some practice and patience). Then after I started listening to this file in my free time, etc from my mobile-phone, and I was able to catch the tune, but this time not with the words. Although I was able to catch the words but didn't have the reference to check for the alphabets in those verses. For reference, you can either use a camera and take pictures of this surhas from the Quran, or you can download an Arabic Qurab app into your phone. Thus, after installation of a mobile App for Quran, I would see this text from the image and start reading this along with the audio being played in my gadget. Thus after repeatedly listening to this audio, alhamdulillaah I was able to memorize it very easily without any problem. Of course, this is practical!

Other Suggestions:

1. In an MP3 stick, there would be a button named as "A-B". Using this button, only a specific selected part of the audio file can be repeated. So, instead of listening to the complete file and repeating it again, only one verse can also be repeatedly listened. Thus every time one verse is memorized, we can start listening to the other verse.

2. If you want to play it in a PC, although some media-players have the option of playing only the selected part repeatedly, but you can even cut all the required verses separately, instead as a chunk. Thus by numbering them properly and keeping it in a separate folder, the complete folder can be played or only the selected file can be played. And we can even make a playlist of the selected verses to be listened.

3. I burned a CD with the last 20 Surahs, since these are smaller surahs. Thus whenever I go in a car, I can put this in the player, and I am able to repeat a surah, so as to memorize it, and even kids in my family are able to memorize it thus.

4. I listened to many recitations, but I felt the recitation of "Mishari Rashid al Afasy" to be better in terms of his speed, tone, etc. So, this is just my personal opinion, and you are free to choose.

5. Apart from just the Surahs, there are lot more things that need to be memorized. If you don't remember any duaas, then you can do similar way of copying the mp3 format of the required duas, and keep memorizing them too - for example, duaas like 'before eating something', 'after eating something', 'dua for cure from fever', 'dua for protection from enemies', 'due for entering toilet', etc.

MP3 Downloadable Files: Insha-Allaah, I shall be shortly uploading the MP3 files of first and last verses of Surah Kahf, which I have cut; so that you need not do this processing again.

ALTERNATIVE: In case if you are unable to find the MP3 files of the required text, then the best way would be to recite it by yourself. Just recite the verses/dua and record this voice using your MP3-Player/Cellphone/PC-Microphone. Then you can keep listening it repeatedly so as to get it memorized.

Disclaimer: I hope that you are aware of the respect given to the Quran. I have not documented here about that you should not talk unnecessarily while recitation is being played, etc. . . .

THREE STEPS OF PERFORMING TAYAMMUM

Three Steps Of Performing Tayammum

3 STEPS OF PERFORMING TAYAMMUM

(This is a compilation from different sources, and not just from the author's own knowledge . So, please consult an Islamic scholar for more details).

If there is no access to water, or if water can't be used due to health concerns, etc, then Tayammum can be performed for doing salaath (namaaz) instead of doing wuzu (ablution). There are only 3 simple steps in doing tayammum, but many Muslims do not remember it, as it is not performed very regularly. So, these 3 simple steps can be memorized and can be taught to others too.

How to perform Tayammum?

FIRST:

Recite “Bismillahirrahmanirahim” and make Niyat (intention) of tayammum whether for Wuzu or for Ghusl. (The niyat need not be said through mouth, but just making decision in the mind should also be enough.)

SECOND:

Strike both hands on clean earth (or other permissible item). Rub both the hands on the complete face (as in wuzu).

THIRD:

Again strike both hands on the permissible item. Rub the left hand over complete right hand. Then rub the right hand over complete left hand.

The tayammum is now complete.

What is Tayammum?

To get rid of Najaasate Hukumiyya by making use of clean earth or clay in a special way is called TAYAMMUM. Tayammum is permitted when water is not available or when the use of water is injurious to health.

Tayammum is permitted in the following cases:

1. When water is not available within a radius of approximately 1.7 kilometres.
2. When there is fear of an enemy or a dangerous animal or a snake is near the water.
3. When the water is so little that, if the water is used up for wuzu or ghusl then there is fear of thirst.
4. When there is no rope or bucket to draw water from a well or one cannot reach water that is nearby (due to some reason) and no other person is available to fetch the water.
5. When it is known by ones own experience or a capable doctor says that the use of water would definitely be injurious to ones health.
6. When one does not have sufficient amount of money to pay for water which is being sold.
7. If water is sold at a very ridiculous price.
8. One is at a place where there is no water. He himself guesses or someone tells him that water is available within approximately one mile. It will now be necessary to fetch water and perform wuzu.
9. It will not be necessary to fetch water if: (1) There is no trace of water, (2) No one is present to give information regarding water, (3) It is believed that water will be found after a distance of approximately l mile or more.
10. If so little water is available that a person can only carry out the four Faraaiz of wuzu, then tayammum is not permissible.
11. If something naaajis had fallen on the ground or sand etc. it is not permissible to use that earth for tayammum even if it dries up. But namaaz on that place is permissible after it has become dry.
12. lf there is very little water and one is in need of ghusl or wuzu and his clothes and body is also naajis (naapaak) what should one do? First, one should wash off the najaasat from one’s body and clothes and then do tayammum.

What are the Faraaiz (Compulsory Acts of) Tayammum?

There are three faraaid of tayammum:

1. Niyyat (intention).
2. Striking both hands on earth and rubbing them on the face.
3. Striking both hands on earth and rubbing both forearms including the elbows.

What are the Items on which Tayammum is permitted?

• Taahir (clean) earth.
• Sand.
• Stone.
• Limestone.
• Baked earthen pots (Unglazed/Without polish and paints).
• Walls of mud, stone or brick.
• Clay.
• All items which have thick dust on them.

What are the Items on which Tayammum is not permitted?

• Wood.
• Metal.
• Glass.
• Food items.
• All items, which burn to ash, rot or melt.

Other considerable points

• Tayammum can be valid as an alternative to both ghusl and wuzu, depending upon Niyat.
• No space should be left on the skin while rubbing, even of the size of the thickness of a hair. The rubbing of hand should include elbow to fingers. In case a ring is worn in the finger, even the space beneath the ring should be rubbed.
• Any number of namaaz can be performed by one tayammum as long as it does not break.
• Tayammum done for Farz Namaaz will be valid for Nafl, for reading the Holy Quran, Janaza Namaaz, Sajda-E-Tilaawat and for all other kinds of Namaaz.
• One can also do Imamat with Tayammum, ie, can lead a prayer with tayammum.
• Things on which tayammum is allowed need not be covered with dust.
• If there is a stone, brick or clay pot, it can be used for tayammum even after it was washed clean and has no dust on it.
• Tayammum is permissible if one is on the point of missing the Janaza-Namaaz or Eidain-Namaaz. There is no qaza for these two namaaz.
• It will not be necessary to repeat the namaaz already performed should water be found after the namaaz.
• The duration of tayammum, is as long as water is not available or the helplessness continues. This can last for years.

When does Tayammum break?

• Things which break wuzu also break tayammum.
• Tayammum for ghusl breaks only after Hadase-Akbar.
• Tayammum done when water is not found, breaks when water is found.
• Tayammum done due to a disease breaks when one is cured from that disease.

Disclaimer: This article is just a compilation from different resources, and not an original work. And may contain several spelling and grammatical mistakes, as it has not been reviewed. In case if you get to know of any discrepancy, please let me know through COMMENTing so that I can correct it. The effort here is made so as to help fellow Muslims to ignite an idea for self exploration of Islam.

Salat-Ul-Istikhara (Seek Goodness from Allah)

"Istikhara" means to seek goodness from Allah (Exalted is He), meaning when one intends to do an important task they do istikhara before the task, and to get a right solution and make a correct decision from multiple options. The one who does the istikhara is as if they request Allah Almighty that, O the Knower of Unseen (Exalted is He) guide me if this task is better for me or not? According to Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 21, Number 263:

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah :The Prophet (Sallal Laho Alaihi Wasallam) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara, in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Quran. He said, "If anyone of you thinks of doing any job he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer):

Transliteration: Allahuma inni astakhiruka bi'i3lmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa as'aluka min fadhlika-l'a3zeem, fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta3lamu wa la a'a3lamu, wa anta a3laamu-l'ghuyub Allahumma in kumta ta3lamu anna hatha-l'amr (and here he mentions his need) khayru-lii fi diini wa ma3aashii wa a3aaqibati amrii faaqdirhu lii wa yassirha lii thumma baarik lii fihi wa in kunta ta3lamu ana hatha-l'amr (he mentions his need) sharru-lii fi diini wa a3aashii wa a3aaqibati amrii faasrifha a3nii wa asrifni a3nhu wa-qdir lii al-khayra haythu kaana thumma raddhinii bihi

TRANSLATION: "O Allah! I seek goodness from Your Knowledge and with Your Power (and Might) I seek strength, and I ask from You Your Great Blessings, because You have the Power and I do not have the power. You Know everything and I do not know, and You have knowledge of the unseen. Oh Allah! If in Your Knowledge this action ------------------------------------------------ (which I intend to do) is better for my religion and faith, for my life and end [death], for here [in this world] and the hereafter then make it destined for me and make it easy for me and then add blessings [baraka'] in it, for me. O Allah! In Your Knowledge if this action is bad for me, bad for my religion and faith, for my life and end [death], for here [in this world] and the hereafter then turn it away from me and turn me away from it and whatever is better for me, ordain [destine] that for me and then make me satisfied with it."

WAY TO PERFORM ISTIKHARA: First pray two cycles [rakath] of ritual (Nafeel) prayer (salat/ salaat/ salath/ salaath/ namaz/ namaaz) such that in the first raka' after Surah Fatiha (Allhamd…) recite Surah al-Kafirun (Chapter 109) and in the second raka' after Fatiha (Allhamd…) recite Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) and after finishing prayer [salam] then recite this (supplication/dua'): Dua in Arabic Text above.