بِسًــــــم اللهِ الرّحمَن الرَّحيم Connoisseur.Rarefy.Neologism
Memberships: Singapore Institute of Management University,Singapore Polytechnic,Temasek Polytechnic,PERGAS,Muslim Writers Society,One Ummah Network,Freelance Writing Organization International,Muslimah Writers Alliance & Jamiyah SingaporeArchive for excellence
A Virtual Walking Tour: The Al-Haram Al-Sharif
Al-Haram Al-Sharif is the Nobel Sanctuary located in Jerusalem which is the 3rd holy site after Makkah.
This tour also includes : The Alhambra and The Suleymaniye Mosque.
You may find it on the below link:
6 Major Projects Development Around The Haram Mosque In Makkah
Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard launched six major development projects worth SR35 billion around the Haram Mosque in Makkah.
The projects, including expansion of the mosque’s northern courtyard and construction of residential towers, are aimed at providing more housing and prayer facilities for pilgrims.
The projects include the SR12 billion Jabal Omar residential towers, one of the largest ventures aimed at developing areas surrounding the Holy Haram. Spread over an area of 230,000 square meters, the project includes five-star hotels, commercial centers and prayer facilities for 200,000 worshippers.
Other projects dedicated by the Crown Prince were: Development of Ajyad General Hospital, which is located close to the mosque, and construction of another road to Haram parallel to the existing road from the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway. The new five-km road, to be named after King Abdul-Aziz, is designed to benefit pilgrims.
Crown Prince Abdullah earlier inspected the development plans set out by the Makkah Development Authority including those for the development of Shamiya, Jabal Khandama and Jabal Al-Kaaba areas around the Haram.
The new projects come as part of the government’s efforts to enhance housing and prayer facilities for the millions of pilgrims who come for Hajj and Umrah from all over the world.
The projects are also aimed at developing areas in the central region of the holy city after removing old and dilapidated buildings. They will also provide secure transport systems and reduce traffic congestions in the city.
The total area to be developed is estimated at 587,250 square meters, with 90 percent being old buildings. The expansion of the mosque’s northern courtyard itself will cover an area of 1.2 million square meters between the mosque and the second ring road to the north, Masjid Al-Haram Street to the east and Jabal Al-Kaaba Street to the west.
Abdul Rahman Faqeeh, Chairman of Makkah Construction Company, said the Jabal Omar project would provide more than 25,000 jobs for Saudis. Jabal Omar offers residential facilities for 100,000 people, air-conditioned prayer facilities for 100,000 and open prayer space for 120,000, he added.
Efforts are under way to establish a joint stock firm named Jabal Omar Development Company to implement the project.
The company will have a capital of SR3.5 billion including SR1.1 billion as shares of real estate owners in the area. Part of its shares worth SR850 million will be floated for public subscription. The value of real estate to be acquired for the project is estimated at SR4.3 billion.
Referring to the construction of a new road parallel to the road linking the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway with Haram, Faqeeh said it would start from the end of the first ring road behind the Makkah Construction Company’s residential-cum-commercial complex, pass through Jabal Omar to reach the road parallel to Um Al-Qura Road to join the expressway.
The new road will have a 1,000-meter-long tunnel and will pass by Mawarika, Tandbawe, Jabal Ghurab, Rusaifa and Zahareen.
Crown Prince Abdullah launched the projects worth SR30 billion in Makkah, including expansion of the Haram Mosque’s courtyard, development of Ajyad Hospital and construction of new residential towers in Jabal Omar and Shamiya.
Crown Prince Abdullah inspected the 50-year development plan for Makkah prepared by the Makkah Development Authority and laid the foundation stone for the SR12 billion Jabal Omar project.
He launched new residential and commercial projects in Jabal Khandama and Jabal Kaaba. Work has already been started on some of these projects while the remaining will be carried out within a timeframe, Al-Riyadh Arabic daily said quoting informed sources.
The new projects come as part of the government’s efforts to enhance facilities for the welfare and security of millions of pilgrims who come for Hajj and Umrah from all over the world.
(source: www.darul-ishaat.co.uk)
Location: Saudi Arabia
LATEST CONTINUATION UPDATE from our previous article : A Journey to Hajj (Pilgrimage) Part III: Past, Present and now… The Future. 21st Century Mecca?
The Magical Nigella Sativa 1001 Cures Except Death
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
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ll praise is for Allah, the Exalted. May Allah’s peace and blessings be on Muhammad, on his family, and on his Companions. Through years of undying research works of my Dearest Mother, who is a firm true believer that “for every sickness has its right cure. One has to find the roots of the illness in order to cure it. You have to believe and leave the rest to Allah SWT . A true practitioner of organic traditional remedies. This article is a summary of one of her research work. Dedicating this to my air and soul in life. You inspire me. I love you. Kupersembahahkan artikel ini juga kepada meraka yang menerangi sarwajagat ini dengan ilmu dan nur Tuhannya. - Noraini Haripen -
The Magical Nigella Sativa 1001 Cures Except Death
Hidden Secrets of the Organic Nigella Sativa Oil
Hadis – Hadis sahih no. 857, Imam Ahmad, Ibnu Majah, Al-Bukhari & Muslim reported that 1400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammed SAW (peace and blessings of God be upon him) said:
“Take this al-Habbah al-Sawda’ (black seed) for verily in it is a cure for every disease except ‘al-Sam’. Al-Sam is death”
Knowing Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’
With reference from the Dictionary “ al-Mu’jam al-Wasit”, Al-Habbah al-Sawda’ has several names as it comes from different regions of the globe. Here is some of their name: al-Habbah al-Mubarakah in Mesir , al-Habbah al-Barakah in Syam, al-Syuniz in Iran, Sanuj in Algeria, BasBas in Morocco, Majsatoh in Yaman, Graine Cumin Noire/ Nigella Cultivee Noire in France, Black Nigella, Cumin in English and Jintan Hitam in Malaya.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ which is in the category of Ramun Culaceae herbs, Habbatul Sawda’, Black Seed, Black Cumin or scientifically known as Nigella Sativa.
Tiny and hairy, being no more than 3mm in length, Black Seed originates from the common fennel flower plant (Nigella Sativa) of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. Nigella Sativa is sometimes mistakenly confused with the fennel herb plant (Foeniculum vulgare).The plant reproduces with itself and black seed forms a fruit capsule which consists of many white trigonal seeds. Once the fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed to the air, becoming black in color (black seeds). According to Ustaz Dr. Jamaluddin Husain Mahran, a Medicinal Specialist (apoteker) from Universiti Cairo, stated in his book, “al-Habbah al-Sawda’” pg 217, – it is a kind of creepers with colourful flowers and leaves that split in between, grows near the white middle sea. The black seeds have a sweet fragrance and taste good.
Black cumin is grown through out Indian subcontinent and Arabia. It has many healing benefits. Traditionally consumed as a herbal life. This medicinal herb is mentioned in the Bible as well as in the words of the Prophet Mohammed.
PROVEN RESEARCH WORKS
Some of the famous remarkably proven and tested research works of Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ done by:
1) Doctor Abu Ali al-Husain Bin Abdullah bin Sina – ‘Ibn Sina’, Father of Medicine
2) Ustaz Doctor Rabi’ al- Zawahiri, medical specialist at University ‘Ain Syams
3) Ustaz Doctor al-Dokhokhiniy, medical specialist at University Iskandariyah
4) Ustaz Doctor Mahfuzh, medical specialist at University Iskandariyah
Besides a proven 100% remedy for asthma, the first major study of Nigella Sativa in cancer prevention was performed by scientists at Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. They concluded that a healthy immune system will detect and destroy cancer cells before the cancer endangers the patient. The immune system does this by supporting increased production of immune cells, bone marrow cells, and B-cells that produce antibodies. Black cumin stimulates neutrophil activity. These are the short-lived immune cells that are normally found in bone marrow but mobilized into action when there is a bacterial infection.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’; Black seed provides nutritional support for the body’s defense system. In 1959, the active ingredient in black seed, crystalline Nigellone, was first isolated and identified as providing many health benefits. Clinical trials have validated the efficacy of black seed in promoting health and wellness.
The most pertinent point to be made about is that it should be regarded as part of an overall holistic approach to health and ideally should be incorporated into one’s everyday lifestyle. In this way, the many nutritional and healing properties contained in the seed can help build the body’s immune system over time, supplying it with the optimum resources it needs to help prevent and fight illness.
USING Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ as a daily health supplement
Most medicines work best when given a chance to run their full course, and this too, is the case with black seed. In cognizance of its substantial nutritional components, as well as its specific medicinal properties, the body’s ability to maintain health and promote healing of a lasting nature is best increased through regular use of Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ as an energy source
Doctor Abu Ali al-Husain Bin Abdullah bin Sina – ‘Ibn Sina’ (980-1037), in describing the black seed as that which “stimulates the body’s energy and helps recovery from fatigue or dispiritedness,” still holds true for Tibb (Islamic Medicine) health practitioners today. The rich nutritional value contained in black seed as outlined by scientific analysis of black seed, also points to it as a great source of energy.
From the Tibb health perspective, the black seed has an ability to maintain and restore body heat. Our Western diet, predominantly made up of cold foods — ice in our drinks, yogurt, pizza, cheese — all deplete the innate heat our body requires in order to optimally function. Tibb holds the view that a reduced metabolic rate (innate heat) is the cause of most illnesses. The body, in losing energy, also loses its ability to fight off toxins, resulting in a greater chance of contracting illness.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ and other medication
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’; Black seed may be used in conjunction with conventional or other forms of natural medicine. It is not recommended that black seed be used exclusively in the treatment of serious medical complaints which may require more immediate action. For example, conditions like bronchitis sometimes require conventional antibiotics to prevent the condition from becoming more severe. However, black seed may be used as a therapeutic aid together with this and other forms of treatment to help counteract any side effects experienced from the use of antibiotics or other potent, chemically based medicines. It is great for ladies as it works for slimming, removing of pimples and moles, excess air in the body, and many more.
Pregnancy and lactation
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’; The black seed is not recommended during pregnancy, however during lactation. It is an excellent form of added nutrition for both mother and the growing child while its immune system boosting properties serve as a natural, safe way to build resistance against illness. In addition, as studies have shown, black seed helps increase milk production during breastfeeding.
Initial trials have shown that black seed may have an ability to increase the male sperm count.
Babies and toddlers
In addition to its many nutritional components, black seed contains carotene, which is essential for infant growth. During the toddler years, black seed provides children with all the energy they require for this active stage of life. Regular usage of black seed, which increases its immune system strengthening effect on the body, will decrease the length and severity of natural childhood illnesses, particularly during winter when children are most susceptible to contracting colds and flu.
Black seed for the elderly person
Which its rich nutritional, energy-giving value, in combination with immune system strengthening properties, black seed is an ideal health supplement for the elderly person. It helps to cleanse the stomach, helps to run a smooth bladder system, open up breathing passageways and many more.
HOW DOES Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ BENEFIT ?
The majority of our health problems have the same causes- infection by micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. When using clinical (allopathic medicines) each symptom is treated individually and usually with synthetic chemically manufactured medicines that contain alcohol and other harmful ingredients.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ is effective at treating the body as a whole and fights the actual cause of the symptoms.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’; Black seed regulates too weak or too strong reactions of the immune system, is excellent for treating chronic, allergic and hormonal diseases, black seed support metabolism, improve digestion, helps to lowers blood sugar levels. It is used to dispel worms and parasites from intestinal track. It is useful in soothing bronchitis and coughs, increase body tone, stimulates menstrual periods, increases the flow of breast milk, provides quick energy, increases sperm count, calms the nervous system, encourages hair growth and retards hair fall out, and prevents skin wrinkling.
HABBATUL SAWDA’ MAIN CHARACTERICTICS
Habbatul Sawda’ is rich in glucose monosaccharide, xylos sdb. unsaturated essential fatty acids (EFA). EFA could not be produced by our body. The main source for it, comes from essential amino acids which produce the carotene protein i.e. Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron, Sodium and Potassium.
Habbatul Sawda’ contains eight of the nine essential amino acids, which is high in carotene, calcium, iron, sodium and potassium which our body needs. It is also rich in linoleic and linolenic acid, anti-pyretic, a tonic and anti-bacterial.
IMMUNIZATION FACTOR
A number of studies in Saudi Arabia have shown Habbatul Sawda’ to increase the ratio between helper and suppressor T-cells and to increase the functionality of NK cell activity. Habbatul Sawda’ contains 67 active ingredients that helps to cure most regular and chronic diseases.
References: Based on Hadis. References from Doctor Abdullah Abdurraziq Mas’ud Al-Sa’id. Translated in Malay/Bahasa Indonesia by Mohd Sofwan Amrullah & Mohd Roihan Hasbullah
A Journey to Hajj (Pilgrimage) Part I: Dedicating this to my Dearest Mother and to my Beloved Auntie, Family members & ALL Brothers Sisters in the World
A History of Hajj (Pilgrimage
Bismillahirahmanirahim.
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatuallahi Wa Barakatuhu,
Insha’Allah this message finds you in the best of Health and Imaan. Amin.
All us here from Singapore want to send our prayers, blessings and we wish to say a big thank you. Jazakallahu khayran to each of my dear family members who had made their sincere and loveable overseas calls before their blessful journey to Tanah Suci (Holy Land) Mecca. Every tear, each of you had shed from across the borders will be a doa for you, all of us here and your loved ones. May you have a safe and peaceful trip in Mecca. As one of my favourite Auntie had landed in Jeddah safely today at 4.30pm, our hearts cheer for your 45 days fulfiling completion of Hajj. May you achieve Haji Mabrur inshaAllah. We love you!
- Noraini Haripen -
Hajj literally means ‘to set out for a place’. Islamically however it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to Makkah with the intention of performing certain religious rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (saws).
Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allaah in the time of the Prophet lbraaheem [Abraham] (AS) and he was the one who was entrusted by Allaah to build the Ka’ba – the House of Allaah – along with his son Ismaa’eel [Ishmael] at Makkah. Allaah described the Ka’ba and its building as follows:
“And remember when We showed Ibraaheem the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: Associate not anything [in worshipi with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it [i.e. perform tawaaf] and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration [in prayer etc.].”
[Surah Al-Hajj 22:26]
After building the Ka’ba, Ibraaheem (AS) would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son. However, gradually with the passage of time, both the form and the goal of the Hajj rites were changed. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia, the Ka’ba lost its purity and idols were placed inside it. Its walls became covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam and eventually over 360 idols came to be placed around the Ka’ba.
During the Hajj period itself, the atmosphere around the sacred precincts of the Ka’ba was like a circus. Men and women would go round the Ka’ba naked, arguing that they should present themselves before Allaah in the same condition they were born. Their prayer became devoid of all sincere remembrance of Allaah and was instead reduced to a series of hand clapping, whistling and the blowing of horns. Even the talbeeyah [1] was distorted by them with the following additions: ‘No one is Your partner except one who is permitted by you. You are his Master and the Master of what he possesses’.
Sacrifices were also made in the name of God. However, the blood of the sacrificed animals was poured onto the walls of the Ka’ba and the flesh was hung from pillars around the Ka’ba, in the belief that Allaah demanded the flesh and blood of these animals.
Singing, drinking, adultery and other acts of immorality was rife amongst the pilgrims and the poetry competitions, which were held, were a major part of the whole Hajj event. In these competitions, poets would praise the bravery and splendour of their own tribesmen and tell exaggerated tales of the cowardice and miserliness of other tribes. Competitions in generosity were also staged where the chief of each tribe would set up huge cauldrons and feed the pilgrims, only so that they could become well-known for their extreme generosity.
Thus the people had totally abandoned the teachings of their forefather and leader Ibraaheem (AS). The House that he had made pure for the worship of Allaah alone, had been totally desecrated by the pagans and the rites which he had established were completely distorted by them. This sad state of affairs continued for nearly two and a half thousand years. But then after this long period, the time came for the supplication of Ibraaheem to be answered:
“Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the book and the Wisdom and sanctify them. Verily you are the ‘Azeezul-Hakeem [the All-Mighty, the All-Wise].”
[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:129]
Sure enough, a man by the name of Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullaah (SAWS) was born in the very city that Ibraaheem (AS) had made this supplication centuries earlier. For twenty-three years, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) spread the message of Tawheed [true monotheism] – the same message that Ibraaheem and alI the other Prophets came with – and established the law of Allaah upon the land. He expended every effort into making the word of Allaah supreme and his victory over falsehood culminated in the smashing of the idols inside the Ka’ba which once again became the universal centre for the worshippers of the one True God.
Not only did the Prophet rid the Ka’ba of all its impurities, but he also reinstated all the rites of Hajj which were established by Allaah’s Permission, in the time of Ibraaheem (AS). Specific injunctions in the Qur’aan were revealed in order to eliminate all the false rites which had become rampant in the pre-Islamic period. All indecent and shameful acts were strictly banned in Allaah’s statement:
“There is to be no lewdness nor wrangles during Hajj.”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]
Competitions among poets in the exaltations of their forefathers and their tribesmen’s’ achievements were all stopped. Instead, Allaah told them:
“And when you have completed your rites [of Hajj] then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers; nay with a more vigorous remembrance.”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:200]
Competitions in generosity were also prohibited. Of course, the feeding of the poor pilgrims was still encouraged as this was done in the time of Ibraaheem (AS) but Allaah commanded that the slaughtering of the animals which was done for this purpose should be done seeking the pleasure of Allaah rather than fame and the praise of the people. He said:
“So mention the name of Allaah over these animals when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are drawn on their sides [after the slaughter], eat thereof and feed the beggar who does not ask, and the beggar who asks.”
[Surah al-Hajj 22:36]
As for the deplorable practice of spattering blood of the sacrificed animals on the walls of the Ka’ba and hanging their flesh on alters, then Allaah clearly informed them that:
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allaah, but it is Taqwaa (piety) from you that reaches Him.”
[Surah al-Hajj 22:37]
The Prophet (SAWS) also put a stop to the practice of circling the Ka’ba in a state of nudity and the argument that the pagans put forward to justify this ritual was sharply rebutted in Allaah’s question:
“Say: Who has forbidden the adornment [i.e. clothes] given by Allaah which He has produced for His Slaves?”
[Surah al-A'raaf 7:32]
Another custom which was prohibited through the Qur’aan was that of setting off for Hajj without taking any provisions for the journey. In the pre-Islamic period, some people who claimed to be mutawakkiloon (those having complete trust in Allaah) would travel to perform Hajj begging food the whole journey. They considered this form of behaviour a sign of piety and an indication of how much faith they had in Allaah. However Allaah told mankind that to have sufficient provisions for the journey was one of the preconditions for making Hajj. He said:
“And take a provision [with you] for the journey, but the best provision is at-Taqwaa (piety).”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]
In this way, all the pre-Islamic practices, which were based in ignorance, were abolished and Hajj was once more made a model of piety, fear of Allaah, purity, simplicity and austerity. Now, when the pilgrims reached the Ka’ba, they no longer found the carnivals and the frolic and frivolity that had once occupied the minds of the pilgrims there before. Now, there was the remembrance of Allaah at every step and every action and every sacrifice was devoted to Him alone. It was this kind of Hajj that was worthy of the reward of paradise, as the Prophet (SAWS) said: “The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise.” [2]
May Allaah grant us all the ability to visit His House and perform the Hajj in the manner of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). Aameen.
Footnotes
1 Labbaik Allaahumma labbaik… (Here I am present, O’ Allaah, I am present…) This is the chant which the pilgrims say when they are going around the Ka’ba.
2 Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. Vol. 3 p. 1 no 1)
“ When the ocean of Mercy begins to foam,
even stones drink the water of life.
The face of earth becomes lush green,
the dead wood springs to life,
the lamb and the wolf together play,
the despairing becomes valiant and strong. “
From “The Bounty of Allah,” translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed. Copyright 1999. All rights reserved. Used with permission of The Crossroad Publishing Company, New York.
-Rumi, “Mathnawi”
Leading an Ascetic Life and Virtues of Simple Life
Why He (S.A.W.) Preferred Living Poor
Excellence of Leading an Ascetic Life, and Virtues of Simple Life
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) lived a life of poverty from the day he was born till the day he died. Whenever, he had anything valuable, be it food, money, gold, or sheep, he preferred to give all away, even when he and his family were in need.
In an agreed upon hadeeth, the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) said, “If I had as much gold as the weight of Uhud, it would not please me to have a single dinar out of it with me after the passage of three days, but I would hold back something for the repayment of a debt. I would distribute it among the slaves of Allah like this and like this and like this.” And he (PBUH) pointed in front of him, and on his right side and on his left side. We then walked a little further and he (PBUH) said: “The rich would be poor on the Day of Resurrection, except he who spent like this and like this and like this,”. and he pointed as he did the first time. “But such persons are few”.
Abu Hurairah (May allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The world is the believer’s prison and the infidel’s Jannah (heaven)”. [Muslim].
`Abdullah bin `Umar (May allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) took hold of my shoulders and said, “Be in the world like a stranger or a wayfarer”.
`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) died when my house was void of any edible thing except for a small quantity of barley I had on a shelf and from which I kept eating it for a long time. Then when I measured what was left of it, it soon finished. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
The following commentary is taken from the online version of Riyadu-Saleheen (Chapter 55):
During the last days of the Prophet (PBUH) the financial position of the Muslims had largely improved due to the spoils of war and he could have lived a comfortable life if he liked, but he stuck to the same austere life which he had led earlier. In this Hadith, `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) has related an account of the extremely austere and pious life of the Prophet (PBUH) although her house was the house of his most beloved wife.
This Hadith also tells us that in spite of his profound love for `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (PBUH) did not accord her any preferential treatment. He treated all his wives equally. Thus, this Hadith has a lesson for `Ulama’ and their families that they should not look towards worldly riches and the amenities enjoyed by them but keep in view the life of the Prophet (PBUH) and his wives and learn to keep themselves contented with minimum income.
`Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) slept on a straw mat and got up with the marks left by it on his body. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “O Messenger of Allah! Would that you make us spread out a soft bedding for you.” He (PBUH) replied, “What have I to do with the world? I am like a rider who had sat under a tree for its shade, then went away and left it.”
[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Beside mentioning the piety of the Prophet (PBUH), this Hadith tells in a very eloquent manner the reality of this world by means of an example.
487. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The poor will enter Jannah five hundred years before the rich.”
[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Al-Fuqara’ (the poor) means those Fuqara’ who are perfect in Faith. Such people will go to Jannah five hundered years before the rich because the latter will have to account for their wealth, from where they had got it and how they had spent it, while the former will not be answerable for any such thing.
488. Ibn `Abbas and `Imran bin Al-Husain (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “I looked into Jannah and saw that most of its dwellers are the poor; and I looked into Hell and saw that most of its inmates were women.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: The Prophet (PBUH) had observed Jannah and Hell either on the eve of Mi`raj (Ascension to heavens), or of Salat-ul-Kusuf (Eclipse prayer) in which he (PBUH) was shown Jannah and Hell. A large majority of Fuqara’ will go to Jannah. The rich people do not attach much importance to the requirements of faith and its practice.
The reason women are the majority in Hell is because they are given to taunts and curses and are ungrateful to their husbands. The Hadith urges women to try to overcome these serious defects in order to be saved from the Hell-fire.
489. Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “I stood at the gate of Jannah and saw that most of those who enter it were poor, whereas the rich were held back; but those who were destined to go to Hell were ordered to be sent there (immediately).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Note: The above Ahadeeth and commentary are taken from Riyadus-Saleheen, Chapter 55
Excellence of Leading an Ascetic Life, and Virtues of Simple Life
