The morning after Al Isra Wa Al Miraj, people from Quraish asked Abu Bakr Al Siddiq, Prophet Mohammed's senior companion and father-in-law, if he believed that the Messenger of God had journeyed on a winged horse to and from Al Aqsa Mosque from Makkah in one night.
"Yes," said Abu Bakir. "I believe him with regard to something even greater than that. I believe him with regard to the revelation that he brings from the Heaven, whether in the space of a morning or in that of an evening journey."
Abu Bakir was a true companion to the Prophet and was therefore granted great status and praised by Allah, the sermon will tell mosque-goers on Friday — the day before the anniversary of Isra Wa Al Miraj.
He was the first man to embrace Islam, was bravest among the Prophet's companions and the most firm in grave situations.
Abu Bakir was among those who wrote the revelations and the first to compile the Quran. He was also the first of the companions to be promised Paradise and was the closest to the Messenger of Allah.
Indeed, the Prophet chose Abu Bakir to accompany him in his emigration to Madinah.
Abu Bakir equally loved Prophet Mohammed to the extent that it was said he preferred him over himself and his children.
When the two men emigrated to Madinah, Abu Bakir would sometimes walk in front of the Prophet, and other times behind him.
When Prophet Mohammed noticed his behaviour, he asked him why he walked in this way.
Abu Bakir said: "When I think about the people who are lying in wait for you (to assassinate you), I walk behind you. But when I think about the people who are searching for you, I start walking in front of you."
The Prophet asked him, "Oh Abu Bakr, do you prefer yourself over me to face any incident that may occur!" Abu Bakr answered, "Yes, indeed. By the One Who sent you with the truth."
Abu Bakir's virtues were many; he always hastened to perform acts of goodness and took the initiative to do all that which may open the doorways to Paradise for him.
He was also unmatched in his love of giving to charity and his piety.
One of the most valuable lesson a Muslim can draw from the life of Abu Bakr is the sincere love for the Prophet and excellence in following his guidance, the sermon will say.
He died at the age of 63, the same age at which Prophet Mohammed died, and was buried next to him.
The sermon will say that all of the Prophet's companions have set role models for the generations to emulate and Allah praised them all in the Quran.
They preserved Islam and the Prophet once said of them "My companions are source of security for my Ummah (people)."
How to turn your property into a holiday home
- Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
- Research equivalent Airbnb homes in your location to ensure competitiveness.
- Post on all relevant platforms to reach the widest audience; whether you let personally or via an agency know your potential guest profile – aiming for the wrong demographic may leave your property empty.
- Factor in costs when working out if holiday letting is beneficial. The annual DCTM fee runs from Dh370 for a one-bedroom flat to Dh1,200. Tourism tax is Dh10-15 per bedroom, per night.
- Check your management company has a physical office, a valid DTCM licence and is licencing your property and paying tourism taxes. For transparency, regularly view your booking calendar.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Poland Statement
All people fleeing from Ukraine before the armed conflict are allowed to enter Poland. Our country shelters every person whose life is in danger - regardless of their nationality.
The dominant group of refugees in Poland are citizens of Ukraine, but among the people checked by the Border Guard are also citizens of the USA, Nigeria, India, Georgia and other countries.
All persons admitted to Poland are verified by the Border Guard. In relation to those who are in doubt, e.g. do not have documents, Border Guard officers apply appropriate checking procedures.
No person who has received refuge in Poland will be sent back to a country torn by war.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat