Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “A believer’s natural disposition might comprise any trait other than treachery and untruthfulness.” [Ahmed]
In the following story we have a beautiful example of the honest character of a believer (Momin). Ibraheem bin Adhem was the king of Balkh before he exchanged his kingdom for the life of an ascetic worshipper.
One day Ibraheem bin Adhem was working as a gardener when his master asked him to give him some pomegranates. He brought several, but they were all sour. His employer said, “You have been in my employment for such a long time, and yet you do not know which of the pomegranates is sweet?” Ibraheem answered, “I was employed to tend them, not to taste them; then how can I know which ones are sweet?”
Monday, December 6, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Friends of Allah
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Allah Most High says, ‘He who is hostile to a friend (wali) of Mine I declare war against. My slave approaches Me with nothing more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory for him, and My slave keeps drawing nearer to Me with voluntary works until I love him. And when I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he seizes, and his foot with which he walks. If he asks Me, I will surely give to him, and if he seeks refuge in Me, I will surely protect him.’” [Sahih Bukhari]
Allah’s friends are those who are constant and sincere in obedience to Him. A friend (wali) of Allah is one who is close to Him because of his devotion to Him, through obeying His commands and shunning the acts which he has forbidden. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) declares war, a very severe threat, against those who harass people only because of their Islam. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says that He will fight such people Himself. And whoever such a thing should happen to should expect only the worst possible things to happen to him or her.
This hadith also tells us that the Obligatory deeds (Faraid) are the most beloved to Allah. Nothing makes Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) happier than performance of Faraid and keeping away from the forbidden (Haraam) deeds. This is what makes a person a friend of Allah. We must keep the performance of Obligatory (Fard) and Recommended (Sunnah/Nafl) deeds in perspective. It is said that the Recommended amount to but one-seventieth of the value of an Obligatory act. [Reliance of the Traveller]
Thus, whoever draws near to Allah through what is Obligatory, and then through the Recommended deeds, Allah draws him nearer and elevates him from the level of true faith (iman) to the level of perfection of faith (ihsan). The consequence of this is the preservation of the individual’s whole person, so that he forsakes selfish desire and is wholly absorbed in obedience. This hadith is also a metaphor for Allah’s help and assistance, so that Allah Most High helps the Momin to perceive what He wants him to perceive and do through his limbs what He wants him to do.
When a Momin becomes a friend of Allah’s, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) grants the Momin what he asks for. This happened to many of the early Muslims. And Allah protects such a person from whatever he fears. Whoever draws near to Allah through the above will not have his duas rejected.
Allah’s friends are those who are constant and sincere in obedience to Him. A friend (wali) of Allah is one who is close to Him because of his devotion to Him, through obeying His commands and shunning the acts which he has forbidden. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) declares war, a very severe threat, against those who harass people only because of their Islam. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says that He will fight such people Himself. And whoever such a thing should happen to should expect only the worst possible things to happen to him or her.
This hadith also tells us that the Obligatory deeds (Faraid) are the most beloved to Allah. Nothing makes Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) happier than performance of Faraid and keeping away from the forbidden (Haraam) deeds. This is what makes a person a friend of Allah. We must keep the performance of Obligatory (Fard) and Recommended (Sunnah/Nafl) deeds in perspective. It is said that the Recommended amount to but one-seventieth of the value of an Obligatory act. [Reliance of the Traveller]
Thus, whoever draws near to Allah through what is Obligatory, and then through the Recommended deeds, Allah draws him nearer and elevates him from the level of true faith (iman) to the level of perfection of faith (ihsan). The consequence of this is the preservation of the individual’s whole person, so that he forsakes selfish desire and is wholly absorbed in obedience. This hadith is also a metaphor for Allah’s help and assistance, so that Allah Most High helps the Momin to perceive what He wants him to perceive and do through his limbs what He wants him to do.
When a Momin becomes a friend of Allah’s, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) grants the Momin what he asks for. This happened to many of the early Muslims. And Allah protects such a person from whatever he fears. Whoever draws near to Allah through the above will not have his duas rejected.
Quoting and Creating Animosity
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “He who stirs up enmity among people by quoting their words to each other will not enter Paradise.” [Sahih Bukhari]
It is scary to think how casually we do those deeds for which Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) forbids Paradise. Jannat is an extremely beautiful and pure place. It must not be defiled by anything impure. Its reward must not be tarnished by anything ugly. That is why all such impure and dirty acts, such as backbiting and helping Muslims to dislike one another must be removed from a person before they can enter Jannah.
Impurities are removed from metals by burning in fire. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has given us the much easier option of asking for Allah’s forgiveness with sincerity, repentant of the deed and determined to try one’s best not to do it again. This will remove the stain of the sin from us and purify us so we can go to Paradise without needing to be purified by Fire.
It is scary to think how casually we do those deeds for which Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) forbids Paradise. Jannat is an extremely beautiful and pure place. It must not be defiled by anything impure. Its reward must not be tarnished by anything ugly. That is why all such impure and dirty acts, such as backbiting and helping Muslims to dislike one another must be removed from a person before they can enter Jannah.
Impurities are removed from metals by burning in fire. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has given us the much easier option of asking for Allah’s forgiveness with sincerity, repentant of the deed and determined to try one’s best not to do it again. This will remove the stain of the sin from us and purify us so we can go to Paradise without needing to be purified by Fire.
Knowledge of Religion
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever Allah wishes well, He gives knowledge of religion.” [Sahih Bukhari]
Eesa (alaihis salam) is reported to have said,
“There are many trees: not all of them bear fruit.
There are many fruits: not all of them may be eaten.
Many, too, are the kinds of knowledge: yet not all of them are of value to men.”
Useful knowledge is like the tree that bears edible fruit. If the knowledge can be used to please Allah, then it is useful. If the utility of that knowledge ends with your death -- in the bigger picture of our never ending existence -- it is useless.
Eesa (alaihis salam) is reported to have said,
“There are many trees: not all of them bear fruit.
There are many fruits: not all of them may be eaten.
Many, too, are the kinds of knowledge: yet not all of them are of value to men.”
Useful knowledge is like the tree that bears edible fruit. If the knowledge can be used to please Allah, then it is useful. If the utility of that knowledge ends with your death -- in the bigger picture of our never ending existence -- it is useless.
A trait of hypocrisy
bu Hurairah (radi allahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sal allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever dies without having participated in jihad or having prepared himself for jihad, dies on one of the traits of hypocrisy.” [Sahih Muslim]
Imam Nawawi (rahmatullah alaihi) writes in his commentary of this hadith: “And this means that whoever does this, in reality in this attribute he has become like the munafiqeen (hypocrites) who used to stay behind from participating in jihad, because to abandon jihad is one of the traits of hypocrisy.” [Sharih Muslim]
Allama Sindhi (rahmatullah alaihi) writes in his commentary of this hadith: “(and did not prepare himself for jihad) This means that he did not even say in his heart, ‘I wish I were a Ghazi’. And this means that he did not even make the intention to participate in jihad. And the sign of having such an intention is that one should have prepared things that one needs for jihad because Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says: ‘And if they had intended to set out they would surely have made some preparation for it. [Quran 9:46]’” [As-Sindhi ala Sunan An-Nisai]
Imam Nawawi (rahmatullah alaihi) writes in his commentary of this hadith: “And this means that whoever does this, in reality in this attribute he has become like the munafiqeen (hypocrites) who used to stay behind from participating in jihad, because to abandon jihad is one of the traits of hypocrisy.” [Sharih Muslim]
Allama Sindhi (rahmatullah alaihi) writes in his commentary of this hadith: “(and did not prepare himself for jihad) This means that he did not even say in his heart, ‘I wish I were a Ghazi’. And this means that he did not even make the intention to participate in jihad. And the sign of having such an intention is that one should have prepared things that one needs for jihad because Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says: ‘And if they had intended to set out they would surely have made some preparation for it. [Quran 9:46]’” [As-Sindhi ala Sunan An-Nisai]
Monday, August 30, 2010
A very useful article for the Muslim sisters who might not be in perfect 'condition' to perform ibadah.
Last 10 nights of Ramadan are upon us and I am sure all of us are aware of the virtues of these blessed nights. But I am listing some virtues as a reminder to all of us because Allah (swt) says in the Quran: Surah Dhariyat, verse 55: “And remind for verily, the reminding benefits the believers.”
Etiquette of the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) in the last 10 nights: abstain from sexual desires, practice itikaaf and even seclude himself from his wives.
Al-Bukhari and Muslim record from 'Aishah that during the last ten days of Ramadan, the messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship).
A version in Muslim states: "He would strive [to do acts of worship] during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time."
The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) would fasten his loin cloth (like rolling sleeves up; meaning he would abstain from approaching his wives even at nights) in these last 10 nights.
During this time we are constantly reminded to engage in nafl salaat comprising of long standing at night and increase our recitation of the Quran. But for some of us, this might be a time when we are going through our menstrual cycle (or post-natal bleeding).
Naturally, it is not easy to stay positive at times, especially when we see the world around us rushing to masajids for taraweeh prayers, indulging in ‘itikaaf and reciting the Quran. This might lead us to feeling deprived of the reward of these blessed nights and decrease our spirituality rather than increasing it.
In this article, I hope to highlight some practical ways in which you can make the best of last 10 nights of Ramadan while going through your menstrual cycle (or post-natal bleeding), without feeling “left out”.
First and foremost, realize that our menstrual cycle is part of Allah (swt)’s creation and something that is ordained by Him (swt).
Allah (swt) tells us in the Quran that He has created us in the best of molds (Surah at-Teen, verse 4). We are also told in the Quran that for everything Allah has "appointed a due proportion” (Surah at-Talaq, verse 2-3) and that "for every matter there is an appointed time given" (Surat ar-Rad, ayah 38).
Thus, to complain about it would be to question the Wisdom of Allah (swt), a’uoodubillah.
Some women think it is more virtuous to fast even though they are on their menses. In their ignorance they make this exception in the month of Ramadan. But rather, they need to realize that it is more virtuous for them to comply with the Command of Allah (swt). It is more rewarding for them to do as they are told by Allah (swt) i.e. not pray or fast while they are on their menses.
Also realize that there are many other ways of achieving spirituality while we are on our menses besides salaah, siyaam and itikaaf.
The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) is reported to have said that, "Dua is the very essence of 'ibadah.” The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said, "Allah is in the assistance of [His] servant, as long as the servant aids his brother." He (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) also said, "Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the fasting person, without any reduction in his reward."
Listed below are few suggestions that a muslimah can do while she is not fasting due to menstruation or post-natal bleeding.
Wake up at Fajr time
Repeat after the fajr adhan
Make dua between adhan and iqaama
Make dua for intercession of prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) after the adhan
Make fajr adhkar:
10 times: “la ilaha ilAllah wahdahu la shareekah la, lahul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.”
Recite ayat al kursi
Recite surah Ikhlaas, surah Falaq, surah Nas – 3 times
Other adhkar found in Fortress of the Muslim
Say the morning adkhar
Read an English translation of half-juz of the Quran
Enjoining good: encourage your family to pray Salaat al Duha
The Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) called it the salah of the obedient. Reported by Imam Ahmad in his musnad: Abu Hurayrah (radhi Allahu ‘anhu) narrated that the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) would never miss the salat al-awabeen, which was Salat al Duha.
Duhr time
Repeat after the duhr adhan
Make dua between adhan and iqaama
Make dua for intercession of prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) after the adhan
Engage in more dhikr and dua
Asr time
Repeat after the asr adhan
Make dua between adhan and iqaama
Make dua for intercession of prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) after the adhan
Engage in more dhikr and dua
Read an English translation of half-juz of the Quran
Maghrib time
Repeat after the maghrib adhan
Help people break their fast by passing out dates and water
Make dua between adhan and iqaama
Make dua for intercession of prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) after the adhan
Engage in more dhikr and dua
Isha time
Repeat after the isha adhan
Make dua between adhan and iqaama
Make dua for intercession of prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) after the adhan
Engage in more dhikr and dua
Have family circle time at home
Have a male member of the house recite the Quran to the rest of the family followed by tafsir of those ayat
Before sleeping
Make wudu (this even applies to women with menses)
Recite surah Mulk
Ask your spouse for forgiveness before sleeping
Recite ayat al kursi
Make dua and dhikr
Other acts that can be done
At the masjids
Spread salaams at the masjid
Sponsor iftaars at various masajids if possible
Volunteer for masjid clean up afterwards
Babysit during Taraweeh so that the mothers (and everyone else!) can pray with khushu' and concentration
Make a CD of beautiful Quran recitation and duaas in mp3 and distribute it to people at the masjid
At home
Have a qiyaam program for other sisters at your house – prepare iftar and suhoor for them
Look for new converts, those who are newly practicing or people who have lost touch with the community and invite them over for iftar and eid
Think of eid party ideas/gifts for family, spouse, children, neighbors
In your own time
Memorize ayat of the Quran – use online resources
Donate everyday – clothes, money
Make tawbah and shukr
Memorize Allah's names and their meanings
Find out who is sick in your area or in the hospital and go visit them
Always keep your tongue moist with the dhikr and remembrance of Allah (swt). Say subhanAllah, alhumdulilah, la ilaaha illalha, Allahu akbar and say salaams on the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) while cooking, cleaning, driving etc. and may Allah make these words heavy on your scaled on the day of judgment.
From: http://www.habibihalaqas.org/2009/04/last-10-nights-and-big-m.html
Etiquette of the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) in the last 10 nights: abstain from sexual desires, practice itikaaf and even seclude himself from his wives.
Al-Bukhari and Muslim record from 'Aishah that during the last ten days of Ramadan, the messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship).
A version in Muslim states: "He would strive [to do acts of worship] during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time."
The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) would fasten his loin cloth (like rolling sleeves up; meaning he would abstain from approaching his wives even at nights) in these last 10 nights.
During this time we are constantly reminded to engage in nafl salaat comprising of long standing at night and increase our recitation of the Quran. But for some of us, this might be a time when we are going through our menstrual cycle (or post-natal bleeding).
Naturally, it is not easy to stay positive at times, especially when we see the world around us rushing to masajids for taraweeh prayers, indulging in ‘itikaaf and reciting the Quran. This might lead us to feeling deprived of the reward of these blessed nights and decrease our spirituality rather than increasing it.
In this article, I hope to highlight some practical ways in which you can make the best of last 10 nights of Ramadan while going through your menstrual cycle (or post-natal bleeding), without feeling “left out”.
First and foremost, realize that our menstrual cycle is part of Allah (swt)’s creation and something that is ordained by Him (swt).
Allah (swt) tells us in the Quran that He has created us in the best of molds (Surah at-Teen, verse 4). We are also told in the Quran that for everything Allah has "appointed a due proportion” (Surah at-Talaq, verse 2-3) and that "for every matter there is an appointed time given" (Surat ar-Rad, ayah 38).
Thus, to complain about it would be to question the Wisdom of Allah (swt), a’uoodubillah.
Some women think it is more virtuous to fast even though they are on their menses. In their ignorance they make this exception in the month of Ramadan. But rather, they need to realize that it is more virtuous for them to comply with the Command of Allah (swt). It is more rewarding for them to do as they are told by Allah (swt) i.e. not pray or fast while they are on their menses.
Also realize that there are many other ways of achieving spirituality while we are on our menses besides salaah, siyaam and itikaaf.
The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) is reported to have said that, "Dua is the very essence of 'ibadah.” The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said, "Allah is in the assistance of [His] servant, as long as the servant aids his brother." He (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) also said, "Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the fasting person, without any reduction in his reward."
Listed below are few suggestions that a muslimah can do while she is not fasting due to menstruation or post-natal bleeding.
Wake up at Fajr time
Repeat after the fajr adhan
Make dua between adhan and iqaama
Make dua for intercession of prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) after the adhan
Make fajr adhkar:
10 times: “la ilaha ilAllah wahdahu la shareekah la, lahul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.”
Recite ayat al kursi
Recite surah Ikhlaas, surah Falaq, surah Nas – 3 times
Other adhkar found in Fortress of the Muslim
Say the morning adkhar
Read an English translation of half-juz of the Quran
Enjoining good: encourage your family to pray Salaat al Duha
The Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) called it the salah of the obedient. Reported by Imam Ahmad in his musnad: Abu Hurayrah (radhi Allahu ‘anhu) narrated that the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) would never miss the salat al-awabeen, which was Salat al Duha.
Duhr time
Repeat after the duhr adhan
Make dua between adhan and iqaama
Make dua for intercession of prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) after the adhan
Engage in more dhikr and dua
Asr time
Repeat after the asr adhan
Make dua between adhan and iqaama
Make dua for intercession of prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) after the adhan
Engage in more dhikr and dua
Read an English translation of half-juz of the Quran
Maghrib time
Repeat after the maghrib adhan
Help people break their fast by passing out dates and water
Make dua between adhan and iqaama
Make dua for intercession of prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) after the adhan
Engage in more dhikr and dua
Isha time
Repeat after the isha adhan
Make dua between adhan and iqaama
Make dua for intercession of prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) after the adhan
Engage in more dhikr and dua
Have family circle time at home
Have a male member of the house recite the Quran to the rest of the family followed by tafsir of those ayat
Before sleeping
Make wudu (this even applies to women with menses)
Recite surah Mulk
Ask your spouse for forgiveness before sleeping
Recite ayat al kursi
Make dua and dhikr
Other acts that can be done
At the masjids
Spread salaams at the masjid
Sponsor iftaars at various masajids if possible
Volunteer for masjid clean up afterwards
Babysit during Taraweeh so that the mothers (and everyone else!) can pray with khushu' and concentration
Make a CD of beautiful Quran recitation and duaas in mp3 and distribute it to people at the masjid
At home
Have a qiyaam program for other sisters at your house – prepare iftar and suhoor for them
Look for new converts, those who are newly practicing or people who have lost touch with the community and invite them over for iftar and eid
Think of eid party ideas/gifts for family, spouse, children, neighbors
In your own time
Memorize ayat of the Quran – use online resources
Donate everyday – clothes, money
Make tawbah and shukr
Memorize Allah's names and their meanings
Find out who is sick in your area or in the hospital and go visit them
Always keep your tongue moist with the dhikr and remembrance of Allah (swt). Say subhanAllah, alhumdulilah, la ilaaha illalha, Allahu akbar and say salaams on the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) while cooking, cleaning, driving etc. and may Allah make these words heavy on your scaled on the day of judgment.
From: http://www.habibihalaqas.org/2009/04/last-10-nights-and-big-m.html
Friday, August 20, 2010
A critical approach to studying Muslim revival movements
Salaam all brothers and sisters,
I came across this article in the local tabloid. I found it a real detailed article that would be an eye opener for MANY ( n this include those terrorists as well!!) who use the word Jihad blindly. Check out this article.. A pretty good feast for ur knowledge :)
A critical approach to studying Muslim revival movements
I came across this article in the local tabloid. I found it a real detailed article that would be an eye opener for MANY ( n this include those terrorists as well!!) who use the word Jihad blindly. Check out this article.. A pretty good feast for ur knowledge :)
A critical approach to studying Muslim revival movements
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Inner Dimensions of Fasting
Salaam all brothers and sisters,
I'd like to share a very interesting and informative article I received from a brother. A pretty good food for thought. :)
I'd like to share a very interesting and informative article I received from a brother. A pretty good food for thought. :)
Friday, August 13, 2010
How our ancestors observed the fast.
Allah says in Quran:
{"O you who believe! Fasting was prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that that you may get Taqwa ( piety i.e you may become pious). Fast for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number should be made up from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, they have to feed a poor person. But, whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you knew."}[al-Baqarah; 183-184]
Spring heralds a season of happiness, joy and colour--a time when nature is in full bloom. One such season is about to dawn upon us. However, this is not the spring of nature but the spring of Islam or the spring of good deeds--the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month of blessings; the month of greatness; the month of kindness and good deeds; the month of patience; the month of charity; the month of mercy, forgiveness and freedom from the hellfire; the month of the revelation of the Holy Qur'aan and the month of the blessed night of Laylat-ul-Qadr. With so many positive words used to describe this month, it would be a loss indeed to miss it and let it pass by like any other month.
This month brings with it feelings of joy, peace and spirituality, which cannot be expressed in words. It is in this month that the spirit of Islam blossoms to its absolute best. Good deeds and acts of kindness dot this month like flowers in a lush garden. Things that we don't normally do throughout the year, we do eagerly during Ramadan. An unexplainable aura of spirituality fills the air, and most Muslims, whether very religiously inclined or not, can feel it. Every moment of this month carries with it such great treasures of excellence and blessings that voluntary good deeds (nawafil) reach the ranks of obligatory deeds (faraiz) and the (reward of) obligatory acts becomes seventy times greater. (Baihaqi)
It is in this blessed month that we received the great blessing of the Holy Qur'aan and the blessing of Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) as the Messenger of Allah Almighty. And not only this, in this month lies another treasure more valuable than thousand months of effort and all the wealth we could amass in them--the blessed night of Laylat-ul-Qadr, which is described in the Holy Qur'aan as better than a thousand months.
Ramadan is basically the month of fasting, as fasting is made compulsory during this month. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur'aan:
"Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (piety)." (Al-Baqarah:183)
Fasting is one form of worship (ibadah) that is unique from all others. Hadhrat Abu Huraira (Radhi Allaho anho) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) said:
"The reward for every good deed of a person is increased by ten to seven hundred times (according to the intention and sincerity); but in respect of the reward for fasting Allah Almighty proclaims:
"Fasting is for Me and I, Myself shall bestow the reward. The person who fasts forgoes his desires, eating and drinking for My sake. He will be entitled to two kinds of delights: one at the time of breaking the fast and the other at the time of meeting his Lord." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Many Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) emphasise on the fact that the one who is deprived of the blessings of Ramadan is indeed unfortunate. At one instance Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said 'Ameen' to Jibrael's (Alaihis Salaam) prayer for destruction for the one who witnesses Ramadan but does not have his sins forgiven. (Hakim)
The Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) used to prepare his companions before the arrival of Ramadan to benefit fully from the treasures this month has to offer. The Messenger of Allah (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) addressed his companions on the last day of Sha`ban, saying,
"O people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which is a night better than a thousand months; a month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds (in this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed (in this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is heaven. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all." (Narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah)
Now imagine. If you were told that there is a sale somewhere and that your most needed items and most favourite things are available there at the lowest rates and in great quantities, would you not race to avail this opportunity?
Would you not spend the night planning all you want to get and then spend the next day shopping and then try to stuff as many things in your car as possible? Maybe you would even hire a bigger vehicle to fit in all that you want. You would cancel routine plans, arrange alternate replacements for tasks in which you are needed but dare you miss this opportunity?
Now compare this to the excellent month that is about to dawn upon you with all its treasure trove of blessing being showered each day and each moment. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allaho anho) related that the Messenger of Allah (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) said:
"On the very first night of Ramadan, the Satan's and rebellious jinns are chained. The doors of hell are closed; not a single one of these is left open. Whereas all the doors of the paradise are opened, not a single one of these is left closed. And a proclaimer (angel) announces, 'O seeker of goodness! Advance and do not delay. O seeker of evil, halt!' And in every night of Ramadan, Allah liberates people from hell." (Ibn-e-Majah)
Be prepared and plan ahead for Ramadan
To gain maximum benefit from this month, we must make effort, plan and prioritise and try to manage our time in such a way as to capitalise on its every moment. The Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) said,
"Whoever fasts in Ramadan with faith and seeks Allah's pleasure and reward, will have his previous sins forgiven."
Complete pending tasks, get over with Eid shopping, prepare in advance for those fancy meals (possibly by preparing and freezing items used in Ramadan) to minimise time spent in other activities. Get everything done before this month arrives, and plan the best use of your time. During Ramadan, be sure to take out some time to understand the Holy Qur'aan and learn about the life the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam), in addition to other acts of worship.
So, as the doors of the heavens open for the shower of blessings, we must prepare the land in order for it to produce the best fruits. Let's sow our seeds and pray to Allah to give us the opportunity to reap the greatest benefit and then do our best. Are you ready?
The first generation of Muslims, the pious Salaf, were undoubtedly the
best of generations. Their character and way of life stand witness to
this fact and is further confirmed by the statement o Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) who said,
'The best of generations are my generation, then those which follow
them, then those which follow them.' (Reported by Muslim)
They were indeed, the best amongst those who implemented the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad. So naturally it is their example that one must follow in all matters and Ramadaan is no exception.
Here are some links of informative articles discussing “How the Salaf Observed Ramadan”. Plz visit links given below to read the article:
http://www.jannah.org/morearticles/22.html
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/note.php?note_id=143987125627931&id=100000918108205
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=143248625701781&id=100000918108205&ref=mf
http://www.beautifulislam.net/fasting/salaf_ramadan.htm
{"O you who believe! Fasting was prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that that you may get Taqwa ( piety i.e you may become pious). Fast for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number should be made up from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, they have to feed a poor person. But, whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you knew."}[al-Baqarah; 183-184]
Spring heralds a season of happiness, joy and colour--a time when nature is in full bloom. One such season is about to dawn upon us. However, this is not the spring of nature but the spring of Islam or the spring of good deeds--the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month of blessings; the month of greatness; the month of kindness and good deeds; the month of patience; the month of charity; the month of mercy, forgiveness and freedom from the hellfire; the month of the revelation of the Holy Qur'aan and the month of the blessed night of Laylat-ul-Qadr. With so many positive words used to describe this month, it would be a loss indeed to miss it and let it pass by like any other month.
This month brings with it feelings of joy, peace and spirituality, which cannot be expressed in words. It is in this month that the spirit of Islam blossoms to its absolute best. Good deeds and acts of kindness dot this month like flowers in a lush garden. Things that we don't normally do throughout the year, we do eagerly during Ramadan. An unexplainable aura of spirituality fills the air, and most Muslims, whether very religiously inclined or not, can feel it. Every moment of this month carries with it such great treasures of excellence and blessings that voluntary good deeds (nawafil) reach the ranks of obligatory deeds (faraiz) and the (reward of) obligatory acts becomes seventy times greater. (Baihaqi)
It is in this blessed month that we received the great blessing of the Holy Qur'aan and the blessing of Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) as the Messenger of Allah Almighty. And not only this, in this month lies another treasure more valuable than thousand months of effort and all the wealth we could amass in them--the blessed night of Laylat-ul-Qadr, which is described in the Holy Qur'aan as better than a thousand months.
Ramadan is basically the month of fasting, as fasting is made compulsory during this month. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur'aan:
"Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (piety)." (Al-Baqarah:183)
Fasting is one form of worship (ibadah) that is unique from all others. Hadhrat Abu Huraira (Radhi Allaho anho) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) said:
"The reward for every good deed of a person is increased by ten to seven hundred times (according to the intention and sincerity); but in respect of the reward for fasting Allah Almighty proclaims:
"Fasting is for Me and I, Myself shall bestow the reward. The person who fasts forgoes his desires, eating and drinking for My sake. He will be entitled to two kinds of delights: one at the time of breaking the fast and the other at the time of meeting his Lord." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Many Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) emphasise on the fact that the one who is deprived of the blessings of Ramadan is indeed unfortunate. At one instance Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said 'Ameen' to Jibrael's (Alaihis Salaam) prayer for destruction for the one who witnesses Ramadan but does not have his sins forgiven. (Hakim)
The Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) used to prepare his companions before the arrival of Ramadan to benefit fully from the treasures this month has to offer. The Messenger of Allah (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) addressed his companions on the last day of Sha`ban, saying,
"O people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which is a night better than a thousand months; a month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds (in this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed (in this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is heaven. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all." (Narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah)
Now imagine. If you were told that there is a sale somewhere and that your most needed items and most favourite things are available there at the lowest rates and in great quantities, would you not race to avail this opportunity?
Would you not spend the night planning all you want to get and then spend the next day shopping and then try to stuff as many things in your car as possible? Maybe you would even hire a bigger vehicle to fit in all that you want. You would cancel routine plans, arrange alternate replacements for tasks in which you are needed but dare you miss this opportunity?
Now compare this to the excellent month that is about to dawn upon you with all its treasure trove of blessing being showered each day and each moment. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allaho anho) related that the Messenger of Allah (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) said:
"On the very first night of Ramadan, the Satan's and rebellious jinns are chained. The doors of hell are closed; not a single one of these is left open. Whereas all the doors of the paradise are opened, not a single one of these is left closed. And a proclaimer (angel) announces, 'O seeker of goodness! Advance and do not delay. O seeker of evil, halt!' And in every night of Ramadan, Allah liberates people from hell." (Ibn-e-Majah)
Be prepared and plan ahead for Ramadan
To gain maximum benefit from this month, we must make effort, plan and prioritise and try to manage our time in such a way as to capitalise on its every moment. The Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) said,
"Whoever fasts in Ramadan with faith and seeks Allah's pleasure and reward, will have his previous sins forgiven."
Complete pending tasks, get over with Eid shopping, prepare in advance for those fancy meals (possibly by preparing and freezing items used in Ramadan) to minimise time spent in other activities. Get everything done before this month arrives, and plan the best use of your time. During Ramadan, be sure to take out some time to understand the Holy Qur'aan and learn about the life the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam), in addition to other acts of worship.
So, as the doors of the heavens open for the shower of blessings, we must prepare the land in order for it to produce the best fruits. Let's sow our seeds and pray to Allah to give us the opportunity to reap the greatest benefit and then do our best. Are you ready?
The first generation of Muslims, the pious Salaf, were undoubtedly the
best of generations. Their character and way of life stand witness to
this fact and is further confirmed by the statement o Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) who said,
'The best of generations are my generation, then those which follow
them, then those which follow them.' (Reported by Muslim)
They were indeed, the best amongst those who implemented the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad. So naturally it is their example that one must follow in all matters and Ramadaan is no exception.
Here are some links of informative articles discussing “How the Salaf Observed Ramadan”. Plz visit links given below to read the article:
http://www.jannah.org/morearticles/22.html
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/note.php?note_id=143987125627931&id=100000918108205
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=143248625701781&id=100000918108205&ref=mf
http://www.beautifulislam.net/fasting/salaf_ramadan.htm
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Virtues of Ramadan
Name of Questioner
Muslim - Egypt
Title
Lessons & Moralities of Fasting
Question
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Fasting is a wonderful act of worship. We abstain from food, drink, lust, etc., from Fajr until sunset. I think Ramadan is a month of education and discipline. I hope you could illustrate, in some details, the lessons and moralities of Fasting. Jazakum Allah Khayran.
Date
05/Oct/2005
Name of Counsellor
Muzammil Siddiqi
Topic
Virtue of Ramadan Fasting
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Brother, may you have a happy and blessed Ramadan!
As you have stated Ramadan is a month of discipline, self-control, patience, and good behavior. In Ramadan, Muslims are expected to gain the fruits of Fasting, namely, piety and consciousness of Allah. In this context, Allah, Most High, says in the Glorious Qur'an, (O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may get Taqwa(piety, ward off evil, self-restraint). ) (Al-Baqarah 2: 183)
For more illustration, we'd like to cite for you the following Fatwa issued by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, president of the Fiqh Council of North America :
Allah, Most High, says, (Blessed be He in whose hand is the Sovereignty, and He is able to do all things. He created death and life that He may try which of you is best in deed. He is the Exalted in Might, oft Forgiving. ) (Al-Mulk 67: 1-2)
Also, He says, (It is He who made the night and day to follow each other for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude. ) (Al-Furqan 25: 62)
Life and death and the succession of nights and day have a purpose and that is to test us and to give us an opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude to our Creator and Sustainer. The month of Ramadan comes and goes. We must examine ourselves now and see what we have learned and achieved during this month. The test of success of this month lies in the effects it has left upon us as follows:
1. Discipline
We learn in this month how to discipline ourselves for the sake of Allah. In our morning and evening, we follow a strict schedule of eating and drinking. We are constantly aware that even in our such mundane activities as eating and drinking, we must remain under divine injunctions. We change our habits in our daily routines because we learn that we are not the servants and slaves to our habits, but always the servants of Allah. Then after Ramadan, we have to keep this spirit of discipline in other modes of our life and must continue with our submission to the commands of Allah.
2. Renewal of Devotional Life
Ramadan renews our enthusiasm for worship and devotion to Allah. In this month we are more careful of our daily prayers and have special prayers at night. There is no religion without prayer and Muslims learn in this month how to strengthen and deepen their religious life.
3. Renewal of Contact with the Qur’an
Ramadan and the Qur’an are linked together from the beginning. It was in this month that this divine message was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). We are told that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was fasting when he received the first revelation. Fasting prepares the believers' hearts to learn the Word of Allah. It is the most suitable condition for our spiritual and mental communication with the Qur’an. The Muslim Ummah pays more attention to the Qur’an in this month. This renewed contact with the Qur’an must help us in following its message.
4. Renewal of Identity with the Ummah
Ramadan is not an individual experience only, but it is an experience in community. The whole Muslim Ummah fasts together in one and the same month. We identify with one another in our obedience to Allah. This gives us a new sense of togetherness and association. Ramadan teaches us that the Muslim Ummah is the community of piety and devotion to Allah and its members derive their strength from each other in deeds of piety and virtue. The bonds that are based on piety and virtue are the strongest bonds and it is these bonds that prove good for mankind. The strength of the Muslim community lies in its commitment to the values of goodness, morality and piety. Ramadan leaves an imprint of all these values upon the Muslim Ummah.
5. A Fresh Sense of Care and Sympathy
Fasting in the month of Ramadan helps us to understand the suffering and the pains of the poor and needy. By our voluntary hunger and thirst we realize what it means to be deprived of basic necessities of life. Ramadan is called the month of charity and sympathy. We learn how to be more kind and generous in this month. Many Muslims also pay their Zakah in the month of Ramadan.
6. Jihad or Struggle
Fasting in Ramadan and Jihad both of them were prescribed in the same year, that is, the second year of Hijrah in Madinah. Fasting prepares for hardships and sacrifice. These are two important things without which Jihad is not possible. Muslims learn in Ramadan how to struggle against the forces of evil in their own selves, in the society around them, and in the world at large.
7. Taqwa
To summarize all the moral and spiritual gifts of Ramadan, we can say that Ramadan gives us the great gift of taqwa (piety). Taqwa is the sum total of Islamic life. It is the highest of all virtues in the Islamic scheme of things. It means, God-consciousness, piety, fear and awe of Allah and it signifies submission to Allah and total commitment to all that is good and rejection of all that is evil and bad.
Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: http://pakistanlink.com/religion/2001/1123.html
Related Questions
- Fasting: Meaning & Rules
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar%2FFatwaE%2FFatwaE&cid=1119503544652
Allah Almighty knows best.
Related link
visit links given below:
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Articles/ibadah/the_spirit_of_fasting_in_islam.html
Ramadan In History
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124373667104#!/note.php?note_id=143248625701781&id=100000918108205&ref=mf
Muslim - Egypt
Title
Lessons & Moralities of Fasting
Question
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Fasting is a wonderful act of worship. We abstain from food, drink, lust, etc., from Fajr until sunset. I think Ramadan is a month of education and discipline. I hope you could illustrate, in some details, the lessons and moralities of Fasting. Jazakum Allah Khayran.
Date
05/Oct/2005
Name of Counsellor
Muzammil Siddiqi
Topic
Virtue of Ramadan Fasting
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Brother, may you have a happy and blessed Ramadan!
As you have stated Ramadan is a month of discipline, self-control, patience, and good behavior. In Ramadan, Muslims are expected to gain the fruits of Fasting, namely, piety and consciousness of Allah. In this context, Allah, Most High, says in the Glorious Qur'an, (O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may get Taqwa(piety, ward off evil, self-restraint). ) (Al-Baqarah 2: 183)
For more illustration, we'd like to cite for you the following Fatwa issued by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, president of the Fiqh Council of North America :
Allah, Most High, says, (Blessed be He in whose hand is the Sovereignty, and He is able to do all things. He created death and life that He may try which of you is best in deed. He is the Exalted in Might, oft Forgiving. ) (Al-Mulk 67: 1-2)
Also, He says, (It is He who made the night and day to follow each other for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude. ) (Al-Furqan 25: 62)
Life and death and the succession of nights and day have a purpose and that is to test us and to give us an opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude to our Creator and Sustainer. The month of Ramadan comes and goes. We must examine ourselves now and see what we have learned and achieved during this month. The test of success of this month lies in the effects it has left upon us as follows:
1. Discipline
We learn in this month how to discipline ourselves for the sake of Allah. In our morning and evening, we follow a strict schedule of eating and drinking. We are constantly aware that even in our such mundane activities as eating and drinking, we must remain under divine injunctions. We change our habits in our daily routines because we learn that we are not the servants and slaves to our habits, but always the servants of Allah. Then after Ramadan, we have to keep this spirit of discipline in other modes of our life and must continue with our submission to the commands of Allah.
2. Renewal of Devotional Life
Ramadan renews our enthusiasm for worship and devotion to Allah. In this month we are more careful of our daily prayers and have special prayers at night. There is no religion without prayer and Muslims learn in this month how to strengthen and deepen their religious life.
3. Renewal of Contact with the Qur’an
Ramadan and the Qur’an are linked together from the beginning. It was in this month that this divine message was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). We are told that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was fasting when he received the first revelation. Fasting prepares the believers' hearts to learn the Word of Allah. It is the most suitable condition for our spiritual and mental communication with the Qur’an. The Muslim Ummah pays more attention to the Qur’an in this month. This renewed contact with the Qur’an must help us in following its message.
4. Renewal of Identity with the Ummah
Ramadan is not an individual experience only, but it is an experience in community. The whole Muslim Ummah fasts together in one and the same month. We identify with one another in our obedience to Allah. This gives us a new sense of togetherness and association. Ramadan teaches us that the Muslim Ummah is the community of piety and devotion to Allah and its members derive their strength from each other in deeds of piety and virtue. The bonds that are based on piety and virtue are the strongest bonds and it is these bonds that prove good for mankind. The strength of the Muslim community lies in its commitment to the values of goodness, morality and piety. Ramadan leaves an imprint of all these values upon the Muslim Ummah.
5. A Fresh Sense of Care and Sympathy
Fasting in the month of Ramadan helps us to understand the suffering and the pains of the poor and needy. By our voluntary hunger and thirst we realize what it means to be deprived of basic necessities of life. Ramadan is called the month of charity and sympathy. We learn how to be more kind and generous in this month. Many Muslims also pay their Zakah in the month of Ramadan.
6. Jihad or Struggle
Fasting in Ramadan and Jihad both of them were prescribed in the same year, that is, the second year of Hijrah in Madinah. Fasting prepares for hardships and sacrifice. These are two important things without which Jihad is not possible. Muslims learn in Ramadan how to struggle against the forces of evil in their own selves, in the society around them, and in the world at large.
7. Taqwa
To summarize all the moral and spiritual gifts of Ramadan, we can say that Ramadan gives us the great gift of taqwa (piety). Taqwa is the sum total of Islamic life. It is the highest of all virtues in the Islamic scheme of things. It means, God-consciousness, piety, fear and awe of Allah and it signifies submission to Allah and total commitment to all that is good and rejection of all that is evil and bad.
Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: http://pakistanlink.com/religion/2001/1123.html
Related Questions
- Fasting: Meaning & Rules
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar%2FFatwaE%2FFatwaE&cid=1119503544652
Allah Almighty knows best.
Related link
visit links given below:
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Articles/ibadah/the_spirit_of_fasting_in_islam.html
Ramadan In History
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124373667104#!/note.php?note_id=143248625701781&id=100000918108205&ref=mf
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Your Ramadan Checklist
A Quick Checklist of Ramadan
01. Make a resolve to win the maximum favor of Allah by performing extra Voluntary prayers (Nawaafil), making frequent Du'a and increased remembrance (Dhikr).
02. Try to recite some Qur'an after every Prayer. In fact if you read 3-4 pages after every Prayer you can easily finish the entire Qur'an in Ramadan!
03. Study the Tafseer (commentary) every morning.
04. Invite a person you are not very close with or your relatives to your home for Iftar, at least once a week. You will notice the blessings in your relationships!
05. Bring life to your family! Everyday, try to conclude the fast with your family and spend some quality time together to understand each other better.
06. Give gifts on Eid to at least 5 people: 2 to your family members, 2 to your good friends, and 1 to a person whom you love purely for the sake of Allah.
07. Make commitment to join Islamic study circles to learn more about Islam and improve your own life.
08. Donate generously to the masajid, Islamic organizations, and any where people are in need or oppressed. "This is a month of sharing!"
09. Share Ramadan and its teachings of peace & patience with your neighbors.
10. Sleep little, eat little! Make sure you do not defeat the purpose of fasting by over-indulging in food and being lazy.
11. Seek the rare and oft-neglected rewards of 'the night better than a 1000 months (Laylatul-Qadr).
12. Weep in private for the forgiveness of your sins: It is the month of forgiveness and Allah's Mercy! It's never too late.
13. Learn to control your tongue and lower your gaze. Remember the Prophet's warning that lying, backbiting, and a lustful gaze all violate the fast!
14. Encourage others to enjoin and love goodness, and to abandon everything that Allah dislikes. Play the role of a Da'ee (one who invites to Allah) with zeal, passion, and sympathy.
15. Experience the joy of Tahajjud prayers late at night and devote yourself purely and fully to Allah in the I'tikaf retreat during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Remember: "Time is not money or gold; it is life itself and is limited. You must begin to appreciate every moment of your life and always strive to make the best use of it."
01. Make a resolve to win the maximum favor of Allah by performing extra Voluntary prayers (Nawaafil), making frequent Du'a and increased remembrance (Dhikr).
02. Try to recite some Qur'an after every Prayer. In fact if you read 3-4 pages after every Prayer you can easily finish the entire Qur'an in Ramadan!
03. Study the Tafseer (commentary) every morning.
04. Invite a person you are not very close with or your relatives to your home for Iftar, at least once a week. You will notice the blessings in your relationships!
05. Bring life to your family! Everyday, try to conclude the fast with your family and spend some quality time together to understand each other better.
06. Give gifts on Eid to at least 5 people: 2 to your family members, 2 to your good friends, and 1 to a person whom you love purely for the sake of Allah.
07. Make commitment to join Islamic study circles to learn more about Islam and improve your own life.
08. Donate generously to the masajid, Islamic organizations, and any where people are in need or oppressed. "This is a month of sharing!"
09. Share Ramadan and its teachings of peace & patience with your neighbors.
10. Sleep little, eat little! Make sure you do not defeat the purpose of fasting by over-indulging in food and being lazy.
11. Seek the rare and oft-neglected rewards of 'the night better than a 1000 months (Laylatul-Qadr).
12. Weep in private for the forgiveness of your sins: It is the month of forgiveness and Allah's Mercy! It's never too late.
13. Learn to control your tongue and lower your gaze. Remember the Prophet's warning that lying, backbiting, and a lustful gaze all violate the fast!
14. Encourage others to enjoin and love goodness, and to abandon everything that Allah dislikes. Play the role of a Da'ee (one who invites to Allah) with zeal, passion, and sympathy.
15. Experience the joy of Tahajjud prayers late at night and devote yourself purely and fully to Allah in the I'tikaf retreat during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Remember: "Time is not money or gold; it is life itself and is limited. You must begin to appreciate every moment of your life and always strive to make the best use of it."
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Does the Quran say that all Kafirs should be killed?
Today, Islam is the most misunderstood religion in the face of the earth. Let me tell you a clear explanation of the ,(Surah Al Tawbah ,Chapter- 9 ,Verse -5)
Which says as follows:-
“So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”(Quran 9:5)
One of the famous critics of India, Arun shoury, He wrote a Book called
”World of Fatwa” and he quotes the Quran from: SURAH Al TAWBA Chapter:- 9 ,verse number:- 5 and says as below:-
In his book ,it says as follows
{Quran says : “Wherever you find a kaafir *(Hindu),You kill him, You wait for him in every stead before”}
*Kaafir means an “Unbeliever” but inorder to provoke them he writes as Hindus.
Imagine If a innocent Hindu reads his book they will believe what he said in his book and immediately there would be a reaction then the person would start going against Islam, The problem is that selected few people for there own motives because of there writings and quote the same verse, Which is quote by the Orientalists and after quoting “verse number 5”, He jumps to “verse number -7” Directly,
Any intelligent person can understand why he skipped one verse , “Verse number -6” has the key to reply to what he had quoted from "verse 5"
Infact if you read the Surah tawbah the first two verses talks about the Peace treaty between the Muslims and the mushriks of Makkah ,This peace Treaty was unilaterally broken by the mushriks of Makkah ,By the time, Almighty God reaches the verse number -5,He says in the battlefield “Wherever you find your enemy (Kaafir means the unbeliever, The enemy) you kill him”, IT IS IN THE BATTLEFIELD
If anyone takes out of contest, It would sound absurd,
Imagine a few decades earlier, There was a war between USA and Vietnam and if the army general of USA tells the American soldiers in the battlefield “My soldiers don’t be scared where ever you find a Vietnamese, You kill him”-It is said to boost up the soldiers, but if today someone quotes that the Army general of America said to kill the Vietnamese ,It would be foolishness,
Those verse are taken out of contest and quite natural any army general to boost up the moral, They will tell to support there solders, Similarly Almighty god says in the Quran ,when the enemies come to kill you ,Don’t get scared, You kill them, So what’s the harm in it?
And see the next verse -6 (Which arun shoury skipped) says-“If the unbeliever, if they seek silence if they seek peace, Escort them to a place of security, So that they may hear the word of Allah”
See the beauty of the Quran, The Quran did not tell them to “go AWAY TO SOMEWHERE if they want peace” .Quran says to “ESCORT them to a PLACE OF SECURITY.”
Today the most generous Army general would tell “If the enemy want peace let them go”. Which army general would say “Escort them to a place of security, But this is what the Quran says!!
"whosoever killed a human …………., it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whosoever saved the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind" [Quran 5:32]
Which says as follows:-
“So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”(Quran 9:5)
One of the famous critics of India, Arun shoury, He wrote a Book called
”World of Fatwa” and he quotes the Quran from: SURAH Al TAWBA Chapter:- 9 ,verse number:- 5 and says as below:-
In his book ,it says as follows
{Quran says : “Wherever you find a kaafir *(Hindu),You kill him, You wait for him in every stead before”}
*Kaafir means an “Unbeliever” but inorder to provoke them he writes as Hindus.
Imagine If a innocent Hindu reads his book they will believe what he said in his book and immediately there would be a reaction then the person would start going against Islam, The problem is that selected few people for there own motives because of there writings and quote the same verse, Which is quote by the Orientalists and after quoting “verse number 5”, He jumps to “verse number -7” Directly,
Any intelligent person can understand why he skipped one verse , “Verse number -6” has the key to reply to what he had quoted from "verse 5"
Infact if you read the Surah tawbah the first two verses talks about the Peace treaty between the Muslims and the mushriks of Makkah ,This peace Treaty was unilaterally broken by the mushriks of Makkah ,By the time, Almighty God reaches the verse number -5,He says in the battlefield “Wherever you find your enemy (Kaafir means the unbeliever, The enemy) you kill him”, IT IS IN THE BATTLEFIELD
If anyone takes out of contest, It would sound absurd,
Imagine a few decades earlier, There was a war between USA and Vietnam and if the army general of USA tells the American soldiers in the battlefield “My soldiers don’t be scared where ever you find a Vietnamese, You kill him”-It is said to boost up the soldiers, but if today someone quotes that the Army general of America said to kill the Vietnamese ,It would be foolishness,
Those verse are taken out of contest and quite natural any army general to boost up the moral, They will tell to support there solders, Similarly Almighty god says in the Quran ,when the enemies come to kill you ,Don’t get scared, You kill them, So what’s the harm in it?
And see the next verse -6 (Which arun shoury skipped) says-“If the unbeliever, if they seek silence if they seek peace, Escort them to a place of security, So that they may hear the word of Allah”
See the beauty of the Quran, The Quran did not tell them to “go AWAY TO SOMEWHERE if they want peace” .Quran says to “ESCORT them to a PLACE OF SECURITY.”
Today the most generous Army general would tell “If the enemy want peace let them go”. Which army general would say “Escort them to a place of security, But this is what the Quran says!!
"whosoever killed a human …………., it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whosoever saved the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind" [Quran 5:32]
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sleep Sleep....
The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Sleep is the brother of death, and the inhabitants of Paradise do not die.” [Mishkat]
Sleep is a requirement of a healthy mind and body. When a Muslim sleeps with the intention of waking up refreshed to serve Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) then his/her sleep also counts as worship. Excess of sleep though means that time is wasted that could be better spent in earning higher ranks of Jannah.
Everybody must have experienced this at one time or another that when we are enjoying ourselves immensely the last thing we want to do is leave all the fun and go to sleep. Eventually though, even if we manage to stay up all night, we have to catch up on sleep. There is no such thing as endless fun on earth.
This is one of the beauties of Jannah that there is no tiredness, no night and no sleep. We will be having so much fun that we won’t want to go to sleep ever and we won’t need to either. Hard for us to imagine, constrained as we are by our earthly experience and limitations!
Since sleep is a type of death, we should also make sure that our last words and thoughts before we go to bed are such that should we die in our sleep the last thing we did is seek Allah’s forgiveness, ask for His Jannah and seek refuge from the Fire.
Sleep is a requirement of a healthy mind and body. When a Muslim sleeps with the intention of waking up refreshed to serve Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) then his/her sleep also counts as worship. Excess of sleep though means that time is wasted that could be better spent in earning higher ranks of Jannah.
Everybody must have experienced this at one time or another that when we are enjoying ourselves immensely the last thing we want to do is leave all the fun and go to sleep. Eventually though, even if we manage to stay up all night, we have to catch up on sleep. There is no such thing as endless fun on earth.
This is one of the beauties of Jannah that there is no tiredness, no night and no sleep. We will be having so much fun that we won’t want to go to sleep ever and we won’t need to either. Hard for us to imagine, constrained as we are by our earthly experience and limitations!
Since sleep is a type of death, we should also make sure that our last words and thoughts before we go to bed are such that should we die in our sleep the last thing we did is seek Allah’s forgiveness, ask for His Jannah and seek refuge from the Fire.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Heylo!!
Salaam my dearest readers,
I notice that there have been an increasing number of viewers to SimplyMuqmin even though there have been no posts recently. I'm really sorry about that.
But no worries, now that my degree is over...I'M JUST SO FREE TO START WRITING AGAIN!!YEAY!!
haha..so keep watching this space and i'd come up with more stuff to feed ur minds, inshallah.
So sorry for disappointing u all so far.
:)
May Allah Bless Us All.
I notice that there have been an increasing number of viewers to SimplyMuqmin even though there have been no posts recently. I'm really sorry about that.
But no worries, now that my degree is over...I'M JUST SO FREE TO START WRITING AGAIN!!YEAY!!
haha..so keep watching this space and i'd come up with more stuff to feed ur minds, inshallah.
So sorry for disappointing u all so far.
:)
May Allah Bless Us All.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
An amazing relationship
There is very intresting relationship between character of a person to the prosperity of a nation and home peace with world peace....read carefully the given below sentences.
We need to have National ethics for sustained growth and peace. Where from it starts?
(a) Nation has to have ethics in all its tasks, for sustained economic prosperity and peace.
(b) If nation is to have ethics; society has to promote ethics and value system.
(c) If society is to have ethics and value system, families should adhere to ethics and value system;
(d) If families have to get evolved with ethics and value system, parenthood should have inbuilt ethics.
(e) Parental ethics come from great learning, value based education and creation of clean environment that leads to righteousness in the heart.
Righteousness
Where there is righteousness in the heart
There is beauty in the character.
When there is beauty in the character,
There is harmony in the home.
When there is harmony in the home.
There is an order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation,
There is peace in the world.
Sum Up:
So friends, finally the beauty in the character, harmony in the home, order in the nation and peace in the world emanates from the righteous hearts. Righteous hearts can be evolved only by three people, who are they? They are father and mother and a primary school teacher. Now you understood the linkage.
..............................................................
Dua (prayer) for a righteous family
May Allah give all believing men and women, married or looking to marry, the towfeeq (grace) to be the ideal Muslim husband and the ideal Muslim wife with His Divine help and guidance.
The Importance of a good wife to her husband (and of course vice versa) is Great to Allah (God). Nothing can illustrate the point better than the Qur'anic statement which describes the righteous people as those who pray:
"Rabba-na hab la-na min azwaji-na wa dhuriyyati-na qurrata a'yunin wa aj'al-na li al muttaqin imama"
"Our Lord! give us spouse and children who will be the joy( and the comfort ) of our eyes, and guide us to be models of righteous (make us Leader of God-concious people). " (Qur'an 25:74)
May Allah bless all present and future marriages with love, happiness, peace, and success. Inshallah,you will be blessed with God fearing spouse.
Aamen!
We need to have National ethics for sustained growth and peace. Where from it starts?
(a) Nation has to have ethics in all its tasks, for sustained economic prosperity and peace.
(b) If nation is to have ethics; society has to promote ethics and value system.
(c) If society is to have ethics and value system, families should adhere to ethics and value system;
(d) If families have to get evolved with ethics and value system, parenthood should have inbuilt ethics.
(e) Parental ethics come from great learning, value based education and creation of clean environment that leads to righteousness in the heart.
Righteousness
Where there is righteousness in the heart
There is beauty in the character.
When there is beauty in the character,
There is harmony in the home.
When there is harmony in the home.
There is an order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation,
There is peace in the world.
Sum Up:
So friends, finally the beauty in the character, harmony in the home, order in the nation and peace in the world emanates from the righteous hearts. Righteous hearts can be evolved only by three people, who are they? They are father and mother and a primary school teacher. Now you understood the linkage.
..............................................................
Dua (prayer) for a righteous family
May Allah give all believing men and women, married or looking to marry, the towfeeq (grace) to be the ideal Muslim husband and the ideal Muslim wife with His Divine help and guidance.
The Importance of a good wife to her husband (and of course vice versa) is Great to Allah (God). Nothing can illustrate the point better than the Qur'anic statement which describes the righteous people as those who pray:
"Rabba-na hab la-na min azwaji-na wa dhuriyyati-na qurrata a'yunin wa aj'al-na li al muttaqin imama"
"Our Lord! give us spouse and children who will be the joy( and the comfort ) of our eyes, and guide us to be models of righteous (make us Leader of God-concious people). " (Qur'an 25:74)
May Allah bless all present and future marriages with love, happiness, peace, and success. Inshallah,you will be blessed with God fearing spouse.
Aamen!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
A beautiful gift
A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. On the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study.
His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man openedthe box and found a lovely, leather-bound Holy Qur’an. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, “With all your money you give
me a Holy book?” and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.He never contacted his father again for long long time.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away,and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father’s house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father’s important papers and saw the still new Holy Qur’an, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Holy Qur’an and began to turn the pages. As he Read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Holy Qur’an. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.
........................................
Al-Quran is a mercy, blessing, and cure for the problems of mankind
Allah says in Quran
O mankind! There has come to you an instruction from your Rabb (lord), a cure for whatever (disease) is in your hearts, a guidance and a blessing for the true believers.
Say: "It is the grace and mercy of Allah (that He has sent this Qur'an), so let the people rejoice over it, for it is better than (the worldly riches) they are collecting."
Sura Al-Younus Verse 57-58
............................................
A Direct Word with the Reader
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"The most superior (the best ) among you (Muslims) are those who learn Quran and teach it to others."
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 6, Book 61, Number 545]
We are the most fortunate people in the world in the sense that we possess the Book of Allah (Quran) perfectly intact in its original form. Whereas it is a cause of great honor for us, it also lays upon us a heavy responsibility.
Prior to the advent of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Israelites were the custodians of Allah’s Book, but when they did not discharge their responsibilities and proved unworthy of the honor conferred upon them, Almighty Allah (SWT) raised a new Ummah (i.e., the Muslims) and vouchsafed His Guidance to them in the form of the Qur’an. In Surah Al-Jumu‘ah we have a similitude of the people who did not fulfill the duties that devolved upon them as custodians of Allah’s Book.
The similitude of those who were charged with the (obligation of) Torah, but who subsequently failed in this (obligation) is that of a donkey which carries huge volumes... (Al-Jumu‘ah 62:5)
In the subsequent part of the ayah, it has been plainly stated that their failure to discharge their obligations towards their Holy Book is synonymous to their denying its truth:
…How bad is the similitude of people who deny the ayaat of Allah…. (Al-Jumu ‘ah 62:5)
The ayah ends in the categorical declaration that it is not in Allah’s nature to grant guidance to such people:
…and Allah guides not the people who are wrongdoers. (Al-Jumu‘ah 62:5)
God forbid that you or I be included among the people who are guilty of denying and rejecting the Book of Allah (SWT) by their negligence in the discharge of their obligations towards it and thus incur Allah’s wrath. I most earnestly pray that Allah (SWT) may make us custodians of the Qur’an in the real sense of the term, and enable us to fulfill our duties towards it in the best way, which may enable us to win His good pleasure.
We should remember the time when Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) will appear as a prosecution witness in the Court of the Almighty (SWT) and charge his people with forsaking the Qur’an:
And the Messenger will say: "O my Lord! Verily my people deserted this Qur’an. (Al-Furqan 25:30)
Although in this ayah the words "my people" refer to the unbelievers who turned a deaf ear to the Qur’an and treated it with disdain (disregard), nevertheless it applies with equal cogency (clear thought)to people like us who believe in the Qur’an but have practically rejected it as a thing of least moment or consequence.
Let me quote for your what Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani (RA) has to say on this point.
Although the ayah really refers to the conduct of the unbelievers, yet (it has a wider application, and) all those who do not confirm the truth of the Qur’an (by actually following its teachings in their life), do not ponder over its meanings, do not recite it properly, do not try to learn its correct reading; but indulge in all sorts of vain and frivolous pursuits turning their back upon it (also come under its purview and) would be considered guilty of abandonment(rejection) of the Qur’an.
Let me seek Almighty’s protection against our being included among such people, and conclude my discourse with the following prayer which is generally offered on completing the recitation of the whole Qur’an but which, I believe, should frequently be offered so that Almighty Allah (SWT) may grant us strength to fulfill the duties we owe to His Book.
O our Lord! Be merciful to us because of (our link with) the Qur’an; make it for us a leader, (and a source of) light, guidance, and mercy, cause us to recall from it what we have failed to understand; give us strength to recite it day and night; and make it a plea for our salvation, O Lord of the worlds. Ameen!
Related links:
The above text has been taken from the booklet “The obligations Muslims Owe to the Quran” by Dr Israr Ahmed. Plz visit the given links to read the complete article. Thanks. Jazak Allah Kheren
http://www.quranacademy.com/
http://www.tanzeem.org/online/ebooks/ebooks/E-01-01%20The%20Obligations%20Muslims%20Owe%20To%20Quran.pdf
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1158658485560&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout
His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man openedthe box and found a lovely, leather-bound Holy Qur’an. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, “With all your money you give
me a Holy book?” and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.He never contacted his father again for long long time.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away,and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father’s house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father’s important papers and saw the still new Holy Qur’an, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Holy Qur’an and began to turn the pages. As he Read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Holy Qur’an. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.
........................................
Al-Quran is a mercy, blessing, and cure for the problems of mankind
Allah says in Quran
O mankind! There has come to you an instruction from your Rabb (lord), a cure for whatever (disease) is in your hearts, a guidance and a blessing for the true believers.
Say: "It is the grace and mercy of Allah (that He has sent this Qur'an), so let the people rejoice over it, for it is better than (the worldly riches) they are collecting."
Sura Al-Younus Verse 57-58
............................................
A Direct Word with the Reader
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"The most superior (the best ) among you (Muslims) are those who learn Quran and teach it to others."
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 6, Book 61, Number 545]
We are the most fortunate people in the world in the sense that we possess the Book of Allah (Quran) perfectly intact in its original form. Whereas it is a cause of great honor for us, it also lays upon us a heavy responsibility.
Prior to the advent of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Israelites were the custodians of Allah’s Book, but when they did not discharge their responsibilities and proved unworthy of the honor conferred upon them, Almighty Allah (SWT) raised a new Ummah (i.e., the Muslims) and vouchsafed His Guidance to them in the form of the Qur’an. In Surah Al-Jumu‘ah we have a similitude of the people who did not fulfill the duties that devolved upon them as custodians of Allah’s Book.
The similitude of those who were charged with the (obligation of) Torah, but who subsequently failed in this (obligation) is that of a donkey which carries huge volumes... (Al-Jumu‘ah 62:5)
In the subsequent part of the ayah, it has been plainly stated that their failure to discharge their obligations towards their Holy Book is synonymous to their denying its truth:
…How bad is the similitude of people who deny the ayaat of Allah…. (Al-Jumu ‘ah 62:5)
The ayah ends in the categorical declaration that it is not in Allah’s nature to grant guidance to such people:
…and Allah guides not the people who are wrongdoers. (Al-Jumu‘ah 62:5)
God forbid that you or I be included among the people who are guilty of denying and rejecting the Book of Allah (SWT) by their negligence in the discharge of their obligations towards it and thus incur Allah’s wrath. I most earnestly pray that Allah (SWT) may make us custodians of the Qur’an in the real sense of the term, and enable us to fulfill our duties towards it in the best way, which may enable us to win His good pleasure.
We should remember the time when Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) will appear as a prosecution witness in the Court of the Almighty (SWT) and charge his people with forsaking the Qur’an:
And the Messenger will say: "O my Lord! Verily my people deserted this Qur’an. (Al-Furqan 25:30)
Although in this ayah the words "my people" refer to the unbelievers who turned a deaf ear to the Qur’an and treated it with disdain (disregard), nevertheless it applies with equal cogency (clear thought)to people like us who believe in the Qur’an but have practically rejected it as a thing of least moment or consequence.
Let me quote for your what Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani (RA) has to say on this point.
Although the ayah really refers to the conduct of the unbelievers, yet (it has a wider application, and) all those who do not confirm the truth of the Qur’an (by actually following its teachings in their life), do not ponder over its meanings, do not recite it properly, do not try to learn its correct reading; but indulge in all sorts of vain and frivolous pursuits turning their back upon it (also come under its purview and) would be considered guilty of abandonment(rejection) of the Qur’an.
Let me seek Almighty’s protection against our being included among such people, and conclude my discourse with the following prayer which is generally offered on completing the recitation of the whole Qur’an but which, I believe, should frequently be offered so that Almighty Allah (SWT) may grant us strength to fulfill the duties we owe to His Book.
O our Lord! Be merciful to us because of (our link with) the Qur’an; make it for us a leader, (and a source of) light, guidance, and mercy, cause us to recall from it what we have failed to understand; give us strength to recite it day and night; and make it a plea for our salvation, O Lord of the worlds. Ameen!
Related links:
The above text has been taken from the booklet “The obligations Muslims Owe to the Quran” by Dr Israr Ahmed. Plz visit the given links to read the complete article. Thanks. Jazak Allah Kheren
http://www.quranacademy.com/
http://www.tanzeem.org/online/ebooks/ebooks/E-01-01%20The%20Obligations%20Muslims%20Owe%20To%20Quran.pdf
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1158658485560&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The benefit of remembering other people in your Doa
"Dua is the very essence of worship." One of Allah's commands expressed to Muslims through the Qur'an is for them to call out to it:
Allah says in Quran:
(And when My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close (to
them): I respond to the dua (prayer) of every suppliant when they call on
Me - Quran 2:186)
Call Me, I will answer you. Those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell(40:60).
Call your Lord humbly and secretly, He loves not the transgressors(7:55).
And call on Him, fearing and hoping, surely the mercy of Allah is near to those who do good(7:56) .
Allah says in Quran
" And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him". (65:3)
Allah also says in Quran
And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah ...
The human being needs to ask for and receive the favors of the Almighty. He is in constant need for what only Allah can give Him. To help him achieve his dreams, to give him success and happiness in this world and the Hereafter, he needs the favors of Allah.Allah loves the believers who ask from Him, and supplicate constantly.Dua is a great tool given to believers by Allah. Using dua they can achieve great things and overcome many problems. One who has been given the power of Dua can never lose hope, as in his hands lies a great weapon. It is man's own loss if he does not make use of the tremendous potential of Dua. Dua is the most potent weapon of a believer.The dua can change ourlife, our outlook, and our fate.
Related link:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=168203364655&index=1
http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Articles/Anwar-ul-Hadees/English/Benefits_of_Dua.htm
Always remember other people in your duas (prayers)
It is recommended to pray for others. Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
“The supplication (dua) of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Everytime he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: `Ameen! May it be for you, too’.” [Muslim].
So when u prays for others, Allah would be happy with u and grant u too. Insha Allah.
Supplication for good of both worlds
Rabbanaaa 'aatinaa fiddunyaa hasanatanw wa fil 'aakhirati hasanatanw-wa qinaa 'azaaban-naar.
Our Lord! give us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Hell Fire. (2:201)
Amen
Now I request members of this group to pray for the successful and happy marriage for other Muslim brothers and sisters, then I hope Allah will accept their prayers and they would also get married soon Insha Allah. Similar request is to the parents to pray for the marriage of others sons and daughters, then Allah will accept their prayer and their children would also get a right match soon insha Allah.
Dua (prayer) for a righteous family
May Allah give all believing men and women, married or looking to marry, the towfeeq (grace) to be the ideal Muslim husband and the ideal Muslim wife with His Divine help and guidance.
The Importance of a good wife to her husband (and of course vice versa) is Great to Allah (God). Nothing can illustrate the point better than the Qur'anic statement which describes the righteous people as those who pray:
"Rabba-na hab la-na min azwaji-na wa dhuriyyati-na qurrata a'yunin wa aj'al-na li al muttaqin imama"
"Our Lord! give us spouse and children who will be the joy( and the comfort ) of our eyes, and guide us to be models of righteous (make us Leader of God-concious people). " (Qur'an 25:74)
May Allah bless all present and future marriages with love, happiness, peace, and success. Inshallah,you will be blessed with God fearing spouse.
Aamen!
Allah says in Quran:
(And when My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close (to
them): I respond to the dua (prayer) of every suppliant when they call on
Me - Quran 2:186)
Call Me, I will answer you. Those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell(40:60).
Call your Lord humbly and secretly, He loves not the transgressors(7:55).
And call on Him, fearing and hoping, surely the mercy of Allah is near to those who do good(7:56) .
Allah says in Quran
" And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him". (65:3)
Allah also says in Quran
And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah ...
The human being needs to ask for and receive the favors of the Almighty. He is in constant need for what only Allah can give Him. To help him achieve his dreams, to give him success and happiness in this world and the Hereafter, he needs the favors of Allah.Allah loves the believers who ask from Him, and supplicate constantly.Dua is a great tool given to believers by Allah. Using dua they can achieve great things and overcome many problems. One who has been given the power of Dua can never lose hope, as in his hands lies a great weapon. It is man's own loss if he does not make use of the tremendous potential of Dua. Dua is the most potent weapon of a believer.The dua can change ourlife, our outlook, and our fate.
Related link:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=168203364655&index=1
http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Articles/Anwar-ul-Hadees/English/Benefits_of_Dua.htm
Always remember other people in your duas (prayers)
It is recommended to pray for others. Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
“The supplication (dua) of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Everytime he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: `Ameen! May it be for you, too’.” [Muslim].
So when u prays for others, Allah would be happy with u and grant u too. Insha Allah.
Supplication for good of both worlds
Rabbanaaa 'aatinaa fiddunyaa hasanatanw wa fil 'aakhirati hasanatanw-wa qinaa 'azaaban-naar.
Our Lord! give us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Hell Fire. (2:201)
Amen
Now I request members of this group to pray for the successful and happy marriage for other Muslim brothers and sisters, then I hope Allah will accept their prayers and they would also get married soon Insha Allah. Similar request is to the parents to pray for the marriage of others sons and daughters, then Allah will accept their prayer and their children would also get a right match soon insha Allah.
Dua (prayer) for a righteous family
May Allah give all believing men and women, married or looking to marry, the towfeeq (grace) to be the ideal Muslim husband and the ideal Muslim wife with His Divine help and guidance.
The Importance of a good wife to her husband (and of course vice versa) is Great to Allah (God). Nothing can illustrate the point better than the Qur'anic statement which describes the righteous people as those who pray:
"Rabba-na hab la-na min azwaji-na wa dhuriyyati-na qurrata a'yunin wa aj'al-na li al muttaqin imama"
"Our Lord! give us spouse and children who will be the joy( and the comfort ) of our eyes, and guide us to be models of righteous (make us Leader of God-concious people). " (Qur'an 25:74)
May Allah bless all present and future marriages with love, happiness, peace, and success. Inshallah,you will be blessed with God fearing spouse.
Aamen!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Wives are your garments [ Surah Al Baqarah excerpt ]
Muslims view marriage as the foundation of society and family life. In a practical aspect, Islamic marriage is thus structured through legally-enforceable rights and duties of both parties. In an atmosphere of love and respect, these rights and duties provide a framework for the balance of family life and the fulfillment of both partners. Allah says:
"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates(spouse) from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect." (Qur'an 30:21)
In the Qur'an, the marriage relationship is described as one with "tranquility," "love" and "mercy." Elsewhere in the Qur'an, husband and wife are described as "garments" for each other (2:187). Garments offer protection, comfort, modesty, and warmth. Above all, the Qur'an describes that the best garment is the "garment of God-consciousness-(taqwa)" (7:26).
Allah states, "Permitted for you, during the night of the fast, that you approach your wives. They are your garments, and you are their garments" [al-Baqarah; 187].
In this verse, each spouse is described as a 'garment' to the other. The famous exegete Ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 311) stated that this description most aptly described the act of intimacy between the spouses, for during that act, each spouse sheds his or her other garments and then wraps around the other, taking the place of clothes. Al-Qurtubi (d. 671) also comments on this metaphor, and adds that just as clothes protect their wearer from the external elements, similarly each spouse protects the other from external passions that would harm a marriage. Indeed, spouses are like garments to each other because they provide one another with the protection, the comfort, the cover, the support, and the adornment that garments provide to humans.
Now coming to mutual obligations of spouses, it is lucidly and beautifully expressed in the following verses: (And cohabit with them on terms of utmost decency and fairness) (An-Nisa’ 4: 19); (And they (women) have rights similar to those of men in fairness) (Al-Baqarah 2: 228). In light of these, it is only reasonable to assume that a husband must set an example of fairness and compassion in dealing with his wife. And Remember!
Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the last Day, and remembereth Allah much ( Qurán 33:21).
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was especially known for his compassionate treatment of his family. He was extremely caring and gentle with them; he enjoyed their company, and he said that it was one of the best things that he cherished in this world. He also told the faithful that the best thing for a believer to reckon in this world was the companionship of a righteous wife. In keeping with the spirit of such teachings, it is wrong for anyone to reduce woman to the position of an object for sexual gratifications.
In Islam, man and woman in general, as well as husband and wife in particular, are equal partners; just as a husband has needs to which a wife is expected to be responsive, a wife also has needs to which a husband should be responsive. To be successful, marriage must be based on mutual reciprocity and consensual relationship. We know that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was in the habit of drinking from the same cup with his wife, thus placing his lips in the same spot where she placed hers. He would take a bite of food and then she would take another bite. It is this Prophetic attitude of mutual respect, affection, and companionship that should serve as a role model for all the married couples in Islam”.
Dua (prayer) for a righteous family
May Allah give all believing men and women, married or looking to marry, the towfeeq (grace) to be the ideal Muslim husband and the ideal Muslim wife with His Divine help and guidance.
The Importance of a good wife to her husband (and of course vice versa) is Great to Allah (God). Nothing can illustrate the point better than the Qur'anic statement which describes the righteous people as those who pray:
"Rabba-na hab la-na min azwaji-na wa dhuriyyati-na qurrata a'yunin wa aj'al-na li al muttaqin imama"
"Our Lord! give us spouse and children who will be the joy( and the comfort ) of our eyes, and guide us to be models of righteous (make us Leader of God-concious people). " (Qur'an 25:74)
May Allah bless all present and future marriages with love, happiness, peace, and success. Inshallah,you will be blessed with God fearing spouse.
Aamen!
Related links
Visit links given below:
http://www.likeagarment.com/
http://kolys.blogspot.com/2010/04/like-garment-introduction_15.html
http://www.answering-christianity.com/karim/women_rights_for_sex.htm
http://sisters.islamway.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=171
"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates(spouse) from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect." (Qur'an 30:21)
In the Qur'an, the marriage relationship is described as one with "tranquility," "love" and "mercy." Elsewhere in the Qur'an, husband and wife are described as "garments" for each other (2:187). Garments offer protection, comfort, modesty, and warmth. Above all, the Qur'an describes that the best garment is the "garment of God-consciousness-(taqwa)" (7:26).
Allah states, "Permitted for you, during the night of the fast, that you approach your wives. They are your garments, and you are their garments" [al-Baqarah; 187].
In this verse, each spouse is described as a 'garment' to the other. The famous exegete Ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 311) stated that this description most aptly described the act of intimacy between the spouses, for during that act, each spouse sheds his or her other garments and then wraps around the other, taking the place of clothes. Al-Qurtubi (d. 671) also comments on this metaphor, and adds that just as clothes protect their wearer from the external elements, similarly each spouse protects the other from external passions that would harm a marriage. Indeed, spouses are like garments to each other because they provide one another with the protection, the comfort, the cover, the support, and the adornment that garments provide to humans.
Now coming to mutual obligations of spouses, it is lucidly and beautifully expressed in the following verses: (And cohabit with them on terms of utmost decency and fairness) (An-Nisa’ 4: 19); (And they (women) have rights similar to those of men in fairness) (Al-Baqarah 2: 228). In light of these, it is only reasonable to assume that a husband must set an example of fairness and compassion in dealing with his wife. And Remember!
Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the last Day, and remembereth Allah much ( Qurán 33:21).
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was especially known for his compassionate treatment of his family. He was extremely caring and gentle with them; he enjoyed their company, and he said that it was one of the best things that he cherished in this world. He also told the faithful that the best thing for a believer to reckon in this world was the companionship of a righteous wife. In keeping with the spirit of such teachings, it is wrong for anyone to reduce woman to the position of an object for sexual gratifications.
In Islam, man and woman in general, as well as husband and wife in particular, are equal partners; just as a husband has needs to which a wife is expected to be responsive, a wife also has needs to which a husband should be responsive. To be successful, marriage must be based on mutual reciprocity and consensual relationship. We know that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was in the habit of drinking from the same cup with his wife, thus placing his lips in the same spot where she placed hers. He would take a bite of food and then she would take another bite. It is this Prophetic attitude of mutual respect, affection, and companionship that should serve as a role model for all the married couples in Islam”.
Dua (prayer) for a righteous family
May Allah give all believing men and women, married or looking to marry, the towfeeq (grace) to be the ideal Muslim husband and the ideal Muslim wife with His Divine help and guidance.
The Importance of a good wife to her husband (and of course vice versa) is Great to Allah (God). Nothing can illustrate the point better than the Qur'anic statement which describes the righteous people as those who pray:
"Rabba-na hab la-na min azwaji-na wa dhuriyyati-na qurrata a'yunin wa aj'al-na li al muttaqin imama"
"Our Lord! give us spouse and children who will be the joy( and the comfort ) of our eyes, and guide us to be models of righteous (make us Leader of God-concious people). " (Qur'an 25:74)
May Allah bless all present and future marriages with love, happiness, peace, and success. Inshallah,you will be blessed with God fearing spouse.
Aamen!
Related links
Visit links given below:
http://www.likeagarment.com/
http://kolys.blogspot.com/2010/04/like-garment-introduction_15.html
http://www.answering-christianity.com/karim/women_rights_for_sex.htm
http://sisters.islamway.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=171
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Value of Friendship
Who do you take as friends?
What is a friend? A person who shows unselfish concern for the welfare of others. A concern or regard for the needs of others, entirely without ulterior motive
A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert.
During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.”
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to
take a bath. The one, who had been slapped, got stuck in the mire and
started drowning, but the friend saved him. After the friend recovered
from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: “TODAY MY BEST
FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.”
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, “After
I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?”
The other friend replied: “When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.”
Learn to write your hurts in the sand, and to carve your benefits in stone.
Importance of Good Friendship
We all know that Allah the Most High has brought us to life in order to test us. Thus we are here for a relatively short period of time and that we shall meet Allah one Day, so we need to use our present life for what is best for us in the Hereafter. Once we know our purpose and our goal in life, we should seek ways to achieve them so as to benefit our own selves
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) explained the matter of good companionship, so that no room is left for doubt or confusion, when he (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said,
"A person is upon the Deen (religion) of his khaleel (close friend), so look to whom you befriend." [Abu Dawud & Tirmidhee]
This means that a person is upon the same minhajj (methodology) as his friend, the same tareeq (path) as his friend, the same nature, manner and behaviour as his friend. So we must be careful about whom we befriend.
Prophet Mohammad ( pbuh) who has the most noble character and dealings with fellow humans gave us a very clear and simple message and advice in regard to friendship.
Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) also said,
"The case of the good companion and the bad companion is like that of the seller of musk(perfume) and the blower of the bellows (iron-smith) . As for the seller of musk(perfume), he will either give you some of the musk(perfume), or you will purchase some from him, or at least you will come away having experienced its good smell. Whereas the blower of the bellows will either burn your clothing, or at least you will come away having experienced its repugnant smell." [Bukhari & Muslim]
The good companion has been given this similitude because he is righteous and will help you to remember Allah. If he sees you make a mistake he will advise you and support you, whereas the bad companion would forsake you; leaving you at the time when you are most in need of him.
I have always stopped at a special Quranic verse that reflects on the value of friendship and companionship.
The verse I am pointing at says what means:
{Content yourself (be patient) with those who pray to their Lord morning and evening, seeking His approval, and do not let your eyes turn away from them out of desire for the attractions of this worldly life, and do not yield to those whose hearts We have made heedless of Our remembrance (the Quran), those who follow their own low desires, those whose ways are unbridled.} (Al-Kahf 18:28)
It is amazing how Allah Almighty, draws the reader's attention to two essential points that are definitely anchor points in any relation of friendship. The two points are:
1.Who do we take as friends?
2.How do we go about our friendship?
What a good relationship the Quran has established among believers to build relationship. If exercised whole heartedly it is bound to bring peace in our society.May Allah we follow it in true spirit. Aameen
Prophets' Duas for good companions
Here is a gift of duas Let us pray these duas always:
Sura 12-Yusuf verse 101
Prophet Yusuf (A.S) prayed:
O, the Creator of heavens and the earth, You are my Protector in this world and in the hereafter, make me die as a Muslim(your obedient) and admit me among the righteous."
............ ......... ......... ....
Sura 27-An-Naml verse 19
Prophet Sulaiman (AS ) Prayed:
"O Rabb (lord)! Grant me the grace that I may thank you for the favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, to do such good deeds that will please You; and admit me, by Your mercy, among Your righteous servants."
............ ......... .........
Prophet Ibraheem (AS) prayed :
Sura Ash-Shuara verse 83-85
O My Rubb(lord)!
Give Me The Gift Of Wisdom And Join Me With The Righteous;
Grant Me The Power To Convey The Truth To Those Who Will Come After Me
Make Me One Of The Inheritors Of The Garden Of Happiness (Junat Naeem);
Aaamen!
Here are some links of informative and intersting articles about friendship.
plz visit the given links:
http://www.zawaj.com/articles/companion_ pleasant.html
http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/Friendship.htm
Just make sure in the future that who you offer yourself to in friendship are really worthy of you, and seek Allah's guidance through dua`aa', supplication, and Istikhara prayer for guidance always.
Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)
Aamin
What is a friend? A person who shows unselfish concern for the welfare of others. A concern or regard for the needs of others, entirely without ulterior motive
A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert.
During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.”
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to
take a bath. The one, who had been slapped, got stuck in the mire and
started drowning, but the friend saved him. After the friend recovered
from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: “TODAY MY BEST
FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.”
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, “After
I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?”
The other friend replied: “When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.”
Learn to write your hurts in the sand, and to carve your benefits in stone.
Importance of Good Friendship
We all know that Allah the Most High has brought us to life in order to test us. Thus we are here for a relatively short period of time and that we shall meet Allah one Day, so we need to use our present life for what is best for us in the Hereafter. Once we know our purpose and our goal in life, we should seek ways to achieve them so as to benefit our own selves
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) explained the matter of good companionship, so that no room is left for doubt or confusion, when he (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said,
"A person is upon the Deen (religion) of his khaleel (close friend), so look to whom you befriend." [Abu Dawud & Tirmidhee]
This means that a person is upon the same minhajj (methodology) as his friend, the same tareeq (path) as his friend, the same nature, manner and behaviour as his friend. So we must be careful about whom we befriend.
Prophet Mohammad ( pbuh) who has the most noble character and dealings with fellow humans gave us a very clear and simple message and advice in regard to friendship.
Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) also said,
"The case of the good companion and the bad companion is like that of the seller of musk(perfume) and the blower of the bellows (iron-smith) . As for the seller of musk(perfume), he will either give you some of the musk(perfume), or you will purchase some from him, or at least you will come away having experienced its good smell. Whereas the blower of the bellows will either burn your clothing, or at least you will come away having experienced its repugnant smell." [Bukhari & Muslim]
The good companion has been given this similitude because he is righteous and will help you to remember Allah. If he sees you make a mistake he will advise you and support you, whereas the bad companion would forsake you; leaving you at the time when you are most in need of him.
I have always stopped at a special Quranic verse that reflects on the value of friendship and companionship.
The verse I am pointing at says what means:
{Content yourself (be patient) with those who pray to their Lord morning and evening, seeking His approval, and do not let your eyes turn away from them out of desire for the attractions of this worldly life, and do not yield to those whose hearts We have made heedless of Our remembrance (the Quran), those who follow their own low desires, those whose ways are unbridled.} (Al-Kahf 18:28)
It is amazing how Allah Almighty, draws the reader's attention to two essential points that are definitely anchor points in any relation of friendship. The two points are:
1.Who do we take as friends?
2.How do we go about our friendship?
What a good relationship the Quran has established among believers to build relationship. If exercised whole heartedly it is bound to bring peace in our society.May Allah we follow it in true spirit. Aameen
Prophets' Duas for good companions
Here is a gift of duas Let us pray these duas always:
Sura 12-Yusuf verse 101
Prophet Yusuf (A.S) prayed:
O, the Creator of heavens and the earth, You are my Protector in this world and in the hereafter, make me die as a Muslim(your obedient) and admit me among the righteous."
............ ......... ......... ....
Sura 27-An-Naml verse 19
Prophet Sulaiman (AS ) Prayed:
"O Rabb (lord)! Grant me the grace that I may thank you for the favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, to do such good deeds that will please You; and admit me, by Your mercy, among Your righteous servants."
............ ......... .........
Prophet Ibraheem (AS) prayed :
Sura Ash-Shuara verse 83-85
O My Rubb(lord)!
Give Me The Gift Of Wisdom And Join Me With The Righteous;
Grant Me The Power To Convey The Truth To Those Who Will Come After Me
Make Me One Of The Inheritors Of The Garden Of Happiness (Junat Naeem);
Aaamen!
Here are some links of informative and intersting articles about friendship.
plz visit the given links:
http://www.zawaj.com/articles/companion_ pleasant.html
http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/Friendship.htm
Just make sure in the future that who you offer yourself to in friendship are really worthy of you, and seek Allah's guidance through dua`aa', supplication, and Istikhara prayer for guidance always.
Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)
Aamin
Friday, March 12, 2010
Salaam brothers and sisters!
Salaam brothers & sisters,
It has been long since i wrote. All thanks to the overload of work that I’ve been piled with. Recently, a lot of things have been happening to me which has put me through a lot of reckoning. Reckoning always leads to learning. Besides, I was also given the opportunity to attend 2 maulid rasool events. Alhamdullilah. Maulid Rasul is the rememberance of our prophet through reciting the verses from the quran that praises him, singing nasyids that reminds us of his greatness or through various other ways. Hence, throughout this past 1 month, I’ve learnt a lot about him and the events in his life. No matter how much we learn about him, its never enough to give us a complete account of his greatness.
There are so many things that I’d like to pen down in today’s post but I’m just afraid that I’d bore the readers who read this. Hence, I’d just quote a few things that I’d like to say. I’d try my best to keep it short and interesting. Inshallah.
When nabi Muhammad (s.a.w) was born, many events happened that night, at that very moment. 1 of which was that all the stars in the sky at that time fell forward and shone so brightly that the city of Mekkah appeared to be day. Surely, this incident might have been recorded as a scientific miracle that happened about 1450 years ago.
These events and the seal of the prophethood on his back prove to us that, undoubtedly, prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is indeed a chosen one. Sometimes, as a fellow human, I do feel jealous of him. I know that’s not right but I am. I am jealous of how close he could have been to Allah(s.w.t) and how tightly Allah(s.w.t) held to him to guide him through each of his step. I feel jealous for the kind of faith the prophet has on Allah(s.w.t). I feel jealous for the endless love he had for his ummah. [The people of Thayyub and the people of Mekkah]
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) went through a lot. All of it was not for any selfish reasons or not for any material gain. Indeed it was for Islam, for Allah and for his people. And each time he faced a difficulty, he never lost his confidence in Allah and never questioned. Instead he always prayed for further guidance and continuously fell back on Allah(s.w.t). Each time he was faced with rejection, he never ridiculed or cursed his people. He only prayed for Allah(s.w.t) to forgive them for their ignorance.
Reflecting back on our lives, how many times have we gotten annoyed with someone who accidentally bumped against us on a busy street. OR even, how many times would we have argued with our family/friends over something so trivial, and in the end, leaving them hurt?
The problems we face today are nothing compared to what our prophet went through. He was an orphan, illiterate, poor, ridiculed, sent to exile, lost his sonds, brought to shame, was doubted..and the list goes on. But, brothers and sisters, just look at his faith! Even once, when I was about to perform my salaah, a young friend asked me…You have gone through so much and you still pray?.. I just smiled and said…. He has given me life. What more do I need?... I am not angry with the friend who asked me such a question. He is very young and he needs to learn. But comparing the challenges I have today to what our prophet faced back then, it’s probably a 0.001%.
However, I learnt how to deal with my challenges through the examples of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). Though I am nowhere near him, Alhamdullilah, I am close to people who try their best to follow him. I learn through them how to deal with my problems.
I always believe that we muslims should start thinking that we are ambassadors of Islam, Allah(s.w.t) and our prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). We should impart teachings of our prophet in our daily behavior and in the ways we treat our family, friends, neighbours, strangers and even enemies (Try our best not to have them anyway). Only then , can we spread the goodness of Islam to our fellow beings and Inshallah, may they feel the blessings of Allah(s.w.t) 1 day and join our big family as a ummah.
Inshallah. :)
It has been long since i wrote. All thanks to the overload of work that I’ve been piled with. Recently, a lot of things have been happening to me which has put me through a lot of reckoning. Reckoning always leads to learning. Besides, I was also given the opportunity to attend 2 maulid rasool events. Alhamdullilah. Maulid Rasul is the rememberance of our prophet through reciting the verses from the quran that praises him, singing nasyids that reminds us of his greatness or through various other ways. Hence, throughout this past 1 month, I’ve learnt a lot about him and the events in his life. No matter how much we learn about him, its never enough to give us a complete account of his greatness.
There are so many things that I’d like to pen down in today’s post but I’m just afraid that I’d bore the readers who read this. Hence, I’d just quote a few things that I’d like to say. I’d try my best to keep it short and interesting. Inshallah.
When nabi Muhammad (s.a.w) was born, many events happened that night, at that very moment. 1 of which was that all the stars in the sky at that time fell forward and shone so brightly that the city of Mekkah appeared to be day. Surely, this incident might have been recorded as a scientific miracle that happened about 1450 years ago.
These events and the seal of the prophethood on his back prove to us that, undoubtedly, prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is indeed a chosen one. Sometimes, as a fellow human, I do feel jealous of him. I know that’s not right but I am. I am jealous of how close he could have been to Allah(s.w.t) and how tightly Allah(s.w.t) held to him to guide him through each of his step. I feel jealous for the kind of faith the prophet has on Allah(s.w.t). I feel jealous for the endless love he had for his ummah. [The people of Thayyub and the people of Mekkah]
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) went through a lot. All of it was not for any selfish reasons or not for any material gain. Indeed it was for Islam, for Allah and for his people. And each time he faced a difficulty, he never lost his confidence in Allah and never questioned. Instead he always prayed for further guidance and continuously fell back on Allah(s.w.t). Each time he was faced with rejection, he never ridiculed or cursed his people. He only prayed for Allah(s.w.t) to forgive them for their ignorance.
Reflecting back on our lives, how many times have we gotten annoyed with someone who accidentally bumped against us on a busy street. OR even, how many times would we have argued with our family/friends over something so trivial, and in the end, leaving them hurt?
The problems we face today are nothing compared to what our prophet went through. He was an orphan, illiterate, poor, ridiculed, sent to exile, lost his sonds, brought to shame, was doubted..and the list goes on. But, brothers and sisters, just look at his faith! Even once, when I was about to perform my salaah, a young friend asked me…You have gone through so much and you still pray?.. I just smiled and said…. He has given me life. What more do I need?... I am not angry with the friend who asked me such a question. He is very young and he needs to learn. But comparing the challenges I have today to what our prophet faced back then, it’s probably a 0.001%.
However, I learnt how to deal with my challenges through the examples of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). Though I am nowhere near him, Alhamdullilah, I am close to people who try their best to follow him. I learn through them how to deal with my problems.
I always believe that we muslims should start thinking that we are ambassadors of Islam, Allah(s.w.t) and our prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). We should impart teachings of our prophet in our daily behavior and in the ways we treat our family, friends, neighbours, strangers and even enemies (Try our best not to have them anyway). Only then , can we spread the goodness of Islam to our fellow beings and Inshallah, may they feel the blessings of Allah(s.w.t) 1 day and join our big family as a ummah.
Inshallah. :)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A Disbeliever's Death
The Prophet of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Allah accepts the repentance of the servant so long as his ruh has not arrived at his throat.” [Tirmidhi]
Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says: “If you could see when the wrongdoers taste the pangs of death and the angels stretch their hands out, [saying], 'Deliver up your souls. This day you will be awarded a degrading punishment.'” [Al-Quran 6:93]
“When an unbeliever is about to depart from this world, angels with black faces descend from the heavens carrying rough hair-cloth, and sit around the dying person in throngs stretching as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits at the head of the unbeliever and says: 'O foul soul, come out to the wrath and anger of Allah!' The soul inside the disbeliever's body does not want to deliver itself up and divides up in the body of the dying person, whereupon the Angel of Death violently pulls it and it is dragged out like a skewer is pulled out of wet wool.” [Ar-Ruh: The Soul’s Journey after Death, by Imam Ibn Al Qayyim Al Jauziah]
“Then the Angel of Death takes hold of the soul. When he has grasped it, the other angels do not leave it in his hand even for the twinkling of an eye. They take it and wrap it in the rough hair-cloth and a stench emanates from it like that of the most evil smelling corpse on the face of the earth.” [Ar-Ruh: The Soul’s Journey after Death, by Imam Ibn Al Qayyim Al Jauziah]
Then the angels ascend with the depraved soul, and they do not pass with it by any group of angels but the angels ask: "What is this wicked soul?" They are told (he is) "such" the son of "such", choosing the most hated of the names he used to be called by in this life. For instance, Abu Jahl (Father of Ignorance), whose actual name was Umar, would have been called Abu Jahl by the angels. The evil soul is cursed by all the angels between the earth and the sky and by all the angels in the sky.
When the angels reach the lowest heaven, they ask permission to enter, but they are not granted entry because of the evil soul with them. “No opening will there be of the gates of heaven, nor will they enter the Garden, until the camel can pass through the eye of the needle.” [Al-Quran 7:40] Then Allah, Exalted and High, says: "Write the book of my servant in Sijjeen in the lowest earth.” The evil soul is thereafter flung down with a mighty hurl. It is cast back into its body and its trial in the grave then begins. [Ar-Ruh: The Soul’s Journey after Death, by Imam Ibn Al Qayyim Al Jauziah]
Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says: “If you could see when the wrongdoers taste the pangs of death and the angels stretch their hands out, [saying], 'Deliver up your souls. This day you will be awarded a degrading punishment.'” [Al-Quran 6:93]
“When an unbeliever is about to depart from this world, angels with black faces descend from the heavens carrying rough hair-cloth, and sit around the dying person in throngs stretching as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits at the head of the unbeliever and says: 'O foul soul, come out to the wrath and anger of Allah!' The soul inside the disbeliever's body does not want to deliver itself up and divides up in the body of the dying person, whereupon the Angel of Death violently pulls it and it is dragged out like a skewer is pulled out of wet wool.” [Ar-Ruh: The Soul’s Journey after Death, by Imam Ibn Al Qayyim Al Jauziah]
“Then the Angel of Death takes hold of the soul. When he has grasped it, the other angels do not leave it in his hand even for the twinkling of an eye. They take it and wrap it in the rough hair-cloth and a stench emanates from it like that of the most evil smelling corpse on the face of the earth.” [Ar-Ruh: The Soul’s Journey after Death, by Imam Ibn Al Qayyim Al Jauziah]
Then the angels ascend with the depraved soul, and they do not pass with it by any group of angels but the angels ask: "What is this wicked soul?" They are told (he is) "such" the son of "such", choosing the most hated of the names he used to be called by in this life. For instance, Abu Jahl (Father of Ignorance), whose actual name was Umar, would have been called Abu Jahl by the angels. The evil soul is cursed by all the angels between the earth and the sky and by all the angels in the sky.
When the angels reach the lowest heaven, they ask permission to enter, but they are not granted entry because of the evil soul with them. “No opening will there be of the gates of heaven, nor will they enter the Garden, until the camel can pass through the eye of the needle.” [Al-Quran 7:40] Then Allah, Exalted and High, says: "Write the book of my servant in Sijjeen in the lowest earth.” The evil soul is thereafter flung down with a mighty hurl. It is cast back into its body and its trial in the grave then begins. [Ar-Ruh: The Soul’s Journey after Death, by Imam Ibn Al Qayyim Al Jauziah]
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Obligations Muslim Owe to Quran
"The most superior (the best) among you (Muslims) are those who learn Quran and teach it to others."
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 6, Book 61, Number 545]
Musalmanon per Qur’an-e-Majeed kay Huqooq by Dr Irsar Ahmed is an impassioned call to the Muslims "to return to the Qur’an," to rededicate themselves to its study, and make it the sole guide for their lives.
What Does the Qur’an Demand from its Followers?
Instead of making a presumptuous attempt at describing its unique merits, the most pertinent thing for us to do is that we should clearly understand our duties and responsibilities towards the Qur’an and then see whether or not we are conscientiously fulfilling these duties and responsibilities.
If we find that we are not doing so, we should seriously think about the line of action we should adopt for their fulfillment; and then adopt the line without any further delay, because our very salvation depends on our efforts in this direction. Paying pompous compliments to the Qur’an will not be enough and it cannot be a substitute for actually discharging our obligations towards the Holy Book.
Now what are these obligations? Or, in other words, what does the Qur’an demand of us?
The Qur’an makes five demands of every Muslim. Put in a simple language, these demands are as follows:
A Muslim is required:
• to believe in the Qur’an;
• to read it;
• to understand it;
• to act upon its teachings; and
• to convey its message and teachings to others.
This booklet is available on the given link.. download it
http://www.tanzeem.org/online/ebooks/ebooks/E-01-01%20The%20Obligations%20Muslims%20Owe%20To%20Quran.pdf
http://www.institutealislam.com/the-obligations-the-muslims-owe-to-the-quran-by-dr-israr-ahmad/
I conclude my discourse with the following prayer which is generally offered on completing the recitation of the whole Qur’an but which, I believe, should frequently be offered so that Almighty Allah (SWT) may grant us strength to fulfill the duties we owe to His Book.
O my Lord! Be merciful to us because of (our link with) the Qur’an; make it for us a leader, (and a source of) light, guidance, and mercy, cause us to recall from it what we have failed to understand; give us strength to recite it day and night; and make it a plea for our salvation, O Lord of the worlds.
Ameen!
Note:
Plz share this information with others so that many more people can take full advantage of it.Prophet Muhammad(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said,
"Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all."
[Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah]
Thanks for cooperation. God bless you.
Jazak Allah Kheren
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 6, Book 61, Number 545]
Musalmanon per Qur’an-e-Majeed kay Huqooq by Dr Irsar Ahmed is an impassioned call to the Muslims "to return to the Qur’an," to rededicate themselves to its study, and make it the sole guide for their lives.
What Does the Qur’an Demand from its Followers?
Instead of making a presumptuous attempt at describing its unique merits, the most pertinent thing for us to do is that we should clearly understand our duties and responsibilities towards the Qur’an and then see whether or not we are conscientiously fulfilling these duties and responsibilities.
If we find that we are not doing so, we should seriously think about the line of action we should adopt for their fulfillment; and then adopt the line without any further delay, because our very salvation depends on our efforts in this direction. Paying pompous compliments to the Qur’an will not be enough and it cannot be a substitute for actually discharging our obligations towards the Holy Book.
Now what are these obligations? Or, in other words, what does the Qur’an demand of us?
The Qur’an makes five demands of every Muslim. Put in a simple language, these demands are as follows:
A Muslim is required:
• to believe in the Qur’an;
• to read it;
• to understand it;
• to act upon its teachings; and
• to convey its message and teachings to others.
This booklet is available on the given link.. download it
http://www.tanzeem.org/online/ebooks/ebooks/E-01-01%20The%20Obligations%20Muslims%20Owe%20To%20Quran.pdf
http://www.institutealislam.com/the-obligations-the-muslims-owe-to-the-quran-by-dr-israr-ahmad/
I conclude my discourse with the following prayer which is generally offered on completing the recitation of the whole Qur’an but which, I believe, should frequently be offered so that Almighty Allah (SWT) may grant us strength to fulfill the duties we owe to His Book.
O my Lord! Be merciful to us because of (our link with) the Qur’an; make it for us a leader, (and a source of) light, guidance, and mercy, cause us to recall from it what we have failed to understand; give us strength to recite it day and night; and make it a plea for our salvation, O Lord of the worlds.
Ameen!
Note:
Plz share this information with others so that many more people can take full advantage of it.Prophet Muhammad(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said,
"Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all."
[Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah]
Thanks for cooperation. God bless you.
Jazak Allah Kheren
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Allah is the most forgiving. =)
It was narrated that in the days that Musa (Alahi salaam) wandered with Bani Israel in the desert an intense drought befell them. Together, they raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed rain to come. Then, to the astonishment of Musa (Alahi salaam) and all those watching, the few scattered clouds that were in the sky vanished, the heat poured down, and the drought intensified.
It was revealed to Musa that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israel whom had disobeyed Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) for more than forty years of his life. “Let him separate himself from the congregation,” Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) told Musa (Alahi salaam). “Only then shall I shower you all with rain.”
Musa (Alahi salaam) then called out to the throngs of humanity, “There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah for forty years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued from the drought.” That man, waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one.
The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity.
He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with a humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks he said: “O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!”
As Musa (Alahi salaam) and the people of Bani Israel awaited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. Musa (Alahi salaam) asked Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala), “O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward.” And Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) replied, “O Musa, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel with water.”
Musa (Alahi salaam), wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked, “Show him to me O Allah!” Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) replied, “O Musa, I hid his sins for forty years, do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?”
Source: from the article by Shaikh Muhammad Al-Shareef.
It was revealed to Musa that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israel whom had disobeyed Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) for more than forty years of his life. “Let him separate himself from the congregation,” Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) told Musa (Alahi salaam). “Only then shall I shower you all with rain.”
Musa (Alahi salaam) then called out to the throngs of humanity, “There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah for forty years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued from the drought.” That man, waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one.
The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity.
He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with a humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks he said: “O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!”
As Musa (Alahi salaam) and the people of Bani Israel awaited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. Musa (Alahi salaam) asked Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala), “O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward.” And Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) replied, “O Musa, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel with water.”
Musa (Alahi salaam), wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked, “Show him to me O Allah!” Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) replied, “O Musa, I hid his sins for forty years, do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?”
Source: from the article by Shaikh Muhammad Al-Shareef.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Islam and Love
One does not discuss love, one lives and feels it. To discuss love is to speak where there are no more words left. A human can only talk about love. O my dear reader! Read this piece of writing as the one “about love”.
Love is like light, lovelessness is like darkness. Darkness can’t have a source. Darkness is the state when there is no light. But there must always be a source for light. There can be no love without a source as there can be no light without a source.
Allâh (Swt) Is the Source of love. The river of love falls down from Allâh (Swt). For He (Swt) Is Al-Wadûd. The Name Al-Wadûd is in double voice. This voice is characterized by bearing in itself both active and passive forms. So, the Name Al-Wadûd means both “the Most Loving One” and “the Most Loved One”. To put it in other words, this name denotes both “the Ever Loving One” and “the One Wishing to be loved”. That’s the difference distinguishing this Name from others.
Allâh (Swt) Is Ar-Razzâq, “He Provides sustenance”. Allâh Is Al-Khalaq, “He Creates”. Allâh Is Al-Ghaffâr, “He Forgives”. Allâh Is Ar-Rahmân and “ He Has mercy”. These and the like Names are single-sided. But when it comes to the Name Al-Wadûd everything changes. A double-sided relationship begins: both loving and wishing to be loved. Here lies the difference of love.
“A-L-H” is an isolated form of the name Allâh. Only 7 compositions can be obtained by changing the position of these letters. All of these indicate only one meaning: love. His Most Beautiful Names, Al-Asmâ’u'l-Husnâ, are the reflections of His (Swt) Love in the prism of names. The Names Ar-Rahmân and Ar-Rahîm, which are repeatedly recited by Muslims as part of Basmala, show that He (Swt) Is full of love and He Does whatever He Does with love.
Love attributed to Allâh (Swt) is expressed in words “Hubb” and “Wudd”. As for the word “Ashq”, which could also be rendered love in English, it is never used for the Divine Love in the literature dealing with the Noble Qur’ân and Sunnah. Because “Ashq”, which etymologically denotes “ivy” and “gripping and hanging on to the loved one like an ivy”, expresses the human love.
As for Hubb, it means “seed, pip, kernel”. The word Hububat (i.e. cereals) arises from here. It is obvious why love is called “Muhabbah”: Love is the seed of the tree of creation. And the human, who is the noblest fruit of the tree of creation, is the fruit of the seed of love, which bears its own seed in itself.
A fruit proves its faithfulness to its root by love. Human’s love to Allâh (Swt) is like this, too. That’s why it is stipulated by the Divine Revelation that the biggest share in love should be allotted to Allâh: “Those who believe love Allâh (Swt) more than anything”. And the Holy Prophet (Saws) is commanded to say the following: “Say: If you love Allâh (Swt), follow me so that Allâh (Swt) Loves you, too”.
Wudd expresses a special kind of love. This kind of love can only be bestowed. Since it bears an extract from its Giver (Swt), this love is eternal. Read the following Qur’ânic verse: “Ar-Rahmân will bestow (eternal) love (wudd) onto those who believe and do righteous good deeds.” It must be for this very reason that in the first years the Divine Revelation gave its addressees glad tidings of Paradise and threatened them with Hell while in later period, when they matured, the Divine Revelation gave glad tidings and warned by saying “Allâh (Swt) Loves - Allâh (Swt) Does Not Love”. This is indicative of how high a degree is reached by love in the relation between Allâh (Swt) and slave.
There is also fake love as there is a fake of everything. The true love puts in order, spurious love spoils. If at source it is not from Allâh (Swt), it is false love, and the one marketing it is a forger. The love which does not take its origin from the holy is not love but passion. Since love makes itself abundant it makes the human free, but passion arrests and enslaves. Those who call passion love, do the love itself an injustice by supposing the loneliness of two persons to be love.
The modern age has three false gods: power, money and sex. These make up the trinity of the lifestyle based on the belief that there is only the life of this world. Nowadays, the false god of sex is marketed under the name of “love” as part of the operation of global degradation. The holy thing entrusted to us, which we call life, has never been such a plaything in the hands of adulterers and adulteresses as it is now. Libido has never captured the consciousness to such an extent as it has today. The brokers of lust have never had so many clients all together.
The blowing up of sex under the name of “love” is a natural continuation of the global degradation operation. The aim of this operation is to make life senseless and purposeless, that is to say without Allâh (Swt). This is the real terror on which one should declare war. Because it is the terror of morals. This terror poses a threat to the whole human race. Enterprises engaged in marketing adultery under the name of “St. Valentine’s Day” are part of the terror of morls.
A person who cannot say “No” to adultery cannot say “Yes” to love. For adultrery poisons love. Poisoned love causes the human being, who is the most honourable of the creation, to resemble an insect that, after mating, stings and poisons its female. It makes the human being the most disgraceful of the creation, “like animals, even lower than them”, as worded by the Noble Qur’ân. Chastity starts to decay where there is no more privacy left, respect starts to decay where there is no more chastity left, disposition starts to decay where there is no more respect left. And nature starts to decay where there is no more disposition left.
If the nature has decayed, no one can hold that human. No one can set a limit for lust. No one can draw a mark for somebody saying “Amusement is mine, I can do whatever I want”. In the end, it comes to a seventeen-month-old baby. Laments for a seventeen-month-old baby having been a victim of rape expressed by a person who doesn’t say no committing adultery with a seventeen-year-old are similar to “crocodile tears”.
Let everyone bear the following in mind: There is either a limit or there are no limits at all.
Love is like light, lovelessness is like darkness. Darkness can’t have a source. Darkness is the state when there is no light. But there must always be a source for light. There can be no love without a source as there can be no light without a source.
Allâh (Swt) Is the Source of love. The river of love falls down from Allâh (Swt). For He (Swt) Is Al-Wadûd. The Name Al-Wadûd is in double voice. This voice is characterized by bearing in itself both active and passive forms. So, the Name Al-Wadûd means both “the Most Loving One” and “the Most Loved One”. To put it in other words, this name denotes both “the Ever Loving One” and “the One Wishing to be loved”. That’s the difference distinguishing this Name from others.
Allâh (Swt) Is Ar-Razzâq, “He Provides sustenance”. Allâh Is Al-Khalaq, “He Creates”. Allâh Is Al-Ghaffâr, “He Forgives”. Allâh Is Ar-Rahmân and “ He Has mercy”. These and the like Names are single-sided. But when it comes to the Name Al-Wadûd everything changes. A double-sided relationship begins: both loving and wishing to be loved. Here lies the difference of love.
“A-L-H” is an isolated form of the name Allâh. Only 7 compositions can be obtained by changing the position of these letters. All of these indicate only one meaning: love. His Most Beautiful Names, Al-Asmâ’u'l-Husnâ, are the reflections of His (Swt) Love in the prism of names. The Names Ar-Rahmân and Ar-Rahîm, which are repeatedly recited by Muslims as part of Basmala, show that He (Swt) Is full of love and He Does whatever He Does with love.
Love attributed to Allâh (Swt) is expressed in words “Hubb” and “Wudd”. As for the word “Ashq”, which could also be rendered love in English, it is never used for the Divine Love in the literature dealing with the Noble Qur’ân and Sunnah. Because “Ashq”, which etymologically denotes “ivy” and “gripping and hanging on to the loved one like an ivy”, expresses the human love.
As for Hubb, it means “seed, pip, kernel”. The word Hububat (i.e. cereals) arises from here. It is obvious why love is called “Muhabbah”: Love is the seed of the tree of creation. And the human, who is the noblest fruit of the tree of creation, is the fruit of the seed of love, which bears its own seed in itself.
A fruit proves its faithfulness to its root by love. Human’s love to Allâh (Swt) is like this, too. That’s why it is stipulated by the Divine Revelation that the biggest share in love should be allotted to Allâh: “Those who believe love Allâh (Swt) more than anything”. And the Holy Prophet (Saws) is commanded to say the following: “Say: If you love Allâh (Swt), follow me so that Allâh (Swt) Loves you, too”.
Wudd expresses a special kind of love. This kind of love can only be bestowed. Since it bears an extract from its Giver (Swt), this love is eternal. Read the following Qur’ânic verse: “Ar-Rahmân will bestow (eternal) love (wudd) onto those who believe and do righteous good deeds.” It must be for this very reason that in the first years the Divine Revelation gave its addressees glad tidings of Paradise and threatened them with Hell while in later period, when they matured, the Divine Revelation gave glad tidings and warned by saying “Allâh (Swt) Loves - Allâh (Swt) Does Not Love”. This is indicative of how high a degree is reached by love in the relation between Allâh (Swt) and slave.
There is also fake love as there is a fake of everything. The true love puts in order, spurious love spoils. If at source it is not from Allâh (Swt), it is false love, and the one marketing it is a forger. The love which does not take its origin from the holy is not love but passion. Since love makes itself abundant it makes the human free, but passion arrests and enslaves. Those who call passion love, do the love itself an injustice by supposing the loneliness of two persons to be love.
The modern age has three false gods: power, money and sex. These make up the trinity of the lifestyle based on the belief that there is only the life of this world. Nowadays, the false god of sex is marketed under the name of “love” as part of the operation of global degradation. The holy thing entrusted to us, which we call life, has never been such a plaything in the hands of adulterers and adulteresses as it is now. Libido has never captured the consciousness to such an extent as it has today. The brokers of lust have never had so many clients all together.
The blowing up of sex under the name of “love” is a natural continuation of the global degradation operation. The aim of this operation is to make life senseless and purposeless, that is to say without Allâh (Swt). This is the real terror on which one should declare war. Because it is the terror of morals. This terror poses a threat to the whole human race. Enterprises engaged in marketing adultery under the name of “St. Valentine’s Day” are part of the terror of morls.
A person who cannot say “No” to adultery cannot say “Yes” to love. For adultrery poisons love. Poisoned love causes the human being, who is the most honourable of the creation, to resemble an insect that, after mating, stings and poisons its female. It makes the human being the most disgraceful of the creation, “like animals, even lower than them”, as worded by the Noble Qur’ân. Chastity starts to decay where there is no more privacy left, respect starts to decay where there is no more chastity left, disposition starts to decay where there is no more respect left. And nature starts to decay where there is no more disposition left.
If the nature has decayed, no one can hold that human. No one can set a limit for lust. No one can draw a mark for somebody saying “Amusement is mine, I can do whatever I want”. In the end, it comes to a seventeen-month-old baby. Laments for a seventeen-month-old baby having been a victim of rape expressed by a person who doesn’t say no committing adultery with a seventeen-year-old are similar to “crocodile tears”.
Let everyone bear the following in mind: There is either a limit or there are no limits at all.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The effect of saying Allah..
THIS IS NOT A FICTITIOUS STORY...
IT IS REAL AND VERIFIABLE ...
Vander Hoven, a psychologist from Netherlands,announced his new discovery about the effect of reading the Quran and repeating the word ALLAH both on patients and on normal persons. The Dutch professor confirms his discovery with studies and research applied on many patients over a period of three years.. Some of his patients were non-Muslims,others do not speak Arabic and were trained to pronounce the word 'ALLAH' clearly; the result was great, particularly on those who suffer from dejection and tension. Al Watan, a Saudi daily reported that the psychologist was quoted to say that Muslims who can read Arabic and who read the Quran regularly could protect themselves from psychological diseases.
The psychologist explained how each le tter in the word 'ALLAH' affects healing of psychological diseases. He pointed out in his research that pronouncing the first letter in theword 'ALLAH' which is the letter (A), released from the respiratory system, controls breathing. He added that pronouncing the velar consonant (L) in the Arabic way, with the tongue touching slightly the upper part of the jaw producing a short pause and then repeating the same pause constantly, relaxes the aspiration. Also, pronouncing the last letter which is the letter (H) makes a contact between the lungs and the heart and in turn this contact controls the heartbeat.
What is exciting in the study is that this psychologist is a non-Muslim, but interested in Islamic sciences and searching for the secrets of the Holy Quran. Allah, The Great and Glorious, says, We will show them Our signs in the universe and in their ownselves,until it becomes manifest to (remember me in ur Dua) ALLAHU AKBAR Allah is great .
IT IS REAL AND VERIFIABLE ...
Vander Hoven, a psychologist from Netherlands,announced his new discovery about the effect of reading the Quran and repeating the word ALLAH both on patients and on normal persons. The Dutch professor confirms his discovery with studies and research applied on many patients over a period of three years.. Some of his patients were non-Muslims,others do not speak Arabic and were trained to pronounce the word 'ALLAH' clearly; the result was great, particularly on those who suffer from dejection and tension. Al Watan, a Saudi daily reported that the psychologist was quoted to say that Muslims who can read Arabic and who read the Quran regularly could protect themselves from psychological diseases.
The psychologist explained how each le tter in the word 'ALLAH' affects healing of psychological diseases. He pointed out in his research that pronouncing the first letter in theword 'ALLAH' which is the letter (A), released from the respiratory system, controls breathing. He added that pronouncing the velar consonant (L) in the Arabic way, with the tongue touching slightly the upper part of the jaw producing a short pause and then repeating the same pause constantly, relaxes the aspiration. Also, pronouncing the last letter which is the letter (H) makes a contact between the lungs and the heart and in turn this contact controls the heartbeat.
What is exciting in the study is that this psychologist is a non-Muslim, but interested in Islamic sciences and searching for the secrets of the Holy Quran. Allah, The Great and Glorious, says, We will show them Our signs in the universe and in their ownselves,until it becomes manifest to (remember me in ur Dua) ALLAHU AKBAR Allah is great .
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Allah is Simply great ..isnt HE?
I have to rush through my projects, i'm really short of time. But its just one of the days today where i got distracted by Facebook and the pictures some of my friends uploaded from their long holidays.
While browsing through the profiles of others, i came across one of my old college acquaintainces.Lets call her Apple. Its her name that sounded familiar and thus,i clicked on it - had a further peek into her pictures. Back at college, she was very outgoing. She was active in college functions, dance events and many more activities that a muslim gal should not get involved in.
I heard from a friend about a year ago, that she bumped into Apple. When she called me, she was so excited and her praises for God were just overwhelming. She kept saying ' I saw Apple!! You know what?? She's wearing the Hijab now!!!! And she gave me her Salaam!!!'. i was equally suprised and excited as my friend. Also - Alhamdulillah that she embrace the Hijab and good Ahlaq.
And today, when i saw Apple's pictures on Facebook, I noticed how much her face has changed. She is so much more sweeter now. She's well covered, her Hijab fits her so beautifully. I can say it from my heart, that she looked such a pious and blessed angel in my eyes. She didnt upload any pictures of her without the Hijab. All her pictures were so modest. I also noticed that she joined groups that were in praise of Allah(s.w.t) and his prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). Unknowingly, i teared then. And my heart whispered - Syukur Alhamdullilah, Allahu Akhbar
In retrospect, i thought of how she looked like back at college days. Allah has brought Deen into her heart, opened her heart to Islam, and allow her to accept the light. HE made her embrace the Hijab. HE changed made her look far more beautiful than she was. To think of it, this all happened in a matter of 2 years. Well, what is 2 years and 2 minutes when its all Allah's doings?
If HE wills, he will.
Allah is all hearing, ever fogiving. If HE means something for his muqmin, its just miraculous in the way HE does it. May be Apple was receptive to the faith and thats what turned it all around.
I remember Brother Yusof Islam's account. He was caught in a wild sea storm and he said a prayer at that time . I cant remember it word for word, but i guess this is just the gist of it ' God, if u save me from this, I promise i will spend the rest of my life for you.' In my opinion, that moment, he was receptive and open to the true faith.
This also reminds me of a story i received via email which said that, God won't help people who dont help themselves.
May Allah give the opportunity for the hearts of many Muslim brothers and sisters who have gone astray. There are many namesake muslims who are staining the image of Islam, knowingly or unknowingly. May Allah bring Deen into their hearts and Nur on the faces.Inshallah.
Ameen.
Lets all Muslims, make this world a better place for everyone.
While browsing through the profiles of others, i came across one of my old college acquaintainces.Lets call her Apple. Its her name that sounded familiar and thus,i clicked on it - had a further peek into her pictures. Back at college, she was very outgoing. She was active in college functions, dance events and many more activities that a muslim gal should not get involved in.
I heard from a friend about a year ago, that she bumped into Apple. When she called me, she was so excited and her praises for God were just overwhelming. She kept saying ' I saw Apple!! You know what?? She's wearing the Hijab now!!!! And she gave me her Salaam!!!'. i was equally suprised and excited as my friend. Also - Alhamdulillah that she embrace the Hijab and good Ahlaq.
And today, when i saw Apple's pictures on Facebook, I noticed how much her face has changed. She is so much more sweeter now. She's well covered, her Hijab fits her so beautifully. I can say it from my heart, that she looked such a pious and blessed angel in my eyes. She didnt upload any pictures of her without the Hijab. All her pictures were so modest. I also noticed that she joined groups that were in praise of Allah(s.w.t) and his prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). Unknowingly, i teared then. And my heart whispered - Syukur Alhamdullilah, Allahu Akhbar
In retrospect, i thought of how she looked like back at college days. Allah has brought Deen into her heart, opened her heart to Islam, and allow her to accept the light. HE made her embrace the Hijab. HE changed made her look far more beautiful than she was. To think of it, this all happened in a matter of 2 years. Well, what is 2 years and 2 minutes when its all Allah's doings?
If HE wills, he will.
Allah is all hearing, ever fogiving. If HE means something for his muqmin, its just miraculous in the way HE does it. May be Apple was receptive to the faith and thats what turned it all around.
I remember Brother Yusof Islam's account. He was caught in a wild sea storm and he said a prayer at that time . I cant remember it word for word, but i guess this is just the gist of it ' God, if u save me from this, I promise i will spend the rest of my life for you.' In my opinion, that moment, he was receptive and open to the true faith.
This also reminds me of a story i received via email which said that, God won't help people who dont help themselves.
May Allah give the opportunity for the hearts of many Muslim brothers and sisters who have gone astray. There are many namesake muslims who are staining the image of Islam, knowingly or unknowingly. May Allah bring Deen into their hearts and Nur on the faces.Inshallah.
Ameen.
Lets all Muslims, make this world a better place for everyone.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Husband as the Ruler.
“Men are the rulers over women because Allah has bestowed ranks to some of them above others and because they (men) spend of their wealth (for the maintenance of women)”
(Ayat 34 Surah Nisa)
In describing the man, Allah Ta’ala in his ayat, mentions the word qaw-wamoen which is the plural of qaw-wam. In Arabic, qaw-wam refers to someone who has the responsibility of administering a system. He is in charge of executing the affairs and operation of the system which has been entrusted to him. A qaw-wam is, therefore, a ruler. The Quran-e-Hakeem uses this term in this very meaning. Thus, Allah Ta’ala says that ‘Men are the rulers of (or over) women’.
Just as a community or a nation requires a ruler for proper and efficient functioning of the affairs of society, so too does the home unit stand in need of a ruler to ensure that the home affairs progress smoothly and correctly along the divinely ordained pattern conceived by the Shariah. The man in the house has, thus been appointed the ruler or overseer.
While Islam has bestowed many rights to women, the Quran-e-Hakeem confirms his superior rank and announces his appointment as the ruler of women.
There Is no gainsaying that man is the ruler/guide/overseer in his home. The Quran Majeed is explicit in this declaration and the ahadith of Rasullulah (s.a.w) are replete with his significance and superiority over woman.
While this is indisputably so, the husband should not commit the grave error of assuming his superiority and his appointment as the ruler/leader permit him to rule his family at his whimsical and temperamental behest. It is essential that the husband understands that along with his rank and position, comes responsibility of a grave and sacred nature. His appointment as the Ruler of Woman is not a licence for misdirecting authority. His position as the head of the family does not entitle him to introduce a reign of misery in the home. His superiority over his wife does not bestow to him the right of enslaving her. The wife’s obedience to her husband, emphasized and made incumbent by Allah Ta’ala, does not allow him to adopt a master and servant relationship at home. His elevated rank is not permission for violating, denying and neglecting the rights (Huqooq) which Islam orders for women and children. On the contrary, all such violations and behavioural attitudes not conducive for the correct functioning of an Islamic home, are heavily prescribed by the lofty office he has the husband/father occupies. In short, the husband is not allowed to adopt a bullying attitude. He does not enjoy the right to impose on his wife his wishes, whims and fancies just as he desires and in any way he feels.
Rasullulah(s.a.w) said:
“Everyone of you is a shepherd and everyone of you will be questioned about his flock”.
The husband is the shepherd of his home. On the day of Qiyamah he will have to answer in the Divine Court how he treated his flock. The rights and obligations he has towards his wife and children and sacred injunctions ordained by Rabbul-Alameen. (Allah – the creator and sustainer of all worlds) . An account of his reign of the home will be demanded from him. Thus, he should understand that commensurate of correctly and adequately discharging the Amanat (sacred trust) imposed on him by Allah Ta’ala. On that day of terror – Yaumul Qiyamah – when the unjust and cruel husband who had misused his lofty position and misdirected his authority here in this transitory abode, will be hauled to stand trial in Allah’s court of Justice, he will wish that he never was a husband nor a father nor the ruler in the home. About the awful state of that day of mighty upheavals, terror and fear, the Quran Majeed says:
“(That Day) will be a day when a man will flee from his brother, mother, father, wife and his children”
It is therefore, imperative that the husband/father takes a reckoning of his rule of the home before a reckoning will be demanded from him at a time when he will be ill-prepared of wholly incapable of submitting an appropriate account of his worldly conduct.
This is precisely the purport of Rasullulah’s (s.a.w) saying:
“Take a reckoning (of yourself) before a reckoning will be demanded (from you)”
(Ayat 34 Surah Nisa)
In describing the man, Allah Ta’ala in his ayat, mentions the word qaw-wamoen which is the plural of qaw-wam. In Arabic, qaw-wam refers to someone who has the responsibility of administering a system. He is in charge of executing the affairs and operation of the system which has been entrusted to him. A qaw-wam is, therefore, a ruler. The Quran-e-Hakeem uses this term in this very meaning. Thus, Allah Ta’ala says that ‘Men are the rulers of (or over) women’.
Just as a community or a nation requires a ruler for proper and efficient functioning of the affairs of society, so too does the home unit stand in need of a ruler to ensure that the home affairs progress smoothly and correctly along the divinely ordained pattern conceived by the Shariah. The man in the house has, thus been appointed the ruler or overseer.
While Islam has bestowed many rights to women, the Quran-e-Hakeem confirms his superior rank and announces his appointment as the ruler of women.
There Is no gainsaying that man is the ruler/guide/overseer in his home. The Quran Majeed is explicit in this declaration and the ahadith of Rasullulah (s.a.w) are replete with his significance and superiority over woman.
While this is indisputably so, the husband should not commit the grave error of assuming his superiority and his appointment as the ruler/leader permit him to rule his family at his whimsical and temperamental behest. It is essential that the husband understands that along with his rank and position, comes responsibility of a grave and sacred nature. His appointment as the Ruler of Woman is not a licence for misdirecting authority. His position as the head of the family does not entitle him to introduce a reign of misery in the home. His superiority over his wife does not bestow to him the right of enslaving her. The wife’s obedience to her husband, emphasized and made incumbent by Allah Ta’ala, does not allow him to adopt a master and servant relationship at home. His elevated rank is not permission for violating, denying and neglecting the rights (Huqooq) which Islam orders for women and children. On the contrary, all such violations and behavioural attitudes not conducive for the correct functioning of an Islamic home, are heavily prescribed by the lofty office he has the husband/father occupies. In short, the husband is not allowed to adopt a bullying attitude. He does not enjoy the right to impose on his wife his wishes, whims and fancies just as he desires and in any way he feels.
Rasullulah(s.a.w) said:
“Everyone of you is a shepherd and everyone of you will be questioned about his flock”.
The husband is the shepherd of his home. On the day of Qiyamah he will have to answer in the Divine Court how he treated his flock. The rights and obligations he has towards his wife and children and sacred injunctions ordained by Rabbul-Alameen. (Allah – the creator and sustainer of all worlds) . An account of his reign of the home will be demanded from him. Thus, he should understand that commensurate of correctly and adequately discharging the Amanat (sacred trust) imposed on him by Allah Ta’ala. On that day of terror – Yaumul Qiyamah – when the unjust and cruel husband who had misused his lofty position and misdirected his authority here in this transitory abode, will be hauled to stand trial in Allah’s court of Justice, he will wish that he never was a husband nor a father nor the ruler in the home. About the awful state of that day of mighty upheavals, terror and fear, the Quran Majeed says:
“(That Day) will be a day when a man will flee from his brother, mother, father, wife and his children”
It is therefore, imperative that the husband/father takes a reckoning of his rule of the home before a reckoning will be demanded from him at a time when he will be ill-prepared of wholly incapable of submitting an appropriate account of his worldly conduct.
This is precisely the purport of Rasullulah’s (s.a.w) saying:
“Take a reckoning (of yourself) before a reckoning will be demanded (from you)”
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