Somehow, just feeling so super duper annoyed. Will meet you guys tomorrow, insha allah. Off for the day.
Allah humma bismika amuthu wa ahiya
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Soooo Tirreedd!! Nevertheless, Alhamdullilah
Assalamu alaikum w.r.w.b dear ones,
Its such a tiring day today. But before I start ranting on wat happened today, let me tell you something about yesterday.
I wasn't free to log in yesterday cos my baby was a little too cranky. So, any free time I had was coffee and TV time.. Muahahaha! Yesterday(yday) was not a pretty good day. Aisyah was cranky and worst was.. aah nevermind. I don't want to go into detail - might not be too nice. Haha.. So, ultimately, wat happened was she gave mummy too much work to do. N that upset me quite abit. Cos, you see, I'm her full time care giver. Only ME take care of her - except for the times when my husband is around, he will really sincerely help. Serious! N it is very stressful being a full time stay home mum. Those who are, know what I'm talking about. I can't pray/eat/shower/bla bla bla in peace.. I have to always keep an eye on her. There have been umpteen times when I break my prayer halfway to run to my crying baby. So, coming back to the point, I was kinda upset. And above it, my mom in law was a little upset with me cos I didnt drop by at her place earlier ( she wanted me to be there at abt 6pm and I went at 6.45pm). And also, I wasn't feeling too well. Had the body ache, headache, no appetite stuff. All at once, and i started to cry. I really missed my mum, my family.
But, as a mum, I had to STILL GO ON. So, I just dragged myself thru the day. Later at nite when I was FB-ing, I came across this post which said - 'You woke up with an aching body , be glad you woke up after all'. ZAP!! REALITY STRUCK!
I was like - Yeah! N i was actually complaining?Astaghfirulazheem! And also, on FB, I came across a post by a mum who requested for those in the group to pray for her 30wk old premmie son who had to be kept in NICU - some infection. [ Poor child, May Allah bless him with good health ]. Alot of mummies advised her to breastfeed the child. But she cant, cos the baby was just born and she had only colostrum. And that, she cant latch him directly cos the baby was unconscious . Now, that really broke my heart! Not that I always loved babies, but after having one myself, I really love them now. And I cant take any one hurting any baby. So, alot of mummies in the group offered to send their expressed breast milk so that the mother can feed her child. Humanity restored.
I found that really really nice and sweet. And that made me think - My marriage wasn't an easy one. It was a love marriage - alot of struggles and fights. We got married with our parents permission and approval. But they weren't happy about it. As expected, fights continued. I used to cry alot. Cry cry cry. I conceived a year later and that didnt help too. The situation was more or less the same. And then, on 15th Apr 2013, miracle happened. Allah blessed me with all the peace, the solution to all my sorrows when my baby was born. Life now, alhamdullilah, is so so so so so much happier and peaceful. I just can't express how complete I feel now.
When we are upset, I guess Shaitan plays with our mind. I'm blessed - alhamdullilah. Really blessed. But yet, such simple stuff that happened yday could make me cry and complain? I just have to remind myself, in such moments, that its just another phase in life - perhaps, Allah is just testing me or just learn to look things at the brighter side and laff over it. Anything that you take for granted could be something that another brother/sister is crying for. Alhamdullilah for everything.
Its bedtime now. My mum used to tell me when I was a little girl that before I go to sleep, I should rewind whatever happened for the day and think if i had hurt anyone. If I did, say sorry immediately or in the morning. And thank Allah for the blessings that he had bestowed upon us for the day. This teaching faded off thru my teens. And now, when I reflect on how I was brought up, I reckon this is such an amazing thot that must,must be instilled into my daughter. Inshallah.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
And Here I Come..
Assalamu Alaikum everyone!! May Allah's peace and blessings be on you always!
I'm here after ages! My last post was when I settled in Penang.. And that was more than a year ago. At up till now, so much of things have happened. I got into a job.. and I got pregnant(alhamdullilah). So, I resigned the job bcos I wanted to concentrate on pregnancy. And then, I gave birth successfully - definitely would not have been possible without the Almighty's blessings and my husband's support. My little angel, whom we have name Aisyah Humaira is now 4mths and 2 weeks old..Sigh... how fast time flies!!
I'm here after ages! My last post was when I settled in Penang.. And that was more than a year ago. At up till now, so much of things have happened. I got into a job.. and I got pregnant(alhamdullilah). So, I resigned the job bcos I wanted to concentrate on pregnancy. And then, I gave birth successfully - definitely would not have been possible without the Almighty's blessings and my husband's support. My little angel, whom we have name Aisyah Humaira is now 4mths and 2 weeks old..Sigh... how fast time flies!!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Marriage - The union of two souls amidst all tests and challenges
Salaam to all,
I have been pondering on the concept of marriage for the past week or so. And a shocking news that I came across a while ago made me pen this on my blog..
I have a friend. She's more like a sister to me. I know her for the past 11 years and counting.. We have seen each other through teens into adults.. From the young adolescents who were running after star idols and pop icons into finer ladies who decided to step into Islam.. She never failed to stand by me when I was stressed, upset or confused. If I ever felt I need to talk to someone, she would be the first one to come to my mind. Let's call her M
M is the only daughter for her parents. They are blessed with abundance of wealth, strong Iman, excellent education and the entire family are just so humble. M's parents wanted to get her married a couple of years back.. and spent quite a considerable amount of time finding the right suitor. They came across the right one, fixed it up, grand wedding, all was good - Alhamdullilah.
There have been problems in their wedlock, just like any other couple. It was a tough sail but I always told her that Allah is testing her and that everything will be ok. Please keep praying - have faith in Allah - Allah knows - do your Zikr .. all these would be in the constant texts that we exchange..
Today, 2 years since she got married, I receive an FB message from M that the marriage might not work and they both think its best for them to stay apart. My heart broke when I read this. I hope they weren't serious. But it looks like it is.
M is a very very strong girl. I really don't know what pushed her to this decision. When M was getting married, I could not attend her wedding and I was in a different country at that point of time. I rushed back to Singapore to be her bridesmaid for her wedding reception the following week. During her nikkah, I prayed for her and raised my hands in doa to Allah that M should be happy and that she should be blessed. Personally, I felt she was the best wife any man can have. She was so wise, pious, patient, loving, humble and she would make all efforts to keep her loved ones happy.
I never wanted to pen emotional issues on this blog. But I just need to share.
Marriage requires patience, cooperation, sincerity, communication, trust and most importantly innitive from both parties. Readers, even if both parties are good and truthful to each other, Shaitaan will never leave them alone. I read once that when a man and women sign the nikkah papers and accept the nikkah, Shaitaan takes it as the most primary challenge to split them up both at all costs. He will try his best to cause problems between them. At most times, he sits on our tongues during arguments and makes things worst.
I advice my dear sisters in Islam, if you happen to have an argument with your husband, even if you feel he is in the wrong or whatever he is arguing on is totally unagreeable - just shut up. Really. This works wonders. Be quiet and let him talk/shout whatever he wants to. Once he is done, allow him to cool down and slowly tell him your side of the story if necessary. If it is just a casual topic, something trivial, leave it as it is. Don't bother re-opening it and painting yourside of the story.
Shaitaan plays with your mind during an argument. He will bring all the past issues and cause the small fight magnify many folds. So, just keep quite. If you really cannot be patient. Do your zikr. Inshallah, everything will be ok.
One thing that Allah loves - Marriage.
One thing that Allah hates - Divorce.
Allahu A'Lam
I have been pondering on the concept of marriage for the past week or so. And a shocking news that I came across a while ago made me pen this on my blog..
I have a friend. She's more like a sister to me. I know her for the past 11 years and counting.. We have seen each other through teens into adults.. From the young adolescents who were running after star idols and pop icons into finer ladies who decided to step into Islam.. She never failed to stand by me when I was stressed, upset or confused. If I ever felt I need to talk to someone, she would be the first one to come to my mind. Let's call her M
M is the only daughter for her parents. They are blessed with abundance of wealth, strong Iman, excellent education and the entire family are just so humble. M's parents wanted to get her married a couple of years back.. and spent quite a considerable amount of time finding the right suitor. They came across the right one, fixed it up, grand wedding, all was good - Alhamdullilah.
There have been problems in their wedlock, just like any other couple. It was a tough sail but I always told her that Allah is testing her and that everything will be ok. Please keep praying - have faith in Allah - Allah knows - do your Zikr .. all these would be in the constant texts that we exchange..
Today, 2 years since she got married, I receive an FB message from M that the marriage might not work and they both think its best for them to stay apart. My heart broke when I read this. I hope they weren't serious. But it looks like it is.
M is a very very strong girl. I really don't know what pushed her to this decision. When M was getting married, I could not attend her wedding and I was in a different country at that point of time. I rushed back to Singapore to be her bridesmaid for her wedding reception the following week. During her nikkah, I prayed for her and raised my hands in doa to Allah that M should be happy and that she should be blessed. Personally, I felt she was the best wife any man can have. She was so wise, pious, patient, loving, humble and she would make all efforts to keep her loved ones happy.
I never wanted to pen emotional issues on this blog. But I just need to share.
Marriage requires patience, cooperation, sincerity, communication, trust and most importantly innitive from both parties. Readers, even if both parties are good and truthful to each other, Shaitaan will never leave them alone. I read once that when a man and women sign the nikkah papers and accept the nikkah, Shaitaan takes it as the most primary challenge to split them up both at all costs. He will try his best to cause problems between them. At most times, he sits on our tongues during arguments and makes things worst.
I advice my dear sisters in Islam, if you happen to have an argument with your husband, even if you feel he is in the wrong or whatever he is arguing on is totally unagreeable - just shut up. Really. This works wonders. Be quiet and let him talk/shout whatever he wants to. Once he is done, allow him to cool down and slowly tell him your side of the story if necessary. If it is just a casual topic, something trivial, leave it as it is. Don't bother re-opening it and painting yourside of the story.
Shaitaan plays with your mind during an argument. He will bring all the past issues and cause the small fight magnify many folds. So, just keep quite. If you really cannot be patient. Do your zikr. Inshallah, everything will be ok.
One thing that Allah loves - Marriage.
One thing that Allah hates - Divorce.
Allahu A'Lam
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Auspicious days for making your supplication
Auspicious days that should never be missed!
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that there are five nights in a year when duas are not rejected:
1. The night of Juma (Thursday night)
2. The first night of Rajab
3. The fifteenth night of Sha’baan
4. The night of Eidul Fitir (Hari Raya Puasa)
5. The night of Eidul Adha (Hari Raya Haj)
On above stated nights an important night that all Muslims should look forward to is Barat Night. “Barat” means being freed of something having no sins or crimes. On this night it is hoped that believers will be freed of their burden of sins and that they will attain divine forgiveness. This is on the 15th night of shabaan( 8th month in islamic calendar). On this night all deeds done during the year will be presented to Allah(swt) and the following years accords will b written therefore committing sins during this night deprives a person of getting blessings.
Hazrat Ayesha (radiyallahu anhaa) states: “One night I discovered that Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was missing from his bed. I went out looking for him and found him in Baqee (the cemetery of Madinah), with his head raised to the heavens (while making dua). The messenger of Allah then said to me: “Verily Allah descends to the first heaven on the middle night of Sha’baan (15th) and forgives more people than the amount of hair on the flocks of the kalb tribe.(Baihaqi) The following people are excluded from this widespread maghfirat of Allah:
1) The Kaafir and Mushrik (one who associates partners with Allah).
2) One who is disobedient to parents.
3) Two Muslims who bear enmity towards each other . Allah waits for them to make up and seek each other’s pardon before enveloping them with his Mercy and forgiveness.
4)The robber. (Narrated by Imam Baihaqi)
”Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious looks down on the middle night of Shabaan and forgives all His creation except two people, the innovator and the murderer.” Transmitted by Ahmad.
Ummul Mu’mineen ’Aishah (r), says, “Prophet Muhammad (saw) , used to fast for most of Shaban. I said to him, ‘Messenger of Allah, is Shaban your favorite month for fasting?’ He said, ‘In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting.’ “
After knowing the facts of Laylatul Barat, I’m sure this will become a night for us to look forward to. In this world, we are prone to many sufferings , financial difficulties, family problems, arguments and lots of other haram behaviours knowingly or unknowingly. We may feel impure and wanting a change in our lives, seeking for peace and blessings. This day laylatul barat is a heavenly gift we got from Allah (s.w.t) to ask for forgiveness and repent and not only that but to get blessings for the following year.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that there are five nights in a year when duas are not rejected:
1. The night of Juma (Thursday night)
2. The first night of Rajab
3. The fifteenth night of Sha’baan
4. The night of Eidul Fitir (Hari Raya Puasa)
5. The night of Eidul Adha (Hari Raya Haj)
On above stated nights an important night that all Muslims should look forward to is Barat Night. “Barat” means being freed of something having no sins or crimes. On this night it is hoped that believers will be freed of their burden of sins and that they will attain divine forgiveness. This is on the 15th night of shabaan( 8th month in islamic calendar). On this night all deeds done during the year will be presented to Allah(swt) and the following years accords will b written therefore committing sins during this night deprives a person of getting blessings.
Hazrat Ayesha (radiyallahu anhaa) states: “One night I discovered that Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was missing from his bed. I went out looking for him and found him in Baqee (the cemetery of Madinah), with his head raised to the heavens (while making dua). The messenger of Allah then said to me: “Verily Allah descends to the first heaven on the middle night of Sha’baan (15th) and forgives more people than the amount of hair on the flocks of the kalb tribe.(Baihaqi) The following people are excluded from this widespread maghfirat of Allah:
1) The Kaafir and Mushrik (one who associates partners with Allah).
2) One who is disobedient to parents.
3) Two Muslims who bear enmity towards each other . Allah waits for them to make up and seek each other’s pardon before enveloping them with his Mercy and forgiveness.
4)The robber. (Narrated by Imam Baihaqi)
”Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious looks down on the middle night of Shabaan and forgives all His creation except two people, the innovator and the murderer.” Transmitted by Ahmad.
Ummul Mu’mineen ’Aishah (r), says, “Prophet Muhammad (saw) , used to fast for most of Shaban. I said to him, ‘Messenger of Allah, is Shaban your favorite month for fasting?’ He said, ‘In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting.’ “
After knowing the facts of Laylatul Barat, I’m sure this will become a night for us to look forward to. In this world, we are prone to many sufferings , financial difficulties, family problems, arguments and lots of other haram behaviours knowingly or unknowingly. We may feel impure and wanting a change in our lives, seeking for peace and blessings. This day laylatul barat is a heavenly gift we got from Allah (s.w.t) to ask for forgiveness and repent and not only that but to get blessings for the following year.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Here I go again..
Salaam to all. I'm writing again after a considerable amount of break. Well, this year has been good as well as exciting and eventful for me. Alhamdulillah. I got married :) and I am now staying in Malaysia, a Muslim country. I just wanted to share my thoughts, opinions and learning that I come across while I stay here.
One of the things I love about Malaysia is that I can get Halal food almost wherever I go. Well, not to mention that my husband has started complaining of me gaining a couple of pounds here and there *giggles*. It is only just that we get a good supply of Halal food here as the population of Muslims is really huge. Due importance and respect is given to other religions as well.
There's alot of importance given to prayer. I see many men rushing to the nearby mosques once the Azan is heard. Oh, and you spot Surau(a proper place designated just for prayer) almost in every instituion/commercial building. Each mosque is located at a stone's throwaway distance apart. The culture here is such that people usually pray. Hence, we can spot water facilities and Muslim friendly practices in common washrooms.
While having a conversation with my husband on the education system in Malaysia, I was suprised to know that kids are taught to practice the Sunnah way of living from schools. Alot of the Sunnah manners that I read in the net or from books, folks here already know.Whether thay practice it or not, depends on the individual.
I don't go out that often and I, for now, am a stay home wife. But these are all that I have come across. My parents in law are performing their Haj right now. And I request all readers to kindly doa for their safe return and for their pilgrimage to be accepted by Allah s.w.t. May the Almighty bless them with the due rewards.
Ameen.
One of the things I love about Malaysia is that I can get Halal food almost wherever I go. Well, not to mention that my husband has started complaining of me gaining a couple of pounds here and there *giggles*. It is only just that we get a good supply of Halal food here as the population of Muslims is really huge. Due importance and respect is given to other religions as well.
There's alot of importance given to prayer. I see many men rushing to the nearby mosques once the Azan is heard. Oh, and you spot Surau(a proper place designated just for prayer) almost in every instituion/commercial building. Each mosque is located at a stone's throwaway distance apart. The culture here is such that people usually pray. Hence, we can spot water facilities and Muslim friendly practices in common washrooms.
While having a conversation with my husband on the education system in Malaysia, I was suprised to know that kids are taught to practice the Sunnah way of living from schools. Alot of the Sunnah manners that I read in the net or from books, folks here already know.Whether thay practice it or not, depends on the individual.
I don't go out that often and I, for now, am a stay home wife. But these are all that I have come across. My parents in law are performing their Haj right now. And I request all readers to kindly doa for their safe return and for their pilgrimage to be accepted by Allah s.w.t. May the Almighty bless them with the due rewards.
Ameen.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
I'm just taking a peek at you!
Dear all.. My apologies on not blogging as usual. I've started to work and its been 5 months since I started slogging for Citibank. I'm thankful that i got a job 2 weeks right after i got my results.So, i'm not going to complain even if my job overworks and underpays me.. It all happens for a reason, Alhamdullilah. I just wanted to share some thots on money management. i don't earn big bucks. But, no matter how small, or how big, money management is very very important.
Alhamdullilah, i have started to donate more now. more for the less fortunate, more for religious function. i have learnt that Allah has blessed me more than what i need because he wants to test if i care to share :)
I have started making a list of each expenditure i make. even the smallest. In that way, i keep track of my outward funds and i won't be alarmed when my bank balance hits low at the end of the month.
Another way i manage my money is to keep thinking that 'This is too expensive'. i know, i'm cheating myself. Lol. Before i started working, i felt that a watch that costs SGD50 is expensive. Now that i earn, i can afford that easily. But, to refrain myself from spending on materialistic stuff, i still keep thinking that the SGD50 watch is expensive!
We have to be thankful for the money we have today, that we did not have yesterday. Allah tests us through children and money, my mom used to say. So, even if we earn a million per day, Always remember that what we have today is all that we owe to Allah. We are not gonna take it with us when we go, but we each cent is accountable.
Think twice before you spend a cent, cos there are many who can't even afford that.
Alhamdullilah, i have started to donate more now. more for the less fortunate, more for religious function. i have learnt that Allah has blessed me more than what i need because he wants to test if i care to share :)
I have started making a list of each expenditure i make. even the smallest. In that way, i keep track of my outward funds and i won't be alarmed when my bank balance hits low at the end of the month.
Another way i manage my money is to keep thinking that 'This is too expensive'. i know, i'm cheating myself. Lol. Before i started working, i felt that a watch that costs SGD50 is expensive. Now that i earn, i can afford that easily. But, to refrain myself from spending on materialistic stuff, i still keep thinking that the SGD50 watch is expensive!
We have to be thankful for the money we have today, that we did not have yesterday. Allah tests us through children and money, my mom used to say. So, even if we earn a million per day, Always remember that what we have today is all that we owe to Allah. We are not gonna take it with us when we go, but we each cent is accountable.
Think twice before you spend a cent, cos there are many who can't even afford that.
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Honest Gardener
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?”
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?”
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)