Islamic rites

Sulaiman was the son of Prophet Dawud (David). Dawud was the wise King of Israel and a noble Prophet of Allah (SWT). Sulaiman learnt from his father’s vast knowledge and judgement and often joined his father during hearings. He was an observer and learned from him and occasionally contributed to the discussion. One day Prophet Dawud called his 19 sons in front of the chiefs and academic scholars of his kingdom. He then put forth the following questions: 1. Which thing is closest (nearest) to man? 2. Which is the farthest thing? 3. Which two things are attached to each other? 4. Which is the most awe-creating thing? 5. Which two things remain unchanged? 6. Which two things are always different? 7. Which two things are opposed to each other? 8. What is the action the result of which is good? 9. What is that action the result of which is bad? The sons of Prophet Dawud became flustered and couldn’t answer these questions. The youngest of the sons, Sulaiman stood up and gave the following a...

Prophet Saleh, sometimes written as Salih, was a descendant of the great Prophet Nuh (may peace be upon him). He was sent by Allah to the nation of Thamud who lived in Al Hijr, located in Arabia. The nation over a few generations had matured and became very powerful, wealthy and influential.  The Qur’an mentions how the society grew very proud of their accomplishments and began building huge castles, palaces, and other structures as status symbol of their power. This is mentioned in Surah Ash Shura ayat 128-129:  “Do you construct on every elevation a sign amusing yourselves? And take for yourselves palaces and fortresses that you may abide eternally?” They were given a chance by Allah to turn back to Him especially knowing what had happened to the people of Ad for their disobedience. The Qur’an mentions the warning from Prophet Hud who said, “Will you not fear Allah?” (26:124).  They denied these warnings as obsession with materialism took over. They turned away fro...

Yusuf (Joseph) was the beloved son of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob), who also had 11 other sons. Binyamin, who was youngest, was from the same mother as Yusuf, while the rest were older half-brothers. Yusuf, still a young boy, awoke one glorious morning delighted by a pleasant dream he just had. He ran to his father in excitement and said,  “O  my father, indeed I have seen eleven stars and the   sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me.”  Yaqub was overjoyed in realisation that his dear son was indeed chosen by Allah to be bestowed with Prophethood. However, Yaqub was concerned about his older sons’ possible reaction to this narration, for even though he treated them the same, they harboured jealousy towards Yusuf. He therefore warned Yusuf against relating his dream to his brothers, lest they plot for his downfall. With the passage of time, the malice in the hearts of Yusuf’s brothers kept growing. They envied Yusuf because they felt he was special and they were not....

Al-Yasa, also referred to as Elisha or Elyas’ (pbuh) is regarded as a Prophet in Judaism, Christianity, and in Islam. Al Yasa was one of the Children of Israel descendent from Yusuf ibn Ya’qoob ibn is-haaq ibn Ibraaheem al-khaleel. Allah sent down Al-yasa as a successor to Prophet Elijah (pbuh) to help guide the children of Israel. He lived among his people and called upon them to obey the laws and commands of Allah. Not much is known about his life, but the Quran speaks highly of him in the two ayah he is mentioned. Allah says in Surah Al An'Am Ayat 84-87: 84.  وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ ۚ كُلًّا هَدَيْنَا ۚ وَنُوحًا هَدَيْنَا مِن قَبْلُ ۖ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِۦ دَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيْمَٰنَ وَأَيُّوبَ وَيُوسُفَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَهَٰرُونَ ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ 85.  وَزَكَرِيَّا وَيَحْيَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَإِلْيَاسَ ۖ كُلٌّ مِّنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ 86.  وَإِسْمَٰعِيلَ وَٱلْيَسَعَ وَيُونُسَ وَلُوطًا ۚ وَكُلًّا فَضَّلْنَا عَلَى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ 87.  وَمِنْ ءَابَآ...