Muhammad: A Story of the Last Prophet by Deepak Chopra

I was perusing Indigo a few days ago, and a book caught my eye. I had seen it on iBooks, but now I had the opportunity to open it up and take a read. It was called "Muhammad: A Story of the Last Prophet" by Deepak Chopra. 


I had a skim through it, and I have to say, the writing style held my interest. It's not written like the usual books on Prophet Muhammad (SAW)'s life, which tend to be very history-bookish, and textbooky. It was written very much like a story, with characters and different viewpoints. One such viewpoint was from the Angel Jibreel (AS). I don't know where that lies on the scale of religious no-no's, but it kind of gave an idea of what Jibreel (AS) may have been thinking as he carried out his orders. At another part, it's from the viewpoint of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)'s grandfather. 


Now for my concerns, first of all, the Author, Deepak Chopra, isn't muslim. He's more of a Hindu, mystic, new age endocrinologist, and apparently a friend of Michael Jackson. Which is good in a way, because we can expect (read: hope) him to just give the facts, and not bias the story in any way. This is good, because then the book can become popular with anyone, not just Muslims. A non-muslim can pick it up, read it and shouldn't complain "Oh, this book was written by a Muslim so of course it's going to make the Prophet (SAW) look good". However, because he's not a muslim, he may not fully understand some of the how's and why's of the...shall we say...less accepted things Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did. Like marry Aisha (RA) when she was extremely young. 


Of course, I haven't read the whole book yet (although I'm really considering it), so I may be a little biased. It may be nice for my younger brothers too: being a story, it may hold their interest more than a history text. 


At any rate, here's a link to the book on Amazon.com, take a read, share it if it's good and accurate, spread the word if it isn't. 


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061782424?ie=UTF8&tag=book-search-engine-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061782424

Fajr as a Lawyer?

I WAS going to write an article on the khutba I heard on friday, but unfortunately I can't actually find any information on it. :(


Our Imam was talking about the benefits of waking up to pray fajr, and one of the benefits he said which he read in a book (which caught me by suprise because I was expecting him to say something else) was that the fajr prayer will act as an intermediary between your soul and the angels of the grave. Quoting this book (I REALLY wish I remembered which one it was, I'll ask him when I get a chance), he said that after you're dead, and you've been put in your grave, and you can hear the footsteps of the people leaving, two angels will come to you (Munkar and Nakir):


Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, "When a human being is laid in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their foot steps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask him: What did you use to say about this man, Muhammad ? He will say: I testify that he is Allah's slave and His Apostle. Then it will be said to him, 'Look at your place in the Hell-Fire. Allah has given you a place in Paradise instead of it.' " The Prophet added, "The dead person will see both his places. But a non-believer or a hypocrite will say to theangels, 'I do not know, but I used to say what the people used to say! It will be said to him, 'Neither did you know nor did you take the guidance (by reciting the Quran).' Then he will be hit with an iron hammer between his two ears, and he will cry and that cry will be heard by whatever approaches him except human beings and jinns."  (Bukhari, Book #23, Hadith #422)


but our Imam said (according to this book) that a very handsome man will also come to you (before these angels do), and he'll tell you to keep quiet and let him do the talking. After the interview, you'll ask this guy who he is and he'll respond by saying something like "don't you recognize me? I'm your fajr prayer which you would leave your sleep to do!". 


Now I've heard this, which I can't find in any book of hadith and I'm actually not going to repeat word for word because fake hadith's should roll over and die, but it says that the handsome man is instead one's Quranic recitation which they used to do throughout their life. 


If I read it online I'd be relatively skeptical of course, but this is the local Imam, and he has an enormous responsibility to transmit only true information. At any rate, if anyone has any information on this, or knows where I can find it or where it came from, please let me know. If I find anything I'll update this article, isA. 

The 77 Branches of Faith

This is a summary of a book compiled by an Imam Al-Bayhaqi based on Quranic Verses and Hadith. I've found the book referenced all over the place and wanted to know what the 77 branches were. Here they are, in list form:

30 qualities are connected to the heart

1. Belief in Allah
2. To believe that everything other than Allah (SWT) was non-existent. Thereafter, Allah (SWT) created these things and subsequently they came into existence.
3. To believe in the existence of angels.
4. To believe that all the heavenly books that were sent to the different prophets are true. However, apart from the Quran, all other books are not valid anymore.
5. To believe that all the prophets are true. However, we are commanded to follow the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) alone.
6. To believe that Allah Most High as knowledge of everything from before-hand and that only that which He sanctions or wishes will occur.
7. To believe that Resurrection will definitely occur.
8. To believe in the existence of Heaven.
9. To believe in the existence of Hell.
10. To have love for Allah Most High.
11. To have love for the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
12. To love or hate someone solely because of Allah SWT.
13. To execute all actions with the intention of religion alone.
14. To regret and express remorse when a sin is committed.
15. To fear Allah Most High.
16. To hope for the mercy of Allah Most High.
17. To be modest.
18. To express gratitude over a bounty or favour.
19. To fulfill promises.
20. To exercise patience.
21. To consider yourself lower than others.
22. To have mercy on the creation.
23. To be pleased with whatever you experience from Allah Most High.
24. To place your trust in Allah Most High.
25. Not to boast or brag over any quality that you possess.
26. Not to have malice or hatred towards anybody.
27. Not to be envious of anyone.
28. Not to become angry.
29. Not to wish harm for anyone.
30. Not to have love for the world.

7 qualities are connected to the tongue

31. To recite the testimony of faith (kalimah) with the tongue.
32. To recite the Quran.
33. To acquire knowledge.
34. To pass on Knowledge.
35. To make dua.
36. To make the zikr of Allah Most High.
37. To abstain from the following: lies, backbiting, vulgar words, cursing, singing that is contrary to the Shariah.

40 qualities are connected to the entire body

38. To make wudu, ghusl, and keep one's clothing clean.
39. To be steadfast in offering salaat.
40. To pay zakaat and sadaqatul fitr.
41. To fast.
42. To perform the Hajj.
43. To make i'tikaaf.
44. To move away or migrate from that place which is harmful for one's deen.
45. To fulfill the vows that have been made to Allah SWT.
46. To fulfill the oaths that are not sinful.
47. To pay the kaffarah for unfulfilled oaths.
48. To cover those parts of the body that are fard to cover.
49. To perform the ritual slaughter.
50. To enshroud and bury the deceased.
51. To fulfill your debts.
52. To abstain from prohibited things when undertaking monetary transactions.
53. Not to conceal something true which you may have witnessed.
54. To get married when the nafs desires to do so.
55. To fulfill the rights of those who are under you.
56. To provide comfort to one's parents.
57. To rear children in the proper manner.
58. Not to sever relations with one's friends and relatives.
59. To obey one's master.
60. To be just.
61. Not to initiate any way that is contrary to that of the generality of the Muslims.
62. To obey the ruler, provided what he orders is not contrary to the Shariah.
63. To make peace between two warring groups or individuals.
64. To assist in noble tasks.
65. To command the good and prohibit the evil.
66. If it is the government. it should mete out punishments according to the Shariah.
67. To fight the enemies of deen whenever such an occasion presents itself.
68. To fulfill one's trusts (amana).
69. To give loans to those who are in need .
70. To see to the needs of one's neighbour.
71. To ensure that one's income is pure.
72. To spend according to the Shariah.
73. To reply to one who has greeted you.
74. To say Yarhamukallah (‘Allah have mercy on you’) when anyone says Alhamdulillah (‘All praise is Allah’s’) after sneezing.
75. Not to cause harm to anyone unjustly.
76. To abstain from games and amusements contrary to the Shariah.
77. To remove pebbles, stones, thorns, sticks, and the like from the road