About depression and sadness...

Widespread disease of our times: Depression. Somehow all of us felt already sadness in his life: by loosing a beloved person, or, people with a heart full of empathy, even when they see other people in grief or sorrow... Losts and changes are part of life, feeling sadness about them is natural. and has nothing to do with depression in psychological sense.
While sadness is the result of trauma (the lost of someone for example, or in case of a disappointment), patients who are suffering from depression often feel a deep sadness without knowing the trigger of it. Sadness or grief is something which fades, as time heals all wounds. Depression is often enduring through years, cyclic returning, or, in case of manic depression, alternate between a "high" phase and the "deep" phase, whereby maxing out both extremes.
From islamic point of view there is no real difference between sadness, grief and depression. Regardless which hardship are we facing: islam teaches us to seek refuge in Allah:

121. Allahumma 'innee 'a'oothu bika minal-hammi walhazani, wal'ajzi walkasali, walbukhli waljubni, wa dhala'id dayni wa ghalabatir-rijaal.

Oh Allah, I seek refuge in you from grief and sadness, from weakness and from laziness, from miserliness and from cowardice, from being overcome by debt and overpowered by men (i.e. others).

Reference: Al-Bukhari 7/158. See also Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 11/173
But is there any special du'a we can recite in case of sadness or when our soul is overwhelmed from grief and sorrow?
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas’ood, that the Messenger of Allah [SAWS] said: There is no person who suffers any anxiety or grief, and he/she says:

Allahumma innee ‘abduka,
ibnu ‘abdika, ibnu amatika
Naasiyatee biyadika,
Maadhin fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadhaa’uka
As alooka bikulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka
aw anzaltahu fee kitabika, aw ‘allamtahu ‘ahdan min khalqika
Awista tharta bihi fee ‘ilmil-ghaibi ‘indaka
An tajalal Qurana rab’eea qalbee, wa noora sadree
Wa jalaa’a huznee, wa zhahaaba hammee
 except that Allah will take away his anxiety and grief, and replace his sorrow with joy. The companions asked: Ya Rasool Allah! Does it befit for us that we learn these words (i.e. this dua)?He replied: Absolutely. Whoever hears of it should learn it.

[Musnad Imam Ahmad]



The Prophet [SAWS] told us that if we find ourselves in a state of sorrow, anxiety, depression or sadness, we should make the afore-mentioned dua. The dua begins with glorifying and praising Allah, then we are instructed to make tawassul (seek a means to get closer) to Allah by asking through all of Allah’s perfect and majestic names…but what is the request after such prolonged praise?

“Make the Quran the life of my heart and the light of chest!”

It’s as if Rasool Allah [SAWS] is saying that if you’re depressed/sad/anxious/sorrowful, then the way to relieve this is to make your life revolve around the Quran! Because once you read the Quran, you will find:

peace and tranquility of the heart [13:28]
physical and spiritual healing (shifaa), and mercy [17:82]
guidance on how to live life, and good news [2:97]

How is it possible for someone who is attached to the Quran to ever be depressed? The heart of the true believer has such a deep trust in Allah, that instinctive understands: whatever hardship he is going through: Allah will reward him for his sabr, and even if facing great losts, he will say "Al hamdoulillah", than whatever comes from Allah, is best for us.... 

Grieve not, for Allah is with us. [Qur'an 9: 40]

And they say: Praise be to Allah Who hath put grief
away from us. Indeed our Lord is Forgiving, Bountiful. [Qur'an 35: 34]

AL HAMDOULILLAH

Live Chanel of Hajj 2011

For all those muslims who couldn't afford it this year to visit Mekkah at the time of Hajj.... please enjoy this link... live broadcast from KSA: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6mDdfFnna0&feature=colike

Animals in Quoran and Hadeeth Vol. 1.

Did you know that over 200 verses of the Quoran are dealing with animals? 6 sourahs of the Holy Quoran are even named after animals. Namely:

• Al-baqarah (The Cow)
• Al-Anaam (The Cattle)
• Al-Nahl (The Bee)
• Al-Naml (The Ant)
• Al-Ankaboot (The spider)
• Al-Feel (The elephant)

The Quoran and many Hadeeths are encouraging us muslims to treat animals with compassion and not to abuse them. More than this: many hadeeths stating how our Prophet (saw) used to treat animals with kindness and mercy. Some of the most common hadeeths regarding animals: 

Narated By Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, "If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity." – [Bukhari Vol. 8, Book 73, #41]

Narated By Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "While a man was walking on a road. he became very thirsty. Then he came across a well, got down into it, drank (of its water) and then came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. The man said to himself "This dog is suffering from the same state of thirst as I did." So he went down the well (again) and filled his shoe (with water) and held it in his mouth and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him." The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He said, "(Yes) There is a reward for serving any animate (living being)." – [Bukhari Vol. 8, Book 73, #38] & [Muslim Book 26, Chapter 39, # 5577]

‎"The Prophet told his companions of a woman who would be sent to Hell for having locked up a cat; not feeding it, nor even releasing it so that it could feed herself." - Bukhari

Islam teaches us to be kind, respectful to animals. The Prophet was asked if acts of charity even to the animals were rewarded by God. He replied: "Yes, there is a reward for acts of charity to every beast alive." - Bukhari 

Many hadiths clearly suggests that being brutal towards animals is a grave sin and Allah(swt) will punish him who treats the animals without kindness. It is obligatory for the owner of the animal to feed it. Just two examples of it:

Narated By Ibn ‘Umar: The Prophet cursed the one who did Muthla to an animal (i e., cut its limbs or some other part of its body while it is still alive). – [Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 67, #424]

Narated By Hisham bin Zaid: Anas and I went to Al-Hakam bin Aiyub. Anas saw some boys shooting at a tied hen. Anas said, "The Prophet has forbidden the shooting of tied or confined animals." – [Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 67, #421; #422]

 

Many rights have been given to animals and Muslims are required to obey these guidelines for transgression would make them sinful. While oppressing humans is wrong, Islam also teaches that oppression towards animals is wrong.

Islam gave animals rights at a time when animal rights were not recognized. Today the world is bringing awareness towards the rights of animals whereas Islam gave them their rights more than 1400 years ago. The most famous story about being kind to animals is seen when a cat came and slept on the robe of Prophet Muhammad(saw) while he was reading the Quran to the listeners. When it was time for the Prophet(saw) to get up, instead of disturbing the cat, he cut that piece of the robe and stood up. Today who would cut of a piece of their cloth so that the cat’s sleep would be undisturbed?

Proud to be muslim????

Favorite facebook sentence of many muslims online: I'm a muslim AND I'M PROUD. This is a sentence which usually drive me nuts.... I'm proud..... Usually coming from convert muslims, and from not native arab muslims, not knowing how wrong this sentence is. PROUD.... The reasons why this sentence is completly out of place are several. A) How could i be proud for something which is not my merit? It's rather a beautiful gift from Allah for which we should praise him and being thankful for it... We should rather say: im thankful to being a muslim. Our hearts should be filled with humbleness for this great gift, that Allah guided us... The right sentence would be: al hamdoulillah, i'm muslim.... but i hardly hear it nowadays from brothers and sisters.... this I'M PROUD took its place.... B) The second reason why i dislike this statement is: PRIDE as such is described in many quoranic verses and hadeeths as a disease of the heart, as something, which will prevent many muslims from entering the paradise. PRIDE is a sign of arrogance, and as such deletes all traces of goodness and piety. Allah has said in the Holy Quoran: 

“I shall turn away from My revelations those who show pride in the world wrongfully.” (7.146)

Allah has said in another place in the Quran:

“And in this way Allah does put a seal on every arrogant disdainful heart.” (40.35)

2.  The wrath and punishment of Allah fall on the jealous person. Allah has said:

“Certainly He does not love the proud ones.” (16:23) 

...Verily, Allâh does not like such as are proud and boastful; Those who are miserly and enjoin miserliness on other men and hide what Allâh has bestowed upon them of His Bounties.... Qur'an 4:36-37

 It is narrated that Hazrat Moosa asked exalted Allah: “Oh my Lord! Who is the most deserving of your wrath and displeasure?” Allah Ta’aala told him:
“ It is he whose heart is filled with pride and his tongue is filthy (i.e. Abusive), his eyes are devoid of shame, his hands are miserly and he is of bad conduct and character.

Also our beloved Prophet (saw) warned from the consequences of pride, as to find in several hadeeths. The most commonly known is this one: 

In a Hadith of the Holy Prophet it is narrated that,

“Whosoever has in his heart, even a atom of pride he will not enter paradise.” (in other narrations discribed as: "weight of a mustard seed of pride" instead of atom of pride)

In observing the above Hadith, it is of utmost importance that we get rid of this spiritual malady, if we hold any illusion or hope of entering paradise. 

Pride as a sin is incorrectly considered to be insignificant and minute in comparison to other major sins, by a vast majority of the people. It may be that compared to the major sins like murder and associating partner with Allah, it is slightly inferior. But that is only because of the magnitude of those particular sins that pride is considered a lesser sin. 

The proud renders himself liable to Hell in the Hereafter. It occurs in a Hadith Qudsi:

“Pride is My cloak and grandeur is my trousers. If anyone disputes with Me in any one of these (two) I shall admit him into the Hell-fire.”

In the other words, pride and grandeur are two exclusive attributes of Allah, which none is allowed to apply and ascribe towards himself.

It is imperative to refrain from such a dangerous calamity which leads to loss of knowledge of Allah, inability to understand the commands of Allah, His displeasure, disgrace in this world and the Hereafter and painful torment therein. No wise person can be neglectful in the matter of such a harmful and destructive calamity.

 We should, therefore, try to save ourselves from this and seek refuge from Allah. 

Hadith - al-Bukhari 9.541, Narrated  Abu Huraira, r.a.

The Prophet said, "Paradise and Hell (Fire) quarrelled in the presence of their Lord. Paradise said, 'O Lord! What is wrong with me that only the poor and humble people enter me?' Hell (Fire) said, 'I have been favored with the arrogant people.' So Allah said to Paradise, 'You are My Mercy,' and said to Hell, 'You are My Punishment which I inflict upon whom I wish, and I shall fill both of you. (The Prophet added, "As for Paradise, (it will be filled with good people) because Allah does not wrong any of His created things, and He creates for Hell (Fire) whomever He will, and they will be thrown into it, and it will say thrice, 'Is there any more,' till Allah (will put) His Foot over it and it will become full and its sides will come close to each other and it will say, 'Qat! Qat! Qat! (Enough! Enough! Enough!)."

In some cases when i was discussing this issue with convert sisters from UK and USA, they usually defend this statement with: in this sense is pride is not equal with arrogance. But the hadeeth clearly states about pride and not using the word arrogance, and i still can't understand why not saying "al hamdoulillah"... as it is Allah's special gift, and only Allah alone decides whom he wants to guide on the right path... or as they are explaining their point of view: one shouldn't hide and feel ashamed for being a muslim. I agree we shouldn't. I also didn't say denie it to being a muslim. But rather say: al hamdoulillah i'm a muslim. Or, if you would want to make it understandable your statement for non-muslims, say: i'm thankfull for being a muslim, i'm confident to being a muslim, but i'm a muslim and PROUD????

C) the third reason why i completly dislike this sentence is: it is often used by brothers and sisters who are hardly acting as muslims should, brothers, who are shaving their beard off out of fear they wouldn't get an appropriate job, sisters, who are taking their hijab off for the same reason. Where is "their pride to being a muslim" than?

I think its much more appropriate to say: AL HAMDOULILLAH IM A MUSLIM, i obey Allah and his Messenger (saw), trying my best to fullfill my obligations as muslim, and im saying every morning after waking up a humble al hamdoulillah w shoukr that i got this great gift from Allah to being guided to the right path. 

And Allah knows best. 

Marginal notes to the 10th anniversary of 9/11....

Being a muslim in an islamophobe european country has automaticly the consequence to face hatred missconceptions about islam. After a while you are getting used to stereotypically stupid comments about ur hijab, black abayas, etc... you create ur own answers for those remarks, sometimes in a funny way, if they are asking you if you are sweating below the dark cloths: "nooo dear, absoluuuutly not.. you know this abayas are big enough to hide an AC below of them"... and sometimes just edifying when a christian woman is telling you your hijab would be a sign of how islam is oppressing women: oh so you are christian, aren't you? are you reading your own Bible sometimes? yes? great..... then read the part where it is written, that for christian women who are not covering their hair, they should shave their hair off.... or when they are telling you how disgusting hijab looks: oh so you think the virgin Mary was looking disgusting? Check the pictures of the holy family in your local church....... wasn't she covering herself? As i said this are situations you are getting used to it with time... What against will always glue on you as muslim, and you can never get used to it: YOU ARE GUILTY FOR 9/11...... simply because you are muslim, and islam is (according to them) the religion of terrorists... ( I'm ALWAYS called in a cabine for body check regardless where im flying to. I'm getting used to it: no bras with wire, no safety-pins for my hijab, no shoes with wire in the sole, no jewellery which could peep)
.. i could write here about conspiracy theories wether the 9/11 is an insider job, made by the U.S. goverment or by Israel (here about you can find different theories: for the U.S. goverment as culprit u can find many proofs, for Israel as involved "only" the fact that none of the jewish companies or offices were open on that day, and there are no jewish victims under the nearly 3000 victims of the twin towers).......... on the web there were many of this stories circulating just a few hours after the towers were collapsing....  I can't tell you which one of this theories is true, or ifff any of them is true.... Allah w 3alem. I could tell them about the disproportionately higher number of civil victims during the war in Afghanistan (which was supposed to be to seize the guilty ones for 9/11) or during the war in Iraq... or about the daily victims in Palestine.....  They would probably justify the death of 48,644 Afghan, 1,690,903 Iraqi people and 30000 pakistanis with the so called "islamic terrorism"..... 
And this is the point when i'm turning into edifying again... when they are talking about "islamic" terrorism. As terrorism would have any religion, nation or colour. Terrorism as such is missing any kind of believe or:  Islam is as closely related to terrorism as light is to darkness or life is to death or peace is to war. Already the word is contradicting in itself: “Islam” means submission in arabic, derived from the root word “salam”. From this root word, you can also derive the words peace and safety. The meaning of the word "islam" is already contradicting the word terrorism, (common definitions of terrorism refer to those violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for a religious, political or ideological goal, and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians)). More than this: the holy Quoran and many hadeeths refer about peace for the mankind. Still: suicide bombing and terrorism are in the mind of the average western citizen unavoidable related to our religion. Specially islamophobe politicians love to cherry picking quotes from the Quoran which are - according to them - a proof for the glorification of violence in islam. Without ever trying to understand the coherences behind the ayah's, or without ever knowing the truth about islam.
First of all: the missconception about suicide-bombing. Suicide is clearly defined in the Quoran and the Hadeeth as haram, a sin which wont be forgiven:
Quranic Verse 1: "Don't kill yourself. No doubt Allah (swt) is merciful and anyone who does so, will be pushed in fire. And it is easy for Allah (swt)." (Nisa: 5:29, 5:30)
Quranic Verse 2 "Don't' kill yourself with your own hands" (Baqra 2:195)
Hadith No.1: "Whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, he will be tortured in hell with the same weapon". (Bukhari)
Hadith No.2: "Whoever strangles himself with a rope, he will keep on strangling himself until being burnt in hell. And he who killed himself with a spear, he will keep on being killed by spear until he is sent to hell." (Bukhari)
Hadith No.3: "Whoever kills himself with a weapon made of iron, he will keep on hurting himself in hell with the same weapon in hell. And whoever kills himself with poison, he will keep on eating poison in hell. And whoever commits suicide by falling from mountain, he will keep on falling in the fire of hell forever over and over again." (Muslim)
Fatwa in Durre Mukhtar: "Although one who commits suicide, will burn in hell forever, but the deceased was a Muslim before doing this act and he will be buried as per normal Muslim traditions. Such a person will be given Ghusl, Janaaza Salaat and burial in a Muslim cemetery as is the case with any other sinful Muslim. "
Secondly: injuring or killing innocent ppl, also children, deliberately:
"Those who make mischief in the earth, theirs is the curse." Surah ar-R'ad 25.
Saheeh Bukhari:
Volume 004, Book 052, Hadith Number 257.
Narrated By 'Abdullah : During some of the Ghazawat of the Prophet a woman was found killed. Allah's Apostle disapproved the killing of women and children.
Volume 004, Book 052, Hadith Number 258.
Narrated By Ibn 'Umar : During some of the Ghazawat of Allah's Apostle a woman was found killed, so Allah's Apostle forbade the killing of women and children.
Saheeh Muslim
Book 019, Hadith Number 4319.
Chapter : Prohibition of killing women and children in war.
It is narrated on the authority of 'Abdullah that a woman was found killed in one of the battles fought by the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). He disapproved of the killing of women and children.
Book 019, Hadith Number 4320.
Chapter : Prohibition of killing women and children in war.
It is narrated by Ibn 'Umar that a woman was found killed in one of these battles; so the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) forbade the killing of women and children.
Sunan Abu Dawood
Book 008, Hadith Number 2663.
Chapter : Not known.
Narated By Rabah ibn Rabi' : When we were with the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) on an expedition, he saw some people collected together over something and sent a man and said: See, what are these people collected around? He then came and said: They are round a woman who has been killed. He said: This is not one with whom fighting should have taken place. Khalid ibn al-Walid was in charge of the van; so he sent a man and said: Tell Khalid not to kill a woman or a hired servant.
And this is my favorite hadeeth about this topic ever:
Book 021, Hadith Number 010.
Section : Prohibition against Killing Women and Children in Military Expeditions.
Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Said that Abu Bakr as-Siddiq was sending armies to ash-Sham. He went for a walk with Yazid ibn Abi Sufyan who was the commander of one of the battalions. It is claimed that Yazid said to Abu Bakr, "Will you ride or shall I get down?" Abu Bakrsaid, "I will not ride and you will not get down. I intend these steps of mine to be in the way of Allah."
Then Abu Bakr advised Yazid, "You will find a people who claim to have totally given themselves to Allah. Leave them to what they claim to have given themselves. You will find a people who have shaved the middle of their heads, strike what they have shaved with the sword.
"I advise you ten things| Do not kill women or children or an aged, infirm person. Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees. Do not destroy an inhabited place. Do not slaughter sheep or camels except for food. Do not burn bees and do not scatter them. Do not steal from the booty, and do not be cowardly."

The targets of suicide bombings are rarely military bases, 70% of the victims are civilians. If you know any quoranic verses or hadeeth which would justify this, show me..... I didn't come across any one till now. The few lines which are stating about "jihad" are mainly about spreading the message of islam (dawa') and about self-defense, which is seen in any society as basic human right. The fact that islam is giving you the right to defend yourself, your deen, your family, other muslims, and basicly ANY human being is nothing what would justify the killing of innocent people. I could tell them about verses in the Bible which are permitting the killing of women and children in the situation of war. I could tell them about the women and children who got raped and killed in Iraq.  But i prefer to tell them what islam prohibited: the killing of innocent people, the killing of women and children, the killing of those who are not fighting you or your deen. 

Our religion commands mercy and peace. Many quoranic verses and hadeeths are stressing this out. Terror, on the other hand is the opposit of religion: it is mercyless and cruel. This being the case, the origin of a terrorist act should be sought in disbelief rather than in religion. And what is more closed to disbelief as the definition of a secularistic state????
"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors.  (The Noble Quran, 2:190)"
And Allah knows best.
Allah yerhamon: all the 2,976 victims of 9/11. And all those 48,644 Afghan, 1,690,903 Iraqi people and 30000 pakistanis. That paid the ultimate price for a crime they did not commit. May Allah ease the pain of the families and friends of the victims and may Allah put mercy and repentance in the heart of the culprits. Ameen.

The muslim victims of 9/11....

 Thousands of innocent lives were lost on September 11, 2001. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones, and our most severe condemnation is aimed at the terrorists and their reprehensible actions. Attacks against civilians are condemned in Islam in no uncertain terms, and the majority of Muslims are peace-loving people who denounce such evil.

Indeed, among the many victims of 9/11 were several dozen innocent Muslims, ranging in age from their late 60s to a couple’s unborn child. Six of these victims were Muslim women, including one who was 7 months pregnant. Many were stockbrokers or restaurant workers, earning a living to care for their families. There were converts and immigrants, hailing from over a dozen different countries and the U.S. There were heroes: a NYPD cadet and a Marriott hotel worker, who sacrificed their lives attempting to rescue others. The Muslim victims were parents to over 30 children, who were left orphaned without one or both of their parents.

In some cases, family members faced interrogations based on initial suspicions that their Muslim relatives were not victims, but were actually terrorists involved in the hijackings. For example, the mother and other family members of American Airlines flight #11 passenger, Rahma Salie, were barred from traveling to her memorial service. Her mother, Haleema, said, "I would like everyone to know that she was a Muslim, she is a Muslim and we are victims too, of this tragic incident." 

The List of the Muslim Victims of 9/11 as published on islam.about.com:

• Shabbir Ahmed - 47 years old - Windows on the World Restaurant
• Tariq Amanullah - 40 years old - Fiduciary Trust Co.
• Michael Baksh - 36 years old - Marsh & McLennan
• Touri Hamzavi Bolourchi - 69 years old - retired nurse on United #175
• Abul K. Chowdhury - 30 years old - Cantor Fitzgerald
• Mohammad Salahuddin Chowdhury - 38 years old - Windows on the World
• Jemal Legesse De Santis - 28 years old - World Trade Center
• Simon Suleman Ali Kassamali Dhanani - 63 years old - Aon Corp.
• Syed Abdul Fatha - 54 years old - Pitney Bowes
• Mon Gjonbalaj - 65 years old - Janitor, World Trade Center
• Nezam A. Hafiz - 32 years old - Marsh & McLennan
• Mohammed Salman Hamdani - 23 years old - NYPD Cadet
• Zuhtu Ibis - 25 years old - Cantor Fitzgerald
• Muhammadou Jawara - 30 years old - MAS Security
• Sarah Khan - 32 years old - Forte Food Service
• Taimour Firaz Khan - 29 years old - Carr Futures
• Abdoulaye Kone - 37 years old - Windows on the World
• Abdu Ali Malahi - 37 years old - WTC Marriott
• Nurul Hoque Miah - 35 years old - Marsh & McLennan
• Boyie Mohammed - 50 years old - Carr Futures
• Ehtesham U. Raja - 28 years old - TCG Software
• Ameenia Rasool - 33 years old - Marsh & McLennan
• Mohammad Ali Sadeque - 62 years old - newspaper vendor at WTC, reported missing
• Rahma Salie & child - 28 years old (7 months pregnant) - American #11
• Khalid M. Shahid - 25 years old - Cantor Fitzgerald
• Mohammed Shajahan - 41 years old - Marsh & McLennan
• Nasima Hameed Simjee - 38 years old - Fiduciary Trust Co.
• Michael Theodoridis - 32 years old - American #11
• Abdoul Karim Traore - 41 years old - Windows on the World
• Karamo Trerra - 40 years old - ASAP NetSource
• Shakila Yasmin - 26 years old - Marsh & McLennan 

R.I.P. the 2,976 American people that lost their lives on 9/11 and R.I.P. the 48,644 Afghan, 1,690,903 Iraqi people and 30000 pakistanis. That paid the ultimate price for a crime they did not commit.

 Inna li lahi wa inna li layhi raja’un. From God we come, and to Him is our return.

Gifts on eid: sunnah or bida'h?

As the end of the holy month ramadan coming closer, in many countries, muslims started already with their "eid-shopping"... While in some families it is a custom to gift sweets, new shoes and cloths for the children only, some other families are basicly exchanging gifts on end of ramadan. Due to its actuality, the question came up on many islamic forums: is it sunnah, or is it bida'h to exchange gifts on the occassion of eid? Are we immitating the kuffar if we are doing so? I was searching for some evidence regarding eid-gifts, and this is what i found: According to shaikh Muhammad al-Jibali. 
The Sunnah does not support gift exchange for the occasion of Eid. The only exception is sadaqatul-fitr given to the poor on Eidul-Fitr, and part of the sacrifice given away on Eidul-Adha.

However, if the gift exchange results in a definite maslahah (benefit) for Muslims that cannot be attained otherwise - such as to bring feelings of pleasure and dignity to the Muslim children on these days, or to make da`wah to the non-Muslims or the weak-hearted Muslims, then it may be done. Still, this should not be made a regular practice consistently associated with the Eid. And Allah knows best.


BUT, and this is something else as "gift" in western sense, if it comes to paying zakaat or sadaqatul-fitr, or basicly any kind of charity, it is always better to give it to family-members in need as to others, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Charity given to a poor person is charity, and charity given to a relative is two things: charity and upholding the ties of kinship.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2582; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.  In this sense, if you feel that a family member of yours is in need of new clothing for example, a sister or an aunty or your mother, its better to spend the sadaqatul-fitr on a new abaya for them, as on anything else. But in that case it is important to define it as charity instead of giving it as gift. 


We can't say giving a gift would be immitating the kuffar, for two reasons: gifting is sunnah (just that it is not bound on occassion), and also, coz for example the habit of gifting on christmas day is not their religious custom, rather a custom which had its origin in different cultures.
Gift giving was common in the roman celebration of Saturnalia, for example  an ancient festival which took place in late December and may have influenced Christmas customs. Christmas gift giving was even banned by the catholic church in the Middle Ages due to its suspected pagan origins. So far we can't bound the custom of giving gift on any religious practice of the kuffar, its rather an act of kindness. 
There are many hadiths which states that our Prophet used to accept and give gifts. Here a few of this hadiths: 


Narrated Abu Huraira (RadhiAllahu 'anhu):

Whenever a meal was brought to Allah's Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam), he would ask whether it was a gift or Sadaqa (something given in charity). If he was told that it was Sadaqa, he would tell his companions to eat it, but if it was a gift, he would hurry to share it with them.

[Sahih Bukhari - Book 47, Hadith 750] 

Hadith no: 767
Narrated / Authority Of: Azra bin Thabit Al-Ansari
When I went to Thumama bin Abdullah, he gave me some perfume and said that Anas would not reject the gifts of perfume. Anas said: The Prophet (SAW) used not to reject the gifts of perfume.

Hadith no: 769
Narrated / Authority Of: Aisha
Allah's Messenger used to accept gifts and used to give something in return.

Hadith no: 773
Narrated / Authority Of: Ibn Abbas
The Prophet (SAW) said, "One who takes back his gift (which he has already given) is like a dog that swallows its vomit."

Hadith no: 779
Narrated / Authority Of: Aisha
I said, "O Allah's Apostle (SAW)! I have two neighbours; which of them should I give a gift to?" The Prophet (SAW) said, "(Give) to the one whose door is nearer to you."

And there are many many more regarding gifting, which states, that giving gifts was a great practice from our Prophet and the sahabas, as an act of kindness. But none of the hadeeths i found bound those gifts on any special occassion.

Farther i didnt find any fatwa, hadeeth or verse from the Quoran which would indicate that our Prophet used to make special gifts for his family members on this special day. But i found many hadeeths describing the sunnah practice of the eidul fitr. InshaAllah i will share them with you before end of ramadan, so that we all can enjoy its benefits together. 

Marginal notes on a hadeeth........

A man came to the Holy Prophet(sws) and related this incident of his pre-lslamic days of ignorance:

"I had a daughter who was much attached to me. When I called her, she would come running to me. One day I called her and took her out with me. On the way we came across a well. Holding her by the hand I pushed her into the well. Her last words that I heard were: Oh father, oh father!!"

Hearing this the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) wept and tears started falling from his eyes. One of those present on the occasion said: O man, you have grieved the Holy Prophet.

The Holy Prophet(pbuh) said: Do not stop him, let him question about what he feels so strongly now. Then the Holy Prophet asked him to narrate his story once again. When he narrated it again the Holy Prophet wept so bitterly that his beard became wet with tears. Then he said to the man: "Allah has forgiven that you did in the days of ignorance: now turn to Him in repentance.'

[According to a Hadith related in the first chapter of Sunan Darimi]

Source: Tafheem Al Qur'an 


Whenever im reading this hadeeth i feel overwhelmed from my emotions. Firstly, as i am from nature very soft hearted, surely, i'm also droping a tear about the destiny of that daughter who was feeling so attached to her father, than about the cruelty of the father........ This are the emotions of many human beings so far, regardless if they are muslims or not, i think. But than, and thats the greater emotion which overcomes the heart of the believer. This one is thankfulness about the greatness from Allah. Nobody but Allah alone can turn the hearts, even the heart of such a cruel individum who was able to throw his own loving daughter without any reason in a well....... and even such a man could experience the mercy from Allah, SoubhanAllah. 

"And whoever does evil, or wrongs his own soul, but afterwards seeks Allah’s forgiveness, will find Allah is Forgiving, Compassionate."

(Qur’an 4:110)

Algeria :Two Children Die of Thirst After Fasting!

Ramadan is a Holy month and God has ordered us to fast for the numerous benefits fasting has but has also given us the mind to think and decide when it's dangerous to fast; like when being ill or being old or if fasting will do more harm to our bodies than good. Its also discouraged for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and women during their period.
 
Parents should start teaching their kids to fast gradually until they are old enough and strong enough to fast a full day.
Children in the growing age should not be forced to fast, especially when it's hot and the day is too long for them to stay without food or water.

In Algeria, two kids died of thirst because their parents would't allow them to drink water and encouraged them to wait until sunset.
Both children went to their mothers and asked them for water, but the mothers told them to wait and have patience, only to find their kids dead minutes before the Iftar!

The first, an 8-year-old girl, died of thirst after fasting a whole day during a heat wave that hit Algeria this week.
The second, a 10-year-old boy, also died of thirst just the same.

The parents, although wanting good for their children, did them harm and caused their deaths.
Forcing their children to fast has proven that they do not understand the commandments of Islam relating to Ramadan and the purpose of fasting.
Children (who did not reach puberty) are not commanded to fast. However, their parents or guardians are strongly recommended to encourage them to fast few days so that they get used to it and they grow up knowing of the worship of fasting as they would know that of praying. In fact this was the practise of the first women of Islam who were living around the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam. An example of that is ar-Rubayya' bint Mu'awiyyah who reported that: "The Messenger of Allah,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, sent a man on the morning of the day of 'Ashurah, to the residences of the Ansar, saying: 'Whoever has spent the morning fasting is to complete his fast. Whoever has not spent this morning fasting should voluntary fast for the remainder of the day.' We fasted after that announcement, as did our young children. We would go to the mosque and make toys stuffed with cotton for them to play with. If one of them started crying due to hunger, we would give them a toy to play with until it was time to eat." [al-Bukhari and Muslim.]

We say that children should fast the "fasting of the birdie" which is having a glass of milk in the morning, something small for lunch and drinking a couple of glasses of water during the day until the sunset.
They should also learn the most important part of fasting, which is seeking more religious knowledge, reading the Quoran and the Hadeeth, helping others, not saying bad words, not shouting, not lying and not talking about others behind their backs. It is part of parental responsibility to monitor the condition of their children during such special circumstances as fasting. 

There are many ways to educate your children about Ramadan, the best and most important of which is to set the good example by fasting properly and behaving according to the Prophetic teachings. This is what your children will take from you first. When you are fulfilling this you can very easily [and they will accept it and practise it easilly as well] teach them what you want. Here are few tips that you can use with your children [you can think of others as well]:

• Depending on their age encourage them to fast a number of days upto every other day or more for those who are almost at the age of puberty. For those who are still young let them fast a day or two and praise them in front of friends and relatives for their achivement.
  
• Let your children go with their father to the Masjid for Maghrib prayer and break the fast with the larger Muslim community to make them feel the gretness of fasting and the unity of Muslims in worshipping Allah.
  
• If your children cannot fast let them eat with you at the time of Maghrib and teach them that you are breaking the fast even if they ate before.
  
• Teach your children the supplication of breaking the fast
  
• Take your children to the Taraweeh prayer so that they get used it and know about it from their early age. They may sit or stay in the back of the prayer room if they get tired.
  
• Teach them to give charity. Do it in front of them and tell them you are doing it because the reward increases in Ramadan.
  
• Teach them to recite Qur'an regularily and inform them that the Prophet (S) used to do that in Ramadan.
  
• Correct them if they behave wrongly or say unaccaptable words and remind them that they are fasting ot they are in Ramadan and this may alter their reward.
  
• Wake them up for Suhoor [even if they don't fast] and Fajr prayer.
  
• Teach them to feed the people fasting and tell them about the reward for that.
  
• Dress them in the best clothes, give them a bath and take them with you to the Eid Prayer. Teach them that this is our feast and celebration and that christmas, easter, thanksgiving and other holidays are not ours. Stress the distinction.
  

and remember that the Prophet salla allahu alaihi wa sallam said:
"One who is given the responsibility of the bringing up of daughters and treats them well will be a shield for him from Hell. [Bukhari and Muslim]

I really don't know what to write about the sadness i feel inside when im thinking about the death of those two children. May Allah grant them paradise and forgive their parents.

(Quraan: 2:156): "Inna lil-laahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon"
[Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.]

EATING THE SUHOOR ( THE PRE-DAWN MEAL):

Suhoor is distinctive of the Ummah of Muhammad salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam;

`Amr Ibn al-`Aas reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the book [Jews and Christians] is the taking of Suhoor". [Muslim]

There are blessings in Suhoor ...

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: "Indeed Allah placed blessing in the Suhoor and in the weighing [of grain]". [Shirazi and al-Khateeb/ al-Jami`us-Sagheer; Hasan]

Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah said: "Eat Suhoor, for there are blessings in it." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Salman also reported that the Prophet said: "Blessing is in three : The Jama`a [the congregation of the Muslims], The Thareed [a broth of (crumbled) bread and meat] and the Suhoor". [Tabarani and Abu Nu`aim; Hasan]

A companion said: "I entered upon the Prophet (S) and he was taking the Suhoor and he said: "It is a blessing which Allah has given to you, so do not leave it". [Ahmad and an-Nasa'i; Sahih].

Abud-Dardaa' reported that the Prophet (S) said: "Come to the blessed morning meal (meaning the Suhoor)". [Ahmad, an-Nasa`i and Abu Dawood].

"Perhaps the greatest blessing of Suhoor is that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta`ala (SWT) [Most High and Free of all imperfection], covers the people eating Suhoor with His forgiveness and send His Mercy upon them. The angles ask for forgiveness for them and supplicate to Allah to pardon them, so that they may be granted freedom from the Fire by the Most Merciful in the month of the Qur'an

Abu Said al-Khudri said: The Prophet (S) said: "The Suhoor is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a gulp of water, since Allah sends mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for those who take Suhoor". [Ahmad and Ibn Abi Shaibah]

These reports from the Prophet (S) leave no room for the believer to miss Suhoor. Therefore let us take it upon us to never miss it.

WHAT WOULD FULFILL EATING SUHOOR?

Eating Suhoor would be fulfilled by eating a small or large quantity of food, or even just by drinking a sip of water as mentioned in the Hadith of Abu Said al-Khudri. However, the best of Suhoor is eating dates since the Prophet (S) said: "How excellent are dates as the believer's Suhoor". [Abu Dawood, Ibn Hibban and al-Baihaqee; Sahih]

(b) The time for Suhoor: The time for Suhoor is between the middle of the night and dawn. It is considered best to delay it (that is, as close to dawn a possible).

The Prophet (S) said: "Hasten the breaking of the fast and delay the Suhoor". [Sahih al-Jami`]

Zaid ibn Thabit reported: "We ate Suhoor with the Messenger of Allah and then we got up for the prayer. He was asked: 'What was the amount of time between the two?' He responded: '[The time it would take to recite] fifty ayat."' [al-Bukhari and Muslim].

'Amr ibn Maimun adds: "The companions of Muhammad (S), would be the first to break the fast and the last to eat their Suhoor." [al-Baihaqi, Abdur-Razzaq and al-Haithami; Sahih]

The Prophet (S) said: "We, the Prophets, have been ordered to hasten breaking the fast, delay the Suhoor, and to put our right hand on the left one in prayer". [Sahih al-Jami`]

Lipstick and fasting........

Todays topic: muslimahs nightmare. I was approached a few times regarding my make up. Being a typical middle eastern arab girl, khol for my eyes is kinda part from my daily styling. Besides, it is sunnah. Usually i don't care much about other people's opinion, as long i know im on the safe side (means im not doing any haram / not stepping over islamic limmits), but as ramadan started yesterday, the doubt in me was coming up: is it right to wear lipstick / lipgloss or basicly any kind of make up / beautifying product during ramadan? This is what i found as answer on islam-qa.com: 

What is the ruling on wearing lipstick during the day in Ramadaan? Does it break the fast? Please note that some lipsticks have a slight taste and some have no taste; some types of lipstick may be dry and some may be moist.

----------------------------

Praise be to Allaah.

All kinds of preparations that are put on the outside of the body, whether they are absorbed through the skin or not, and whether they are for treatment, moisturizing, beautification or any other purpose, do not break the fast unless they are swallowed by the fasting person.

The mere fact that it has a taste does not affect the fast so long as one does not swallow anything.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (15/260):

What is the ruling on women using kohl and some cosmetics during the day in Ramadaan? Do these things break the fast or not?

He replied:

Kohl does not break the fast of men or women according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions, but it is better to use it at night if one is fasting.

The same applies to soaps, creams etc that are used to beautify the face and are applied to the surface of the skin, including henna, makeup and the like. There is nothing wrong with using them for one who is fasting, but makeup should not be used if it will cause harm to the face. And Allaah is the source of strength. End quote. 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about the ruling on a fasting person using ointment to treat dryness of the lips.

He replied:

There is nothing wrong with a person using ointment to moisturise the lips or nose, or moistening them with water, or with a cloth and the like, but he should avoid anything that could reach the throat. But if anything reaches the throat without him intending it to, there is no sin on him, just as if he rinses his mouth and some water reaches his throat by accident, his fast is not invalidated by that. End quote.

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (19/224).

Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (may Allaah preserve him) said in Fataawa ‘Ulama’ Balad al-Haraam (201):

There is nothing wrong with applying creams to the body when fasting if there is a need for that, because the cream only reaches the surface of the skin and does not enter the body. Even if it is absorbed by the pores it is not regarded as breaking the fast. End quote.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

My addition to this fatwa: use halal make up, without alkohol and pork, non-comedogenic (products which are NOT causing acne). A great make up line for sisters who want to keep it 100 % halal with their beautifying products: the brand Samina Pure. 

http://saminapuremakeup.com/  . In this sense: "beautifull" Ramadan kareem for all sisters :)

Rulings on Ramadan

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory on every Muslim adult. The Arabic word sawm is used for fasting. The word sawm (plural siyam) literally means 'to refrain', but as an Islamic term, it means refraining from food, drinks and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Allah says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2-183): 

'O you who believe, siyam is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained.'

The importance of Siyam in Ramadan is clearly expressed in several sayings of the Prophet(S.A.W.). It is reported by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet said:

'He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Lailat al- Qadr in prayer with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.'
(Bukhari and Muslim)

Fasting in Ramadan is practiced by Muslims all over the world. The most significant aspect of Siyam is the development of Allah-consciousness (Taqwa) in the heart and the soul of a fasting Muslim. One must abstain from immoral behavior and attitude as well. Refraining from food and such is essential during fast but it is not sufficient. The Prophet of Allah is reported to have said:

'If one does not abandon falsehood in words and deeds, Allah has no need for his abandoning of his food and drink.'
(Al-Bukhari)

WHO IS EXEMPT FROM SAWM?

Fasting is mandatory on every Muslim who is sane, adult, able and resident. The following exemptions apply:

1. the insane;
2. children who are not adolescent yet;
3. the elderly and chronically ill for whom fasting is unreasonably strenuous; Such persons are required to feed at least one poor person every day in Ramadan for which he or she has missed fasting.
4. pregnant women and nursing may postpone the fasting at a later time;
5. the ill and the travellers can also defer their fasting.
   Allah says in the Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqara:

   'But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties.'

6. Women during the period of menstruation or of post childbirth confinement. Fasting during these periods is forbidden and should be made up later, a day for a day.

DURATION OF SAWM:

Fasting starts everyday in Ramadan at the break of dawn, which is also the start of the Salatul Fajr time. Fasting ends at sunset or with the call of Salatul Maghrib.
 

VALIDITY OF FASTING:

The validity of fasting depends on the following:

1. Abstaining from food, liquids and sexual activity from dawn to sunset.
2. The intention to fast must be made every day before dawn. The intention (niyyah) may be made during night before going to sleep or it can also be made at the time of Suhoor before dawn. Suhoor is eating before fasting. It should be as close to Fajr time as possible. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) says:
   

   'Partake Suhoor, for there is blessing in Suhoor.'(Bukhari, Muslim)

   It is desirable to break the fast as soon as possible after sunset. Breaking the fast with dates or water is a tradition of the Prophet. Following is one of the Du'a for breaking fast:

   Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala ridhqika aftartu (O Allah! For You did I fast and with Your bounties did I break the fast.)

The things which invalidate fast are of two kinds. The first one requires Qada (only making up missed days), the other one not only requires Qada but also Kaffarah(a penalty).
 

The following are the things that require Qada only:

1. Eating or drinking intentionally. This includes non-nourishing items taken by mouth.
2. Deliberately causing oneself to throw up.
3. The beginning of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding even in the last moment before sunset.
4. Ejaculation for reasons other than sexual intercourse.
5. Intending to break the fast before sunset even if one changes his mind, since intention is one of the pre-requisites of the validity of fasting.
6. Eating, drinking or having intercourse after dawn on the mistaken assumption that it is not dawn yet. Similarly, engaging in these acts before Maghrib on the mistaken assumption that it is already sunset.

Things that not only require Qada but also Kaffarah are the following:
Sexual intercourse during fasting(dawn to dusk). The penalty is to fast an additional period of 60 continuous days. If one is not able to do so then he must feed sixty poor people-one average meal each.

Before the days of the Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.), slavery was a common practice in the Arab world. Islam eliminated slavery from the society in a very short period of time. A useful approach was to allow people free a slave as a charity or as a penalty for a sin. Thus during the time of the Prophet(S.A.W.), setting a slave free was the penalty one must pay as a kaffarah, if he or she had a slave.

 

What does not break the fast:

1. If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast, for it is only Allah who has fed him and given him drink.  (A Hadith from Muslim).
2. Unintentional vomiting.
3. Swallowing things which are not possible to avoid, such as one's saliva, street dust, smoke, etc.
4. Brushing the teeth.
5. Injection or intra-venous which is solely medical and not nutritional.

Breaking of fast under exceptional conditions:

Muslims are permitted to break the ordained fast of Ramadan when there is danger to their health. In this situation a Muslim should make up his fast later at any other time of the year.

Reference: "Every Day Fiqh" by Maulana Yusuf Islahi, translated by Abdul Aziz Kamal.

Ramadan Kareem...........

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

According to the Islamic texts, Ramadan began with Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam who was born in 570 CE in the Arabian city of Mecca. Orphaned at a young age, Muhammad was reared by his uncle Abu Talib. The boy grew up to be a merchant, as well as a shepherd. He was first married by age 25.

Gradually Muhammad began to be dissatisfied with his life in Mecca. Having an idealistic and religious temperament from his very early days, he retreated to the caves in the surrounding mountains of Mecca for meditation and reflection.

According to Islam, one night during the month of Ramadan in the year 610 A.D. when Muhammad was 40 years of age and was passing the month in meditation in Mount Hira, he had a vision of an angel appearing before him. This angel introduced himself as Jibril and revealed that Muhammad was the messenger of Allah and was born to be a prophet to his people. The angel asked Muhammad to recite what he said:

"Recite in the name of your Lord Who creates.
Creates man from a clot.
Recite: And your Lord is the Most Bountiful
Who teaches by the pen,
He teaches man what he does not know."

With a confounded mind, Muhammad descended from Mount Hira and told everything to his wife Khadijah. He feared that he had had an encounter with an evil spirit. But Khadijah allayed his fears reminding him of his good conduct until then and that it was impossible for him to be visited by a demon. She took him to her old cousin Waraqa ibn Nawfal and told the latter everything about Muhammad's meeting with the angel. Waraqa ibn Nawfal was a much learned man and was well-versed in various sacred texts concerning different religion. The lettered man convinced Muhammad that he was indeed a messenger of God and the angel who visited Muhammad was the same divine messenger Gabriel who had also visited the Hebrew prophet Moses.

In the following twenty-three years, Muhammad was visited many times by Jibril who taught him the holy knowledge in verses. This sacred knowledge consists of the code of conduct that Allah wants his people to maintain on earth. It is inscribed in verses which are compiled in the holy Qur'an, the most sacred book in Islam.

It is said that the sacred knowledge was revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. "Laylat al-Qadr" - a night of the month is symbolically regarded as the same night on which the holy knowledge was gifted to Muhammad and mankind. The followers of Islam consider "Laylat al-Qadr" as the "Night of the Power", the holiest night of the year.

As a mark of respect to Allah and to show gratitude to him for the true knowledge that he gifted to his sons and daughters, the prophet asked his followers (and therefore the followers of Islam) to pass the month of Ramadan in fasting, prayers and other austerities and end the month-long non-indulgence with festive celebrations.

The Quran instructs us:

"Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. Allah wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify Allah for guiding you, and to express your appreciation." [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:185]

Thus was born the sacred occassion called Ramadan, a month-long period of austerity that sees devout Muslims across the world keep themselves away during the entire daytime, offering prayers and abstaining from almost every kind of enjoyment including drinking and abstaining from sex. For Muslims all over, it is a very special time - of introspection, meditation, self control, charitable activities, spirituality and of course, devotion to God.

Marginal notes to the BBC documentation about our Prophet (saw)

In a ground-breaking first for British television, this three-part series presented by Rageh Omaar charts the life of Muhammad, a man who - for the billion and half Muslims across the globe - is the messenger and final prophet of God.

In a journey that is both literal and historical, and beginning in Muhammad's birthplace of Mecca, Omaar investigates the Arabia Muhammad was born into - a world of tribal loyalties and polytheistic religion.

Drawing on the expertise and comment of some of the world's leading academics and commentators on Islam, the programme examines Muhammad's first marriage to Khadijah and how he received the first of the revelations that had such a profound effect both on his life, and on the lives of those closest to him. 

So far the describtion on the homepage from BBC. Though it is still not available worldwide (in Switzerland i couldn't watch the documentation yet) i got a nice summary from a friend in UK, who saw it. Here her describtion - based on that documentation:

He was handsome, of medium height, very active, walked rapidly which forced his companions to race to keep up with him. People reported seeing light around his body and in his face, which they compared to the sun or the full moon. His skin was white and turned rosy from exposure to the sun. He had black eyes and a thick beard. 

He was humble and did not allow his companions to stand up when he met them or kiss his hand. He sat with his companions where he happened to be. A stranger walking into the room could not tell who the Prophet was by his position in the group.

He joked with his companions, played with their kids and put them in his lap. He loved his grandchildren, played with them, and even carried them on his shoulder while conducting the ritual prayers.

He smiled most of the time and disliked to say no. When asked a question he didn't want to answer, he remained silent. When given a choice, he always chose the easiest option. He emphasized that Islam is the Golden Mean and discouraged extremes of behavior.

He accepted all invitations, all apologies, all presents. He returned favors with equal or higher value presents. He visited the sick, was the first to greet people he met, was the last to pull away when shaking hands with someone or embracing him. He always listened to others until they finished what they had to say.

In the mosque, he cut the group prayer short if he heard a child crying outside to allow the child's mother to leave the mosque and take care of her child. He stopped his personal prayers if he noticed someone approaching to ask him something then resumed the prayers after the person's departure.

At home, he cleaned and mended his clothing repaired his shoes, milked his sheep and saddled his camel and horse. His servant reported that the Prophet never insulted, beaten, frowned to, or reprimanded him even when he didn't complete an assignment.

He was kind to animals and opened his door to a stray cat seeking shelter. One of his travelling companions once took 2 baby robins from a nest. When the Prophet saw the mother flapping her wings over the nest, he responded, "Who shocked this in her babies? Return her babies to her". He ordered his followers not to use animals for target practice. He also ordered those who slaughtered animals for food to sharpen their blades and not to slaughter an animal in view of another animal.

He lived a very simple life and donated anything he earned or received beyond his minimum requirements to the needy on a daily basis. He placed his faith in God to provide for his future needs.

He prayed frequently which meant his body and clothing were always clean since Muslims must complete a cleansing ritual before praying.

He ate only when hungry and never reached his fill. He brushed his teeth after every meal. He advised his companions to keep one third of their stomach for food, one third for beverages, and one third for themselves.

The Prophet Muhammad once summarized his code to be: "mindfulness of God privately and publicly, fairness in anger or satisfaction, moderation in poverty or wealth, connecting with those who avoided him, giving to those who deprived him, forgiving those who wronged him, speaking out for what is good, and making his silence a meditation, his speech a recital of the name of God, and what he saw a lesson." This statement rhymes nicely in Arabic.