MY QURAAN

How to have your deed accepted by Allah

2007-11-12T00:47:00.000+05:00

Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatu,

Brothers and Sisters, this information is very important to know, put to memory and to act upon insha'Allah.

An excerpt taken from Ibn Rajab al Hanbali's [Jami al Ulum Wal Hikam- Compendium of Knowledge and Wisdom pg.11 and 20] as follows:

Pg. 11,

First, that the action in its outward form should accord with the Sunnah, which the hadith of 'A’ishah implies,

“Whoever innovates in our affair that which is not from it, then it is rejected,”

Second, that by the action one inwardly intends the face of Allah,Subhanahu Wata'ala, as is implied by the hadith of 'Umar,

“Actions are only by intentions.”

About His words, exalted is He:

ليَِبُْلوَكُمْ أَيكُّمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلاً

“…to test which of you is best in action,”28

al-Fudayl said, “Most sincere and most correct.” He said, “If an action is sincerely intended but it is not correct it is not accepted, and if it is correct but it is not sincere it is not accepted until it is sincere and correct.” He said, “Sincerity is when it is for the sake of Allah, Subhanahu Wata'ala, Correctness is when it is according to the Sunnah.” Something that proves this thing that al-Fudayl said is His words,Subhanahu Wata'ala,

فَمَن كَانَ يرَْجُو لقَِاء رَبِّهِ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلاً صَالِحاً وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ أَحَداً

“So let him who hopes to meet his Lord act rightly and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.”29

One of the gnostics said, “They are distinguished in terms of merit by their intentions, not by fasting and prayer.”

Pg. 20,

Yusuf ibn al-Husayn ar-RazÏ said, “The most difficult thing in the world is ikhlas(i.e. doing something purely for the Sake of Allah Alone). How I struggle to remove showing off from my heart and it is as if it grows in it again with other colours.”

FOOTNOTES;

28 Surat al-Mulk: 2
29 Surat al-Kahf: 110

We have learned the 2 ingredients which will lead for our deeds to be accepted by Allah, Subhanahu Wata'ala;

#1. Having Ikhlas, doing the deed purely for the sake of Allah Alone

#2. According to the Sunnah of Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alahe wa salam).

These 2 conditions must be presented together to make the deed correct and complete.

post by brother Ibrahim
Jazahullah Khairan Katheera

The Final Day

2006-10-12T12:57:00.000+05:00

THE MINOR
RESURRECTION

( What happens After Death)
In the Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah
By ‘Umar S. al-Ashqar
Section-The Grave (3) Examples of Lessons pg.107-109

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
( In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious The Most Merciful)

Imaam Qurtubi( raheemahullah-May Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala have mercy upon him) gave the following advice in his Tadhkirah:

“ Where is the wealth that you have gathered and prepared for hardship and terror? There is no money in your hand when you are dying. The wealth and pride that you enjoyed have been replaced with humiliation and poverty. What has become of you, O’ prisoner of your burdens, O’ you who have been taken away from your family and your home?

What was it that concealed the right path from you, and caused you to have no interest in making provision for your long journey and time of difficulty? Did you not know, O’ you who were deceived by this world, that this journey to the Day of intense horror was inevitable, when the time spent in gossip would be to no avail? That is the Day when you are standing before the Sovereign, the Judge, and the blows struck by your hands, the places where your feet took you, the words uttered by your tongue, the actions of all your limbs and faculties, will be counted against you. If Allah has mercy upon you, you will go to Paradise, otherwise you will go to the Fire of Hell.

O’ negligent one who ignores these matters, how long will this negligence last? How long will you delay? Do you think that the issue is insignificant? Do you think that the matter is easy? Do you think that your situation will help you when it is time for you to depart? Or that your wealth will save you when your actions condemn you? Or that your regret will help you when your feet are slipping? Or that your friends will show you any sympathy when you are gathered (for judgement)? No, by Allah, you are wrong in your thinking, and you will inevitably come to know the reality. You are not content with enough, you never have your fill of that which is haraam(i.e. Unlawful), you do not listen to lectures, you are not deterred by warnings. You persist in following your desires and you go about your life without guidance. You are happy with the things that you have accumulated but you do not think of what lies ahead. O’ you who are sleeping unaware, wandering without guidance, for how long will the neglect last? Do you think that you will be left alone and let off, and that you will not be brought to account tomorrow? Or do you think that death can be bribed? Or do you think that death distinguishes between a lion and a gazelle? No, by Allah, wealth and sons can never ward off death from you. Nothing can benefit those who will be forgiven except righteous deeds. So good news to those who listen and understand, who pays heed, and that man will have nothing except that for which he strives, and he will see what he has striven for. So wake up from this negligence, and make righteous deeds the provision with which you equip yourselves. Do not wish to attain the statues of the righteous when you are weighed down with burdens (of sin), doing immoral deeds, when Allah is watching you even when you are alone. Do not be so deceived by hopes and wishes that you neglect to strive. One poet said:

‘ Take provision from this life to help yourself in the Hereafter.

Strive for the sake of Allah and do good deeds.

Do not accumulate too much in this world,

For that accumulation will eventually diminish.

Would you like to accompany people

Who have provision when you do not?”

(Tadhkirat al-Qurtubi, 91)

Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala says in Surah(Chapter) Al Hadid ( The Iron)(20)

Know ye (all) that the life of this world is but playand amusement pomp and mutual boasting andmultiplying (in rivalry) among yourselves richesand children: Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong) and Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of Allah). And what is the life of this world but goods and chattels of deception?

Insha’Allah We will need to keep our focus upon the true reality of this world; and not be fooled by the glimmer and beauty that it displays, enticing us to fall in love with it. How could one have such love for the world when it contains “chattels of deception” and is only temporary. On the contrary the Ackhira ( hereafter) is forever lasting; comfort for the believers, and punishment for the disbelievers. So wouldn’t one who realizes this take advantage of what will lead him/her closer to piety with Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala instead of what will lead him/her farther away to the path of punishment?? We seek refuge in Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala from achieving this massive and destructive loss. Ameen !

Write up by: brother Ibrahim

Jazahullahu Khairan Katheera

~****~~

2006-07-28T22:53:00.000+05:00

"My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)."

(45:15)

Got married alhamdulilah. Need lot of prayers. will keep on writing inshaAllah whenever I can. I hope it is continually read till then and is beneficial always. Allah be with us all. aameen.

Below are some of the teaching techniques of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he used in order to make others understand concepts either formally or informally. I found them really interesting. You will too.

Humanity's Teacher

2006-07-02T12:39:00.000+05:00

Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) Teaching Techniques. By Muhammad Al-Shareef

There are 21 techniques mentioned in these lectures, but I m going to put them one by one at random as I learn myself. This is the latest one that I have learnt from it, this one is not just a simple technique but you sure need some insight to use it. Lets see how our Prophet (pbuh) did that.

PROPHET (PBUH) ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS BEFORE THEY ARE ASKED

The way to do it is while explaining something to the other person, you think in what ways this explanation can confuse the person, or what queries it can bring up. Therefore recognizing those, you answer the questions in their minds even before they are actually asked.

An example is the questions coming to children's mind when they read about the verses about the strict punishment for the disbelievers in the Hereafter. Now because it is a fact that the public schools indoctrinate the kids, they dont find it easy to accept, thinking in their mind that if someone was born into a non-Muslim family its not their fault, so in the end they are all going to paradise.

So when explaining that matter you will keep in mind the questions popping in their minds, keeping in mind the way they are programmed to think, and explain to them that those verses are about the arrogant people who reject the truth harshly when they are presented it.

And that those are tough verses but that does not mean that those verses are no needed, there are actually people who learn Islam through those very verses.

Therefore it is about understanding the issues that will come up in their minds, understanding their thinking process and the way it is programmed.

For example the Hadith:

The Prophet pbuh said that the Satan would come to a person and tell them who created this, and who created that and finally he will bring the person to ask, ‘Who created Allah?’ and then he said that whoever has this happen to them should recite surah Al-Ikhlas and shoud spit three times on the left side and say Auzubillahi Minash Shaitaan ir Rajeem.

Now no one actually came to the Prophet pbuh and asked but he said that this MAY happen to someone. So the issue wasn’t actually presented to him but he mentioned it and gave a solution, knowing that such thoughts could definitely arise in ones mind.

A Message!

2006-06-17T14:51:00.000+05:00

By Ibrahim S.

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatu Brothers and Sisters in Islaam

(I hope that the sister who is in charge of this site and the readers who read these articles will forgive me for writing such a long blog. I felt that this is a very important message for the Ummah to read so it took the length of 3 pages to write. May Allaah reward you all for your patience and time, aameen!)

O Muslims! I heard the Seerah ( Biography) Of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam presented by Imaam Anwar Al-Awlaki (May Allaah preserve him) from his work “The Makkan Period”; and in this wonderful, beautiful and compassionate study, the Imaam brings to us powerful messages for all of us to think tremendously about; regarding the importance of studying Our Beloved Prophet’s sallallahu alayhi wa sallam biography, and knowing that the Enemies of Islaam are trying to cut off our history’s roots in order for us to lose our true Muslim identity. Here is an excerpt taken from the Imaam’s work, “The Makkan Period” starting from track 6, 3:27 CD #1 the Imaam says,

( Quote )

“Brothers and Sisters. There is a Global Culture that is being forced down the throats of everyone on the face of the earth. This global culture is protected and promoted. Thomas Freedman, is a famous writer in the U.S., he writes for the New York Times. He says, “The hidden hand of the market cannot survive without a hidden fist. Mcdonalds will never flourish without Mcdonald Douglas, the designer of the F-15s. In other words, we’re not really dealing with a global culture that is benign or compassionate. This is a culture that gives you no choice. You either accept Mcdonalds otherwise Mcdonald Douglas will send their F-15s above your head. It’s a very intolerate culture that cannot co-exist with anything else. It uproots any other culture from the face of the earth. It just cuts the roots of it.”

And you have a quote here by Alexander Sulizitsen who is a famous Russian historian writer, he says,

“To destroy a people you must first sever their roots.”

Imaam Anwar continues by saying,

“So its really a destruction of the people of the earth because every other culture is being demolished. So this is not a global culture that will co-exist with others, it will replace others. And the only ideology that is standing up to this global culture is Islaam. But still as Muslims and especially Muslims living in the west, we are suffering from a serious identity crisis. I mean, you will find that even though the brother or sister would be practicing Islaam but, the Identity itself, the Islamic identity itself is lost. I mean, the person would have more in common with a rock star or a soccer player than they would have with a Companion of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). You would find that our youth know more about pop stars than they know about the Sahabah(i.e. Companions) of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. In fact even, sometimes even more than the Anbiya ( i.e.The Prophets). How many of our youth know the names of all of the Anbiya of Allaah?? How many of our youth know the names of the Sahabah radia Allaahu anhum? But ask the same person to name the soccer players on their favorite team or their best basketball players and they’ll go down the list! So there is serious identity crisis that is going on among Muslims. And the way we can counter that, the way we can develop a Muslim identity,

#1. By having a strong study of Islaamic History. Which is made up of the lives of the Prophets of Allaah, the life of Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, the lives of the Sahabah radia Allaahu anhum and then learning in general the Muslim history after that. So that’s #1. You develop an Identity by having an attachment with history. Because History is our umbilical cord, that is our lifeline, we are an extention of an Ummah. We’re not separated, we’re not severed from our roots. We are a part of a Glorious Ummah that we need to study about.

#2. By being part of the World Wide Muslim Ummah. Our Local identity should not override our Muslim Identity. So my identification with Britain, or America, or Pakistan or Kuwait, or any other country, should not override my Islamic Identity. See this nation-state concept is something that Islaam came to abolish. We have our loyalty to Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala and to our Religion. And we are a part of a World Wide Ummah. Therefore we need to study, we need to learn about our Muslim brethren all over the world. What happens in Falesteen should concern everybody who is a British Muslim. What happens in Kashmir should concern every American Muslim. What happens in every corner of the Muslim World should concern me as if it is happening within my own house.

(My Note (Ibrahim))- Narrated An Numan bin Bashir Allah's Apostle said, "You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 8.40) [End Note]

So these are the 2 important elements in building an identity. #1. Having a deep understanding of your history. And #2 being a part of the Ummah and caring about the Ummah. And again this saying of Alexander Sulizitsen,

“To destroy a people you must first sever their roots”

We don’t want our roots to be severed, we want our roots to be deep.
(End Quote from the Lecture)

O Muslims ! Please ponder over the Imaam’s words because they are a reality. Do not let your nafs(self) tell you otherwise. I will leave you with a hadeeth from the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam a poem and a short supplication in relation to the issue mentioned in the lecture insha’Allaah.

“The Nations are about to gather upon you (inviting each other to kill you and plunder your lands), just as people who are dining call one another to their Qis’ah (a tray that can accommodate ten).” Someone said, “At that time, will we be few in number?” He sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said,” Rather, you will be many at that time, but you will be like the scum of a flood(i.e. all the foam and filth that it carries). And Allaah will indeed remove from the breasts of your enemy the awe they have for you, and He Subhanahu Wata’ala will indeed cast into your hearts Wahn (Literally, weakness).” A questioner asked, “ O Messenger of Allaah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, and what is the Wahn?” He sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, “The love of the world and hatred of death.” (Related by Abu Dawud and others; Refer to al-Sahihah (958)

O, when will the Ummah wake up from the delusion

When the Mountain erupts, the people become attentive and full of righteouness

But when it remains still and unspoken

The vultures linger

The people practice unrighteousness and sleep well till they become lifeless, loving the duniya(the world)

Forgetting the great Bounty that was bestowed upon them

So what is left but a carcass?

Allaahu Akbar, Allahu a’azzu min khalqihi jammee’an, Allaahu a’azzu mimmaa akhaafu wa ahtharu, a’uthu billaahil-lathee laa ilaaha illa Huwa, al-mumsik is-samaawaatis sab’I an yaqa’ na ‘alal-ardhi illa bi’ith-nihi, min sharri ‘abdikha[name of person], wa junoodihi wa atbaa’ihi, minal-jinni wal-insi, Allaahumma kun lee jaaran min sharrihim, jalla thanaa’uka wa ‘azza jaaruka, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa laa illaaha ghairuka.

Allaah is the Greatest, Mightier than all His creation. He is Mightier than what I fear and dread. I seek refuge in Allaah, Who there is none worthy of worship but Him. He is the One Who holds the seven heavens from falling upon the earth except by His Command. [ I seek refuge in you Allaah] from the evil of your slave[Shayton] and his helpers, his followers and his supporters from among the jinn and mankind. Oh Allaah, be my support against their evil. Glorious are Your praises and mighty is Your patronage. Blessed is Your Name, there is no true God but You!

(Al-Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (no. 708). Al Albani graded it Authentic in Sahih Al-Al Mufrad (no. 546).
Aameen!

HUMANITY'S TEACHER

2006-06-08T10:48:00.000+05:00

Today after long I am actually writng a blog myself, and inshaAllah you will know some techniques that our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used in order to teach people and to make them understand concepts that they needed to learn.

The lesson comes from a series of lectures that I downloaded from Audio Islam and are titled 'Humanity's Teacher' by Muhammad AlShareef. I have listened to four parts and loved them. I took notes of it and here you will see an overview of what I learnt. At the same time I also highly recommend you to benefit from them by yourself, alhamdulilah the teacher has tried his best himself to practice those techniques in his lesson. So you listen to them part by part, you will enjoy as much as i did inshaaAllah. Best thing is, they are not long and boring but brief and to the point (probably very unlike what this blog is going to make them into :p )

Should I start? Wait! the teacher has given us a very valuable tip before starting. Do you take small notes while reading a book, magazine etc.? I never do, just so that my book stays clean and 'unblemished'. But what l have learnt to do now is that it is important that we make small notes, put special marks etc. while reading and we come across things that really strike us, or that we need to remember later.

So always take notes, this may save you from re reading the whole stuff all over again, because you will definitely not remember it all just as you read it first time and understood WHILE you were reading.

Those notes can be written in small points at the side margins of the text, can be symbols like stars, etc, or can be small abbreviations like APOI (Amazing Piece of Information), or Gem where you think you have read something you should treasure forever, or is a lesson for your whole life. It can be anything, any symbol that you can come up with. These were as examples given by this teacher.

You will find it amazing the next time when you are going to go through the same book, and then build up your understanding further from those points, or you can prepare a lecture, article etc. quickly from that.

But, the teacher reminds us, not to forget using our memory at the same time, do not completely rely on your notes, do excercise your memory. (we know there were people and still are who read books and keep all in their head, they have whole books memorized).

We come now to our beloved Prophet's (peace be upon him) techniques for teaching.

Technique no. 1.

TO NOT BORE THE LISTENER

It is narrated that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke, you could count his words on fingers. That is why many times we can just memorize the hadiths automatically, because of the shortness, directness and clarity of his words.

When the Prophet pbuh spoke it was never a marathon lecture, going on for hours and hours.

In the book of Prophet's (pbuh) saying [Sahih al-Bukhari] there is even a chapter titled 'Being moderate when teaching'.

We know from those hadiths, how when everytime the Prophet (pbuh) spoke it was a special occasion.

Same was practiced later by his companions. Ibn Masood (ra) used to teach only on Thursdays, and people wished that it was everyday. Prophet (pbuh) and also his companions took extra care in trying not to make people burdened by their speech or lessons etc.

That was the Prophet's (pbuh) way. How do we tell if someone's bored; well we all know, you may see the other person is sleepy, trying to stop yawning, reading something else, looking away, looking at the clock, or just simply looking bored by what you are saying.

The lecture or the lesson/ talk should not be a boring, consistant thing. There can be a lot done to make it interesting, e.g by making it paired with something special, like having a powerpoint presentation relevant to the topic, or some other special event.

One more thing as suggested by this teacher is to not to have repeat letures, becaue that way people always think of missing one where they can take another later. So one can make it as a special talk that is going to be only once, and if someone has missed, its like thay have missed the train. This keeps the people's interest.

More I m going place later inshaAllah, in the meantime you also have 'Humanity's Teacher'. I also would love to have your comments on this, especially if anyone of you who teaches and particularly teaching little kids and would like to share on this.

_____________________________________

PS i hope that you have been benefitting from brother Ibrahim's articles, he will be writing more here inshaAllah, may Allah reward him, aameen.

"Spend and I Shall Spend On You"

2006-06-05T12:27:00.000+05:00

Al-Kareem, Ar Raheem
The Most Generous, The Most Merciful

by Ibrahim S.

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatu Brothers and Sisters.

Surely all praise is for Allaah. We praise Him and seek His assistance. We seek His forgiveness and we seek refuge in Him from the evil of our own souls and from the wickedness of our deeds. Whomever He guides shall never go astray, and whomever He allows to stray shall never find guidance.

I bear witness that no one has the right to be worshipped but Allaah, alone, Who has no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and upon his family and his Companions and upon those who follow them in piety until the Day of Judgment. To Proceed;

I hope that this short lesson reaches all of you in the best of health and Emaan(Faith). I opened the book called Al-Hadith Al Qudsiyyah and within this book are Ahadeeth(plural for Hadeeth i.e. sayings of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) Qudsi which hold great virtue. This particular hadeeth that I will quote shows us the great Mercy which Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala provides His creatures with. At the same time, there are lessons for ourselves to gain and that is to learn to be grateful for the great favors Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala has bestowed upon all of us. In an authentic hadeeth collected by Imaam Bukhari it states,

Abu Harayra radia Allaahu anhu narrated from the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam that Allaah said:

O son of Adam, spend and I shall spend on you!

The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said:

Allaah’s Hand is full; spending does not diminish it. He bestows as generously as a rain cloud, both day and night. Then he said: Do you realize how much Allaah has spent since He created the Heaven and earth, when His Throne was on the water and His Hand held the Scale? The spending has not diminished what was in His Hand.

{Bukhari, Al-Hadith Al Qudsiyyah Chapter 15 pg.86 Hadeeth # 46:}

The wording that I would like to emphasize is when Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala says,

“O son of Adam, spend and I shall spend on you!”

- Look at how generous Allaah is to His creation. “ O son of Adam spend,,” – Spend on what has been bestowed on you on yourself, your families, jihaad, the poor, the orphan, the building of Islamic schools, Masjids etc in a honorable manner. Then Allaah says “..and I shall spend on you!” – Glory be to Allaah! If you spend for the Sake of Allaah, He will spend on you. It will return to you multiplied for your own benefit. Look at Allaah’s Help and Support. He provides the Sustenance (rizq) for the person in the first place in order to spend on others while at the same time He is returning the reward to the spender.

Allaahu Akbar(Allaah is the Greatest)! just look at this phrase from the reverse to really see what I am trying to explain. Allaah says, “..and I shall spend on you!” ……then….. “ O son of Adam spend,,”………Allaah the Most Exalted has already spent on the spender by allowing the spender to spend in order for you to give to others with the plan of rewarding you for your effort. Is this not the work of One Who is The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful?? Doing good deeds will help all of us out in the long run if they are full of sincerity(Ikhlas) and done according to the Sunnah of Rasulullaah(sallallahi alayhi wa sallam)

Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala says in Soorah(Chapter) Al-Jathiyah(The Kneeling) ayat(verse) 15,

“Whosoever does a good deed, it is for himself, and whosoever does evil, it is against (himself). Then your Lord you will be made to return.”

Ibn Kathir, May Allah have mercy upon him,( A leading Scholar in Qur’anic explanation i.e. Tafseer) says about this verse,

“meaning, you will all return to Allaah on the Day of Resurrection, when you and your actions will be displayed before Him. Then, He will recompense you for your deeds, good for good and evil for evil.”{Vol 9. pg. 24}

We know that we must strive our utmost to Please Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala. He has given us hearing, vision, smell, taste, touch, intelligence, life; yet we are still ungrateful to Our Lord. Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala says in Soorah(Chapter Al-Mulk(Dominion) verse 23,

“Say it is He Who has created you, and endowed you with hearing (ears) and seeing(eyes), and hearts. Little thanks you give."

Will we not remember the hadeeth collected by Imaam Bukhari which shows the dedication that we lack but was, and is a true example of love for Rabbil Alameen(Allaah) through the beautiful example of Our Beloved Nabi(Prophet), sallallahu alayhi wa sallam?

Narrated Al Mughira

The Prophet used to offer night prayers till his feet became swollen. Somebody said to him, "Allaah has forgiven you, your faults of the past and those to follow." On that, he said, "Shouldn't I be a thankful slave (of Allaah)?"{Sahih Bukhari Vol 6. 360}

Allaahu Akbar ! ( Allaah is the Greatest). Indeed Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam is and will be the best worshipper to Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala ever. I will conclude with a question for all of us to really ponder upon, and that is, are we trying our best to be grateful to Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala after all He has done for us; after all He has planned for us!? Truly the comfort in the dark wombs of our mothers was not scheduled by us but by One Who is Most Kind, Most Merciful! Shouldn’t we be more thankful to our Rabb(Lord)?

Soorah 100 Adiyat(Those that Run)verse 6, Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala says

“Truly Man is to his Lord ungrateful”

May Allaah Subhanahu Wata’ala forgive us all for our shortcomings and help us to be better, more thoughtful of the favors which He Subhanahu Wata’ala has bestowed upon us in order for us to attain success ameen!

Allaahuma maa asbaha bee min ni’matin aw bi-ahadin min khalqika faminka wahdaka laa shareeka laka, falakal-hamduwa lakash-shukru.

Oh Allaah, whatever blessing has been received by me or anyone of Your creation (1) is from You alone, You have no partner. All praise is for you and thanks is to you.(2))

Astagfirullaaha wa atoobu ilaihi.

I seek the forgiveness of Allaah and repent to Him(Recite one hundred times in Arabic during the day.)( 3)

___________________________________
Supplications taken from the Book Hisnul Muslim -Fortress of the Muslim

( 1.) When you say this in the evening, you should say: Allaahummamaa amsa bee…”Oh Allaah, as I….enter this evening…..”

(2.)”Whoever recites this in the morning, has completed his obligation to thank Allaah for that day; and whoever said it in the evening, has completed his obligation for that night,”{Abu Dawud 4/318, An-Nasa’i ‘Amal Al-Yawm wal-Lailah (no.8, Ibn As-Sunni (no.41), Ibn Hibban (no. 2361). Its chain of transmission is good (Hasan), Ibn Baz, p.24}

(3.) Al Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fath Al-Bari 11/101, Muslim 4/2075

2006-06-01T07:56:00.000+05:00

"And there are some among men who take for themselves objects of worship other than ALLAH, loving them as they should love ALLAH. But believers are stronger in their love for ALLAH. And if those who transgress could now see the time when they shall see the punishment, they would realize that all power belongs to ALLAH and that ALLAH is severe in punishing.

Quraan: 2:165

From Darkness To Light

2006-05-21T15:51:00.000+05:00

[As promised here is the account of brother Ibrahim's conversion to Islam in his own words. May Allah reward him for sharing it with all of us, aameen. There are sure lessons in it for us to learn and see the strange ways in which Allah guides people to the right way].

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

(In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful)

Intro:

While I was attending Phoenix College a question came to my mind and it was, “Why Am I a Christian?” Now, please understand this, I am not a Nationalist, or racist, so just bare with me. I have always known that Christianity has been forced upon my people (i.e. African slaves who have evolved to be African Americans) before coming to the “Land of the Free” from watching documentaries, movies, etc so why am I following this way? This was something that I just started seriously thinking about.

My father once said to me, “ How can Christians say that they are Christians while after going to Sunday Church and asking God for forgiveness for their sins, then come back the next day and treat our people they way they did?” So with this I understood that I was a christian only because it was taught to me since I was little. No proof was there to look at for me to be convinced that this was the truth. This act was merely me following my forefathers blindly.

“Nay! They say: “We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we guide ourselves by their footsteps.”

(Chapter Az-Zukhruf verse 22)

Keep in mind, my father (May Allaah SWT guide him, ameen) does not have a religion that he follows but he believes that God exists; yet I was still sent to “Sunday School” as a child. Maybe this had to do with the choice from my mother (May Allaah SWT guide her ameen), who is a catholic. Also keep in mind that I wasn’t too much of a “practicing” christian, nor was I studious in it. I basically just stuck with the “Jesus loves me” and “Jesus died for my sins” concept and tried my best to be a good person.

Abu Hurairah (ra) reported Prophet Muhammad (peace and prayers be upon him as saying,

“Every child is born on the fitrah (i.e.Muslim) and it is his parents who make him a christian or a jew....”

(Al-Muwatta 16.53)

Anyway, when my father mentioned that statement to me, I had nothing to say in return.

Now, just from this, doubt set in about the religion of Christianity. I also read some information regarding the Creed of Nicea. Roman Emperor Constantine and his members got together and decided on their own that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) was divine, yet Jesus (peace be upon him) never said this himself.

For me, I didn’t think that Jesus (peace be upon him) was God. I have always thought that they were separate. Honestly, they say one must pray through Jesus (peace be upon him) to get to the Father, but I did this only a few times in my life. 95% of the time, I prayed directly to God. Moreover, this was some scriptural confusion that only led to me doubting this religion even more, to the point I started feeling stressed out.

As I sat in the deep thoughts of confusion regarding Christianity the pains of my heart suffered dramatically. My nerves ready to burst, stress dominating my mind. Belief should not consist of any doubt. It is 100% confidence that what one believes in is correct.

This was not the feeling that I had any more. Depression set in. Fear set in! The Whispers of Shaiton (Satan) attacked me from left and right. I would say to myself, “What if I die not believing that Jesus died for my sins? Would God be pleased with me?!” Tears began to fall like rivers down my face heavily. The pain from confusion broke me apart! Who did I take my problem to? My father!? No! My Mother!? No! My brother, sister (May Allaah SWT guide them all, ameen)! No! I took this weighty problem of my soul to The One Who created it. God! I made a very sincere supplication to Him saying,

“O, God! I am so confused and I don’t know what to do! I seek Your help! Guide me to what You want me to follow. I will not listen to the words of men. I Put my trust in You and only You.”

Crash: Turning Point

Later on that week, I was running late for basketball practice at Phoenix College, so I tried getting on the freeway to speed things up. I’m on it, driving about 60mph in the carpool lane (even though I was the only one in the car) and there were 2 cars ahead of me. All of a sudden I noticed the car in front of me slammed on its breaks! So I slammed on mine! I slid all the way to the car in front of me but not hitting it. Phew! Then another shock occurred.

A car appeared out of no where like a sniper’s bullet on my rear side, driving about 45 to 50mph. BOOM! I’m hit! The car in front of me is hit! I’m feeling ok, no one was seriously injured, to my knowledge. They say that whiplash pain usually comes the next day after such an event takes place. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it for basketball practice that day due to the accident. Also when I woke up the next day to attend practice, I felt pain in my lower back.

I went to the trainer because the pain was intense and annoying. The trainer would lay me on my stomach and feel on my back (i.e. spine) down to my tailbone area to see what places caused discomfort to me. I told the trainer what spots bothered me. Every morning I had to come in, lay on my stomach with a heating pad on it; try to practice, then after that come back and have an electric pulse massager connected to my back to relieve me of some pain, ice my back, then go to class. Unfortunately, some bad news was told to me.

The trainer said that I have a “bruised vertebrae in my tailbone area.” A specialist agreed with the trainer and he (i.e. the specialist) added that I had a “rotated pelvis” as well. Ouch! Rehab was a must for me, but God had other plans for me.

Now being on campus I went to the College Library where I would use the internet. Now keep in mind, at this time I was still thinking about my ancestry, so guess what? That led me to take an interest in a sect of Islaam called “The Nation of Islam”. My barber (in the past) was from N.O.I. and he mentioned The Qur’aan to me. He was telling me how our people worshipped Allaah before coming into slavery, and how Allaah sent Elijah Muhammad to teach us about Islaam in America.

“Muhammad(peace and blessings be upon him) is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allaah and the last(end) of the Prophets. And Allaah is Ever All-Awar of everything”

(Chapter Al-Ahzab verse 40)

So I decided to check this group out using yahoo searches. In this sect they teach a lot about how “special” African American people are. I saw so much emphasis. “The black man is the original man” and that “white people are the devils.” This is what I was reading in their book by Elijah Muhammad “Message to the Blackman”.

This book would build the spirit of a black male or female without doubt, but at the same time it promotes Nationalism, Racism, and Shirk (adding partners to Allaah) to the utmost degree. I read that they believe that a “Big Headed Scientist” created the white race (1)! This was complete nonsense and it didn’t make sense to me. Good thing God led me to someone who knew about this sect plus more.

“O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allaah is that(believer) who has At-Taqwa{i.e. He is one of the pious.}Verily, Allaah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.”

(Chapter Al-Hujurat verse 13)

Turning Point # 2

“ ..He whom Allaah guides, he is the rightly guided….”

(Chapter The Cave, verse 17)

One day I was coming to the campus after hanging out with a friend and as we were walking my friend started talking with some guy out of no where. He wore a white dress shirt with slacks and I didn’t really pay him too much attention until he said, “I am a muslim.” I don’t know what my friend said to him to make him say that but it definitely caught my attention. I asked him about Islaam. He said, “Meet me back here tomorrow. I will bring you some Information.”

Am I Blind Following?

That day came, we met at the same place, and he gave me da’wah (i.e. calling me to Islaam). He understood that I was christian influenced, so he brought some information regarding Jesus (peace be upon him) and contradictions in the bible. He asked me,

“The Christians say that the bible is the Word of God, so should there be any contradictions (i.e. errors) in it?"

I said, “No, of course not.” So he showed them to me.(2) He also showed me scientific evidences which COULD NOT BE KNOWN by a man 1500 years ago while modern scientists have just learn about these discoveries about 100 years ago!(3) For example, Embryology and knowledge of the Oceans (Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean sea) etc.

“Do they not then consider the Qur’aan carefully? Had it been from other than Allaah, they would have found therein many a contradiction.”

(Chapter An-Nisaa verse 82)

“O mankind! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily We have created you(i.e. Adam) from dust, then from a Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge i.e. the offspring of Adam), then from a clot(a piece of thick coagulated blood) then from a little lump of flesh, some formed and some unformed(as in the case of miscarriage)- that We may make(it) clear to you(i.e. to show you Our power and Ability to do what We will.)…..”

(Chapter Hajj verse 5)

“And it is He Who has let free the two seas (kinds of water): this is palatable and sweet, and that is salt and bitter; and He has set a barrier and a complete partition between them.”

(Chapter Al-Furqan verse53)

Now after this great, influential conversation built upon proofs by this muslim man, I found myself motivated and enthusiastically coming to Phoenix College only to read Al Qur’aan in the library where I would spend most of my time. I could not stop reading this Great Book. Class time would come up, yet I didn’t feel the need to go to that class because I was reading Al Qur’aan or I would show up late.

That muslim brother ended up leading me to Islaam, Walhumdulillaah (and All praise be to Allaah). I took my shahadah(testification of faith) just 3 weeks since hearing about Islaam through this muslim man after being a so called Christian for 18 and a half years. This led to me becoming a muslim on Friday, Jummu’ah prayer.

When I received my first Qur’aan, I would spend most of my time in my room, in seclusion, reading until I fell asleep. I would then wake up about 5-6am just to continue reading it. I recognized my priorities have changed. I was seeking an athletic full scholarship to a University with my talent with basketball.

I was being recruited by the University of Miami, Eastern Michigan, and other schools but this was put to an end with my injury. Now I am seeking to get closer to Allaah SWT and His Messenger(peace and prayers be upon him) by following The Qur’aan and The Authentic Sunnah(way) of Prophet Muhammad(peace and prayers be upon him) and the way of his Sahabah (i.e. Companions){May Allaah SWT be pleased with them all}

“.. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut(i.e. false deities, idols, stones, sun, stars, angles, human beings, rulers, etc) and believes in Allaah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allaah is All-Hearer, All-Knowing.”

(Chapter Al-Baqarah verse 256)

Remember when I asked Him sincerely…,

“O, God! I am so confused and I don’t know what to do! I seek Your help! Guide me to what You want me to follow. I will not listen to the words of men. I Put my trust in You and only You.”

Allaah Glory and Praise be to Him says,

“… I respond to the supplicant when he calls on Me(without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.”

(Chapter Al-Baqarah verse 186)

Thus,

“Allaah is the Wali(Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into Light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliya(supporters and helpers) are Taghut{False deities and false leaders}, they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever.”

Foot Notes.

1. (N.O.I) http://www.seventhfam.com/temple/books/black_man/blkindex2.htm
2. (Contradictions)http://www.islamway.com/english/images/library/contradictions.htm
3. (Miracle of the Oceans) http://www.55a.net/eng/6.htm
4. (Miracle of Embryology) http://www.islam101.com/science/embryo.html

Jewels of Wisdom

2006-05-13T14:26:00.001+05:00

from the Shaykh Mahmoud Sulaimon

by Ibrahim S.*

Shaykh Mahmoud(May Allah preserve him) once informed me about his studies of the madhab of Imam Ash-Shafi’i(raheemahullaah) at Al-Azhar University in Egypt and how he became Hafiz ul Qur’an( A Memorizer of the Qur’aan) at the age of 9 and he studied books on Shafi’i fiqh(which are thick in volume) for 7 years; I once asked him, “ Shaykh, do you still study?” He said, “ Yes I study. I sometimes study from 11pm till Fajr Time.” I then asked, “ What do you study?” He said, “ Hadith, fiqh, tafseer(etc).” Yet he will not say “ Yes I am a learned one.”

Shaykh Mahmoud is very humble, known for his knowledge and piety who speaks as if he is in pain. He noticed that now a days people(i.e. the laymen) would read books(small ones at that) then think that they are part of the Ulema(Scholars) Of the Ummah(Nation) of Rasulullah(peace and blessings be upon him). I have noticed this as well and I, myself had to avert this thought. Most of these people(including myself) don’t even know the Arabic language. Subhan’Allah( Glory be to Allah). Allah says in Surah #39 Az-Zumar( The Groups) verse 9,

“Say: Are those who know equal to those who know not? It is only those men of understanding who will remember.”

The shaykh informed me of great jewels that would make a woman who loves this duniya(world) jealous because of their shine, glimmer and attractive beauty which throws humbleness upon a sincere heart when heard. When he noticed my zeal for seeking beneficial ilm(In Islam) and seeing the state of the arrogant ones he gave me some jewels to dwell upon. He said,

“ Ibrahim, if you want to learn Islam, first learn humbleness.”

“A man can have a lot of knowledge yet he lacks wisdom, therefore he can be a sword to the community.”

“Be humble. Walk like an Old man. The Malikah(angels) look at an arrogant person who thinks he knows everything( and/or thinks himself to be better than others) to be as small as an ant; and if the man is humble they(i.e.The Angels) enjoy being around him.”

“ You won’t know everything in Islam…”
( Someone will always know something that you didn’t know)

“Allah does not like the arrogant ones. The only reason why one has been given knowledge is because Allah gave it to him. It was not acquired by himself.”

(May Allah The Exalted have Mercy on Brother Faiz. Once he pointed out to me a while ago regarding Qarun(one of Fir’aun’s{Pharoah} advisors when he said after Allah gave him an abundance of wealth, “ This has been given to me only because of the knowledge I possess...” Allah put an end to his arrogance in the land, “ So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place..”(Surah{Chapter}#28, Al-Qasas-The Narration- ayat(verses) 78 and 81)

Subhan’Allah! These are gems that cannot be priced and never neglected by anyone; especially by the students of Knowledge and the laymen. May Allah bless Shaykh Mahmoud and increase him in beneficial knowledge and grant him Jannah Firdaows for his efforts ameen.

Insha’Allah (God-Willing) I will support the Shaykh with excerpts taken from the book “ The Heirs of the Prophets” by Imam Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali(May Allah have mercy upon him) section: “Paths leading to Sacred Knowledge”translated by Zaid Shakir(May Allah reward him) page 10-11. The Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) is related to have said in a sound hadith,

“Allah does not withdraw knowledge by extracting it from the hearts of the men, rather He takes away the religious scholars. When no religious scholar remains, people take the ignorant as their leaders; these ignorant ones are questioned and give religious verdicts without knowledge. They are astray and lead others astray.”

{Bukhari, hadith no. 100, 7307}

Tirmdhi relates from Jubayr ibn Nufayr(May Allah be pleased with him), on the authority of Abu Darda:

“We were with the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) and he said, “ There {will be} a time when knowledge will be snatced from the people until they will be unable to benefit from it.” Ziyad ibn Lubayd said, “ O Messenger of Allah, how will Allah seize knowledge from us when we recite the Qur’an.” I swear by Allah, we recite it and teach it to our women and children!” He said, “ May your mother be bereaved of you, Ziyad. I used to consider you one of the learned people of Madinah! The Torah and the Gospel are with the Jews and the Christians, yet do they benefit from them in any way?”

{Tirmdhi no. 2653}

Jubayr Ibn Nufayr said:

“I met ‘Ubada ibn al-Samit and said to him, “ Will you not listen to what Abu Darda’ is saying?” I then informed him of what he said concerning the loss of knowledge. He said, “ Abu Darda’ has spoken truthfully. If you wish I will inform you of the FIRST KNOWLEDGE to be removed from people. It is HUMILITY(Khushu’). You will enter the central masjid and hardly find a single humble person!”

Nasa’i relates a similar hadith from Jubayr ibn Nufayr, on the authority of ‘Awf ibn Malik(May Allah be pleased with him), from the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him). He says in this hadith,

“The Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned the straying of the Jews and the Christians despite their possessing scriptures. {Al-Nasa’i , al- Sunan al-Kubra(Beirut: Dar Ihya’ al-Turath al-‘Arabi), 8:211; al-Musnad, 6-26-27; al Hakim, al-Mustadrak(Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyya, 1990), 1:99-100}

Jubayr ibn Nufayr also related:

“ I met Shaddad ibn Aws and I informed him of the hadith of ‘Awf ibn Malik, and he said, “ He has spoken the truth. Shall I not inform you about the first occurrence of the lifting of knowledge? Humility will be lifted to the point you will not see a single humble person.”

Imam Ahmad(May Allah have mercy on him) relates in a hadith in which Ziyad ibn Lubayd(May Allah be pleased with him) mentioned something, whereupon the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“ That will be in the time when knowledge is gone”
{Imam Ahmad, al-Musnad, 4: 218-19; Ibn Majah, hadith no. 4048}

“ All of these narrations relate that the departure of knowledge resides in the failure to act on it. The Companions( May Allah be pleased with all of them) explained that the reason for this is the passing of inner knowledge from the hearts- with inner knowledge referring to humility. In this vein, Hudhayfa(May Allah be pleased with him) relates,

“Surely, humility will be the first knowledge to be lifted.”
{ Related with a similar wording in al-Hilya, 1: 281; al Zuhud, 2 : 135.}

Now I will also quote from “Reliance of the Traveller by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri, a Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law” page 806, section t3.17 A Pure Heart,

“ Do not seek exaltation on earth, but have humility in whatever degree Allah has raised you to. For Allah has brought you forth from earth, your mother, and it is unseemly to exalt yourself above her. As the Hadith says, “Allah has charged Himself to raise nothing in this world, save that He will lower it again.” So If you are such a thing, you may expect to be lowered by Allah.”

May Allah The Exalted aid us in striving to be like those who have good manners(akhlaq), character, humbleness and among those who hate pride and arrogance ameen.

_______________________________________

*Brother Ibrahim converted to Islam two and a half years ago, when he was 19, and since then has spent most of his time and energy in learning Islam and trying to practice it. InshaAllah I will also post the story of his conversion written by himself. May Allah keep him on the straight path always, aameen. May Allah guide us all and make it easy for us to stay strong in our faith, and be pleased with us, aameen.

Modesty

2006-05-02T09:38:00.000+05:00

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said,

"Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya (Modesty) is a part of faith."

[Sahih al Bukari: Vol 1:#8]

and

"Modesty and inability to speak are two branches of faith, but obscenity and eloquence are two branches of hypocrisy."

[Mishkat: 4796]

Does Allah Love Me?

2006-04-13T10:33:00.000+05:00

I read something beautiful on an Islamic Q & A site last night, somebody asked how do we know when Allah (the God) loves us and is pleased with us, what are the signs? Obviously it caught my attention and i went on reading, it is great to know there are some signs that we can look for to know if Allah is pleased with us or not. I think i should put it here just as it is, it is already a brief answer.

Praise be to Allaah.
Among the signs that the Lord is pleased with His slave is that He guides him to do good deeds and avoid haraam things. This is confirmed by the words of Allaah:
“While as for those who accept guidance, He increases their guidance and bestows on them their piety” [Muhammad 47:17]
“As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our paths (i.e. Allaah’s religion — Islamic Monotheism)” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:69]
But if a person is hindered from doing good deeds and avoiding haraam things – we seek refuge with Allaah – then that is a sign that Allaah is not pleased with him. Allaah has also explained in His Book that the sign of His being pleased with His slave and of His guidance is that He opens his heart to true guidance and true faith.
And the sign of misguidance and being far from the Straight Path is distress and constriction in the heart. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And whomsoever Allaah wills to guide, He opens his heart to Islam; and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his heart closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. Thus Allaah puts the wrath on those who believe not”
[al-An’aam 6:125]
Ibn 'Abbaas said, commenting on this verse: “And whomsoever Allaah wills to guide…”: He opens his heart to Tawheed and belief therein.
Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 2/175

Another sign of Allaah’s love for His slave and His being pleased with him is that He makes him beloved to His slaves. Al-Bukhaari (3209) and Muslim (2637) narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“When Allaah loves a person, He calls out to Jibreel: ‘Allaah loves So and so,’ so Jibreel loves him. Then Jibreel calls out to the people of heaven, ‘Allaah loves So and so, so love him.’ So the people of heaven love him and he finds acceptance on earth.”
Al-Nawawi said: “and he finds acceptance on earth” means that people love him and are pleased to see him, so their hearts incline towards him. It says in another report: “and he finds love on earth.”
And Allaah knows best.
Source: Islamqa

2006-04-11T16:35:00.000+05:00

A small extract from the last sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

"Do not do injustice to yourselves. Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer about your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

"O People! No prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. O People! Reason and understand well the words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my Sunnah (i.e. sayings, deeds and approvals), and if you follow these you will never go astray.

"All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly".

Time At Hand

2006-04-08T12:51:00.000+05:00

Yesterday I revised Surah al Ghashiyah (88) from the Quraan, (made a few mistakes, which are corrected now alhamdulilah). Its a beautiful chapter, a small one with very short verses, but which you could ponder upon forever and learn so much from.

The begining part talks of two groups of people on the Last Day, according to their deeds, ones with humiliated, downcast faces and others with bright, joyful ones. But the thing that cast terror in my heart is the two lines in which Allah says how both the groups strove really hard in this life, but one of them only got tiredness out of it, while the other is seen so lively and their freshness is obvious from their countenances.

"Has there come to you the news of the overwhelming calamity ?

Some faces on that day will be downcast;

Labouring, weary.

They shall enter a blazing Fire,

And will be made to drink from a boiling spring.

They will have no food save that of dry, bitter and thorny herbage,

Which will neither nourish nor satisfy hunger.

And some faces on that day will be joyful;

Well-pleased with their past striving,

In a lofty Garden."

(Al-Ghashiyah 88:1-10)

Obviously there was a difference in the striving of the two, the striving of the first group got them nothing but regrets and weariness on the Day of Judgement, because their striving was in acts of disobedience to Allah.

Also at times we may not actually be disobeying Allah but doing good deeds with wrong intentions, and not to please Allah, those kind of deeds will also be of no value and would just come out to be as disappointments over time wasted.

Other times it could be none of these but doing things that bring no benefit either of this world or the hereafter, just 'killing' the precious time that we are given to invest in, so that at the end it is profitable. Just as the Prophet (peace be upon him) likened this world to tillage for the hereafter, and we are here to sow the seeds of good deeds, work by plowing so we can raise crops to be harvested later.

And seeing our rewards at the end will make our faces light up with joy, as we all know how pleasing it is to see something accomplished after we have taken great pains for it. On the other hand, we also know the pain of having regrets and hopelessness for not using the time and resources properly and being empty handed at the end, and having no time and chance for changing things to good.

Get Some in Your Heart, If Not All

2006-04-04T16:26:00.000+05:00

Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,

"He who does not memorize any part from the Qur'an he is like the ruined house.''

[At-Tirmidhi]

Commentary: This Hadith means that the heart of that Muslim is devoid of grace of spiritualism and Grace of Allah who does not remember by heart any portion of the Qur'an, in the same way as a deserted house is deprived of inhabitants and Blessings of Allah. What we learn from this is that every Muslim must remember some portion of the Qur'an so that he is safe from the admonition mentioned in this Hadith.

Chapter: The Excellence of Reciting the Quraan

From the Book: Riyadus-Saliheen (The Garden of the Righteous)

Ya Allah Forgive Me

2006-04-03T19:00:00.000+05:00

All praises are for you Allah, how I hope that you are there.

For sinful though I know I am, your displeasure I can not bear.

Never, till this moment, did I realize how much I've strayed.

Never, till now, was I more conscious

of all those times when I should have prayed.

For sins are like heavy baggage, that one carries through Life,

Why didn't I realize sooner, that Earth is but a place of sport?

Ya Allah ! Forgive me. Save me from the fire of Hell.

Ya Allah ! Protect me.

From myself for my soul is weak.

Let me not falter ever, for Jan'ah is the abode I seek.

Ya, Allah! Please help me.

For I don't understand and thus, I fear.

What happened to all those moments when

I never doubted that you were near ?

My actions once were guided, by my faith which, once, was strong.

Ya Allah! please guide me .

What happened, what went wrong ?

Each footstep that I used to take,

I took with you ever near my side.

The Quran was my faithful companion, Rasoolallah my beloved guide.

How I yearn for those bygone days Allah,

for I know that the day comes near

When we'll each receive our just rewards,

and Truth will stand sparkling clear.

Life is like a spider's web Allah.

We get caught in its tricky snare

So thoroughly are we disillusioned, time for saalat we can not spare.

I sit here and I wonder, Ya Allah!

Why did I fall so low ? What happened to my faith Allah?

Where did my Iman go?

In this earthly life of ours, so often does sin seem right.

Falsehood seems to be the truth,

as if days are confused with night.

Man is an imperfect creature.

And thus, Man shall always wrong.

For the road to Jan'ah is rocky, and the journey seems awfully long.

Ya Allah ! Our creator, we are all just peices of clay.

Please help us with our steps in life, and let us not lose our way.

All praises are for you Allah,

I know that you are near.

I know that you have read my heart, and my words I know you hear.

[Anonymous]

2006-04-01T13:00:00.000+05:00

In the name of ALLAH, the Gracious, the Merciful

Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth glorifies ALLAH. HIS is the Kingdom and HIS is the praise, and HE has power over all things.

It is HE Who has created you, but some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers. And ALLAH sees what you do.

HE created the heavens and the earth with an eternal purpose and HE gave you shape and made your shapes beautiful, and to HIM is the ultimate return.

[The Holy Quraan 64:1-3]

DO NOT BE SAD

2006-03-10T10:55:00.000+05:00

1. Know that if you do not live within the scope of today, your thoughts will be scattered, your affairs will become confused, and your worrying will increase. This is the meaning of the hadith: "When you are in the morning, do not expect to see the evening, and when you are in the evening, do not expect to see the morning."

2. Forget the past and all that it contained. Being absorbed in things that are gone is sheer lunacy.

3. Do not be preoccupied with the future. Because the future is in the world of the unseen, do not let it bother you until it comes.

4. Do not be shaken by criticism; instead, be firm. Know that the level of people's criticism increases in proportion to your worth.

5. Faith in Allah and good deeds are the means of the good and happy life.

6.Whoever desires peace, tranquility, and comfort shall find it all in the remembrance of Allah.

7.One should know with certainty that everything is according to a divine decree.

8.Do not expect gratitude from anybody.

9. Train yourself to be ready and be prepared for the worst eventuality.

10. Perhaps what has happened is in your best interest (though you may not comprehend how that is so).

11.Everything that is decreed for the Muslim is best for him.

12.Enumerate the blessings (of Allah) and be thankful.

13. Whatever you have, are better than many others.

14. From one hour to the next comes relief.

15. In times of hardship, one turns to supplication and prayer.

16. Calamities should positively reshape your outlook and strengthen your heart.

17. Indeed, with each difficulty there is relief.

18. Do not let the trifles cause of your destruction.

19.Indeed, your Lord is Oft-Forgiving.

20. Do not be angry... Do not be angry... Do not be angry.

21.Life is bread, water, and shade, so do not be perturbed by a lack of any other material thing.

22. Remember the verse: "And in the heaven is your provision, and that which you are promised". (Qur'an 51:22)

23. Most evil that is supposed to happen never occurs.

24. Look at those who are afflicted and be thankful.

25.When Allah loves a people, He causes them to endure trials.

26. You should constantly repeat those supplications that the Prophet taught us to say during times of hardship.

27. Work hard and seriously in that which is fruitful, and cast off idleness.

28.Abandon spreading rumors and receiving rumors. Upon hearing them do not believe them.

29. Your malice and your striving to seek revenge is much more harmful to your health than it is to your antagonist.

30.The hardship that befalls you is expiation for your sins.

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Recommended Book:

Don't Be Sad
Buy Today @ AL-Basheer.com

2006-03-03T11:25:00.000+05:00

There befalls not any calamity either in the earth or in your own persons, but it is recorded in a Book before WE bring it into being - surely, that is easy for ALLAH .

That you may not grieve over what is lost to you nor exult because of that which HE has bestowed upon you. And ALLAH loves not any conceited boaster.

[Al-Hadid 57:22-23]

Looking to God for Guidance

2006-02-21T01:12:00.000+05:00

[Yesterday I was reading a sister's story about her conversion to Islam from Christianity, and I found in her story an amazingly inspiring part that I want to share, It came just when I needed it most]

Some religious people get angry when I say that God guides me, and claim it is impossible. First of all, the Quran begins by stating that we should go to God for guidance. Secondly, just because they (the angry person) have never had this experience, does not mean it does not exist.

It does happen, and I will be happy to try to explain how to get started, as far as I understand it.

1. First of all, remember, that God knows every iota of our intentions. So, we must begin with utterly pure intentions. You cannot want God's guidance for some reason or power, ego, etc. It must be for wholly unselfish reasons. God recognizes the impure heart, no matter how successfully someone might try to disguise it among the general public.

2. You must let go of all the things that you try and control in your life and recognize that God is in control. I think so often God is trying to guide us towards what he wants us to do, however, we are too busy, trying to make things go the way that we want, that we are not able to hear Him. A good way to let go of our control, so that we can hear God, is to visualize a barge floating down a river in front of you. Imagine placing everything you have in your life on that barge as it floats away from you, to God.

Image you have no say or input as to what happens to these things, situations, people, etc., and honestly saying to God that you fully accept and embrace whatever it is He decides to do with all of the things in our life. Even if it is the opposite of what you desire - that is a very hard part. Imagine if He decides that everything is best for you, if it is the opposite, of what you are trying to achieve. This is where you have to truly trust God one hundred percent.

3. Next, you must be still and recognize God and all of His attributes.

4. Next, you must be silent and still and just "be" with God.

5. You must not expect anything to happen, because it is the grace of God when He guides you. However, if you do this daily, my experience is eventually something happens. Sometimes it happens during the prayer, but other times it occurs while you are in the ordinary situations.

6. The thing that happens is that you will sense a strong direction of guidance. You have to learn to distinguish between your own ideas and Gods. The way that I usually know that it is God, is that His guidance is usually the opposite of what I want to do. For instance, since I am not a good person, there are certain people that I do not like, and would not mind if they disappeared from this earth. Sometimes, I will sense God telling me to go to them and comfort them. It is a struggle because sometimes my only desire is to go up and kick them. I remember once I sensed God asking me to pray blessings for my least favorite person on the planet. I could not believe it. I was arguing with God saying, "come on God? Blessings? Can I just pray that he gets in a car accident and suffers pain and becomes very sorry for being so evil." (I told you that I am bad, didn't I?) Anyway, needless to say, He did not find that acceptable, so I pray the way He requested. When I have a strong sense that I need to do something good that I do not want to do, and this action falls in line with all the teachings of Allah, it is usually God's guidance.

7. The way that I confirm that it was God's guidance is that something significant and Godly happens as a result. For instance, the day I prayed blessings for my least favorite person, he made a dramatic turn around in his behavior toward me from that time forward.

8. Again, the key, is all in the honesty of intention. Your intention must be to behave in a pious way, serve Allah and His purposes with no desire for personal gain. Again, I have many interesting stories about this, but I want to limit the length of this.

In the end she asks for prayers for herself, especially due to the hardships she has been facing after converting, please make prayers for her and for me, they are highly needed.

And here is the link to her full story

An Image of the Prophet Muhammad

2006-02-17T17:23:00.000+05:00

P E A C E B E U P O N H I M

Here is a very precise lifelike image of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by somebody who saw him for the first time and didnt know him before at all. Its not an image of him drawn on canvas depicting some artist's imagination, but a vivid description by a lady called Umm e Ma'bad.

She was an old Arab lady, very hospitable and kind and the Prophet was travelling from Makkah to Madinah with his companion Abu Bakr (ra) and two others, and was thirsty. When they stopped by her house she offered her hospitality.

Later when her husband came home and she told him about the travellers. He became very keen to hear more from her about the young man she was describing, as he thought he had heard about him before.

This is what she told him about the manners and looks of the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him], of all what she saw.

Pious in habit; smart in appearance; appealing in etiquette; proportionate in physique; luxurious in hair; handsome in countenance.

Eyes black and wide; hair long and full; voice deep and rich; neck long and strong; forehead wide and brilliant; eyes filled with modesty; eyebrows thin and long; hair black and slightly curled; with a silent dignity that makes a place in the heart.

Appears very attractive from afar; but is ever more so handsome from close; sweet, enchanting, manner of speaking; speaks clearly, without excess or deficiency of words - as if pearls have been joined into a necklace.

Medium in height, so that appears neither short nor too tall - like the fresh stem of a fresh tree; impressive and magnetic presence; cynosure of his companions; he speaks, and they listen with intent silence; he orders, and they hurry to obey; stately, regal, neither reticent nor talkative!"

On hearing this, her husband exclaimed," This was the man from Quraysh that I have been hearing about. If I ever have the opportunity, I will join his followers."

That is how the Prohpet was, and there are a lot many authentic accounts by his companions about the way he looked and acted. He was of the finest manners.

A companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described him by saying:

Anyone who saw him suddenly stood in awe of him, and anyone who made his acquaintance loved him. Those who described him said they had never seen anyone like him before or since." [Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1524]

But why is this that in Islam any depiction or drawings or statues of the Prophet Muhammad [pbuh], and for that matter any prophet or God, are not allowed?

One simple reason is that, all those drawn images would be mere imaginations of the people who draw them, and not real representation as those noble personalities were [And even more so for God].

Second and the more important reason is that, becaue of the reverence for those personalities, and honor and love given to them, it has the danger of people eventually ending up worshipping their images or statues, i.e practicing idolatory, the very same thing that all those prophets were sent to banish, i.e worshipping false dieties besides God.

In Islam only God is worthy of worship, and He sent the prophets, from Adam till Jesus and Muhammad [peace be upon them all], so as to be taken as perfect role models by the people. And this is what they are given honor for.

More on What the Prophet looked like ,

Manners of the Prophet [Beautiful Flash presentations]

&
The Teacher [A beautiful islamic song in praise of the Prophet pbuh]

Also: Why we Muslims are angry

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Tags: Islam , Prophet Muhammad , Muslim

Who is Prophet Muhammad?

2006-02-14T14:32:00.000+05:00

PEACE BE UPON HIM

About the Prophet Muhammad

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Tags: Islam , Prophet Muhammad , Muslim

Muslim Response

2006-02-13T14:26:00.000+05:00

[This is basically in response to a comment posted by Omar, a Christian reader in response to my previous post 'What Makes Me a Muslim'. Wanted it to be read by more people, so I make it as a post, its about how Muslims feel in these circumstances and also some advice for the Muslims.]

Omar, thanks for ur precious comment.

Yes true, this is what the Prophet (peace be upon him) has taught and also he himself wouldn’t have acted in ways many Muslims are, on the contrary his life is full of instances where he responded with kindness even to the people doing worst against him, which consequently led most of them to Islam due to his own beautiful character.

Now there are more than a billion Muslims, all kinds of them, whether they practice Islam fully or not, whether they completely practice the control taught by the Prophet pbuh or not, but all of them take it very PERSONAL when it comes to the Prophet Muhammad, because of his greatness, and our closeness to him.

All the Muslims aren’t going to act in the same way as the Prophet pbuh would have, even though taught so. Many would be naturally violent over this and we can’t stop the reaction. There will be Muslims protesting peacefully and in an organized manner to make an impact, and there will be others who will do otherwise.

And in no way is it right to promote violence and bloodshed, but the ppl who have set it all ablaze by creating those insulting images, should be ready to face all sorts of reactions from all kinds of Muslim that there are. Its a deep deep hurt to each and every Muslim. It is a fact that we are ready to sacrifice our lives for him.

How come the cartoonists and the people with them were not aware at all how more than a billion people on this globe honor the Prophet and that they would be infuriating them by insulting him? Before, it was the desecration of the Quraan and now our Prophet and we know it will go on.

But all that said, now it’s the responsibility of those Muslims who understand how we should react properly, and as you said, our religious scholars should direct them to appropriate and peaceful ways.

We are very rightful in this protest and we must sound it off over the disgrace of our Noble Prophet, who is sent for all mankind. BUT..

But Muslims must remember to do it in an organized way, dont forget patience. And it is important to do it that way not because we fear the western criticism over that, but because that is how we should be, and because Islam stops from such violent protest.

THINK over it and find guidance in Islam itself as to what way it teaches us to act in such situations.

LOOK into your own lives, you are rightfully rising up against it, but are your own lives an example of the same man who you claim your love with, and take him as a role model for yourselves?

Also it is another chance to show the world how beautiful and honorable is the man they have scoffed, and they dont know.

Please read the article at the following link for a variety of ideas how you can respond to this. Read it and go down for a list of ways you can support your Prophet.

More Good Reads: Wondering how the Prophet might have responded to the cartoons..

Freedom and Responsiblity

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Tags: Islam , Prophet Muhammad , Muslim , cartoons

What Makes Me a Muslim

2006-02-11T09:57:00.000+05:00

If I have to tell the world what makes me a Muslim, I will use the very same words that one of the companions of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) used when he was asked the same thing by the King of Abyssinia, Negus.

It is a compelling description of what Islam really is, and what the true message of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is for ALL mankind, as a Messenger of God. And the world should also know why any attempt to disgrace our Noble Prophet is so sickening and exasperating, and why we regard him the most after God and respect him in a way no one else is. You will know once you read it:

"We were a people in a state of ignorance and immorality, worshipping idols and eating the flesh of dead animals, committing all sorts of abomination and shameful deeds, breaking the ties of kinship, treating guests badly and the strong amongst us exploited the weak.

"We remained in this state until God sent us a Prophet, one of our own people whose lineage, truthfulness, trustworthiness and integrity were well-known to us.

"He called us to worship God alone and to renounce the stones and the idols which we and our acncestors used to worhip besides God.

"He commmanded us to speak the truth, to honour our promises, to be kind to our relations, to be helpful to our neighbours, to cease all forbidden acts, so abstain from bloodshed, to avoid obscenities and false witness, not to appropriate an orphan's property not slander chaste women.

"He ordered us to worship God alone and not to associate anything with Him, to uphold Prayer, to give Zakat and fast in the month of Ramadan.

"We believed in him and what he brought to us from God and we follow him in what he has asked us to do and we keep away from what he forbade us from doing.

"Thereupon O King, our people attacked us to make us renounce our religion and take us back to the old immorality and the worship of idols.

"They oppressed us, made life intolerable for us and obstructed us from observing our religion. So we left for your country, choosing you before anyone else, desiring your protection and hoping to live in justice and peace in your midst."

These are the words of Jafar ibn Abi Taalib who was among the first who became Muslim when the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave out the message in Makkah. And well, King Negus also accepted this message and became a Muslim, (after also asking what Muslims thought of Jesus (peace be upon him).

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as a mercy to all mankind, and this was his message, that's the reason his companions stood for it, and always defended it. And this is what makes me a Muslim.

Technorati Tags: Islam , Prophet Muhammad , Muslim

Fasting Today?

2006-02-08T06:38:00.000+05:00

It is 9th Muharram of the Islamic calendar today. So plz dont forget to fast today and tomorrow as it is recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’ [10th Muharram].

He said, “What is this?”

They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.”

He said, “We are closer to Moosa than you.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast.

It is best to fast not just on the day of Aashoora but also adding a day before or after it fasting. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'If I am (still) here next year, then certainly I shall fast the ninth (day of Muharram).' [Muslim]

We fast on this day out of respect for it, and it is Sunnah not obligatory. But the reward is GREAT. Again in the Prophet's words, (peace be upon him).

“Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” [Muslim]

That is, forgiveness from all the (minor) sins commited during the year before it inshaAllah. And the thing to remember is that all the major sins will still need repenting.

Have a great day, May Allah forgive us all of our sins, and make us do deeds that He loves, aameen.

Don't go, read some more here :)

Linking Up With God

2006-02-01T17:09:00.000+05:00

"And when My servants ask you (O Muhammad) about Me, tell them I am very close to them. I answer the prayer of every supplicant when he calls on Me . Therefore they should respond to me and believe in Me, so that they may be rightly guided". 2:186

A heart touching verse from the Quraan, where God is so lovingly telling each one of us, you can call on Me directly and I reply, you dont need anyone in the middle in order for your call to be conveyed to Me. You are never alone, and I listen to you direct whenever you call out for help and I respond and I guide.

Allah said elsewhere `I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him whenever he invokes Me.' [Hadith Qudsi]

This is how each human being has a very direct link with God, a God-man relationship on one to one basis, without the need of having any middleman. It is a relationship of love and fear, and the fear is that of having God get angry because of our bad deeds. But as we confess to Him, feel guilty and vow never to repeat those things again (and sincerity of the heart is the key) we are forgiven and become as pure as a newborn.

“Whoso does evil or wrongs his own soul, then seeks pardon of Allah, will find Allah Forgiving, Merciful.” 4:110

This is the relationship that all the prophets were sent to establish between the people on the earth and their Creator in the heavens. To help them understand God and to remove all the misconceptions they kept forming about the nature of God.

As like in the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the people of Makkah were worshipping stone idols, even though being the followers of prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) this was all far from making any sense. When asked why they worship and pray to these stone statues who cant even move or respond, their response used to be that we worship the one true God but these idols are our way to him, as these statues are those of the people who were righteous and closer to God, while we are imperfect. This was their self justification without having any proof to support their notions.

But Islam again established the right idea about linking with God, based on absolute belief in Him and His ordained way of life. You want to talk to him, you feel bad, you are hurt, or may be guilty for doing something really wrong, just raise your hands and ask him humbly and sincerily to help you and forgive you. You will find him ever Merciful.

God doesnot expect perfection from us, He accepts us as we are. Aren't we created by Him? He knows our sinful nature, BUT He wants us to keep making ourselves better and keep turning back to Him because that is the test.

Who has created death and life that HE might try you -which of you is best in deeds; and HE is the Mighty, the Most Forgiving. 67: 2

And this is how close God is to us:

And assuredly, WE have created man and WE know what his mind whispers to him, and WE are nearer to him than even his jugular vein. 50: 17.

So never get tired of praying to God and seeking His forgiveness. We can only find peace by being close to God and making a conscious effort towards that. Doing all the stuff we do daily in our busy lives, stay linked with God. Keep calling on Him as He says 'I am near'.

Al-Fatiha

2006-01-25T20:30:00.000+05:00

THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THE QURAAN

The name of the chapter means 'The Opener', but has a lot of other meanings as well.

'The Opener' as it is the opening chapter of the Quraan, and secondly the daily formal prayers begin with the recitation of this chapter. Here it is:

Translation:

In the name of ALLAH, the Gracious, the Merciful.

All praise is due to ALLAH alone, Lord of all the worlds.

The Gracious, the Merciful.

Master of the Day of Judgment.

You alone do we worship and You alone do we implore for help.

Guide us in the straight path,

The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your favours, those who have not incurred Your displeasure and those who have not gone astray.

These are the words that the Almighty God has begun His final Book with, introducing Himself first, and note there that His first introduction to us is His being the MOST Merciful. We know that God gets angry and punishes too, but like at one point God told the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that His mercy overcomes His anger.

And as a sign of His mercy He Himself teaches us what is the best thing to ask Him for, and the best way to ask for it, and that is, guidance to live this life in the best manner, in a manner that pleases Him, and in turn get the favours and rewards that He has kept for us.

Now when we are really seeking this guidance, and go on to begin reading rest of the Quraan, God opens the doors of guidance for us. It opens our heart for what is to come ahead, and that guidance is only for those who truely are looking and searching for it and are open to it, shunning their preconceptions, and keeping any prejudice they have, aside.

May God guide us all, Aameen!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Above is what I understood at my Quraan class, there have been volumes written explaining the depths of this first chapter of the Quraan. Plz see a detailed explanation of AlFatiha by IBN KAHEER

or Download the explanation of the whole Quraan@ Tafsir Ibn Kaheer Downloadable

This Week's Tenant

2006-01-18T20:09:00.000+05:00

Right Religion is an interesting blog which has deep thoughtful discussions about all what is related to religion. You can visit and participate in topics about existance of God, His characteristics etc or you can go there with your suggestions and ideas which is what it asks for. And the author has described himself as a student searching for truth, and you can take part in his quest.

Plz visit (you can see the thumbnail on the right as well), share your views and let the author know what you think of his blog. May God guide us all to the truth Aameen!

And let me complete this post with something that God said in the Quraan, a simple and straightforward idea that He gives about Himself,

Say `He is God, the Only One ! ALLAH the Independent and Besought of all.

`HE begets not, nor, is HE begotten, And there is none like unto HIM.

[112: 1-4 - The Holy Quraan]

2006-01-12T10:33:00.000+05:00

Peace to All,

I will be away for a few days till Sunday, going to meet and stay with my relatives for Eid. And I hope you people enjoy the days too. InshaAllah.

Leaving you with two beautiful verses from the Quraan:

"Those who turn to ALLAH in repentance, who worship HIM, who praise HIM, who go about in the land serving HIM, who bow down to HIM, who prostrate themselves in Prayer, who enjoin good and forbid evil, and who observe the limits set by ALLAH. And give glad tidings to those who believe". 9:111

Surely, all believers are brothers. So make peace between your brothers, and fear ALLAH that mercy may be shown to you. 49: 10

~~ Happy Eid ~~

2006-01-11T08:05:00.000+05:00

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar

La ilaha IllAllahu WAllahu Akbar

Allahu Akbar, Walillahil Hamd

Allah is the Greatest, There is no God but He, And all praise is for Him alone.

HAJJ 2006

2006-01-09T14:19:00.000+05:00

Watch the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah Live from Saudi TV

Diary of the Hajj

Tenant

2006-01-05T12:22:00.000+05:00

My tenant this week is about food, Kitchen Fun (you see the thumbnail on the right column) I also like the way this site is so beautifuly designed.

Go ahead and find yourself the best recipies. A WARNING follows though!

Must keep in mind the Islamic guidelines for eating the right kind of food, which is decent and healthy. As Islam strictly disallows consuming pork, wine / intoxicants in any form they may be, and meat not slaughtered islamically.

A lot of recipies at Kitchen Fun may have those ingredients. And we knowAllah disallows even a bite or a sip of those to be taken (unless ones life is in danger and there is no choice). I know you know this and would have avoided, but I think it was neccesary that I mention.

But ofcourse that is not so with all the recipies there, and i recommend that you visit there when you are really hungry, there are some really good and mouth-watering recipies, especially in the Veggies section, and try them, and leave a comment there as well, tell there I sent you.

I also want to convey here that what's unhealthy and bad is so for all, no matter where you belong, wheter Muslim, Chrisitian, Jew, hindu, aethiest or anyone else. What we eat is what we are.

Extending this a bit more, the number one reason why these few food are not allowed in Islam, is because God Himself forbade them, just as He did in the Bible and the Torah.

Among countless kinds of food that God has made for us, only a few He said you should not eat, it is both a test for us, and at the same time is in our favor, as those foods are REALLY unfitting to our health and hygiene. Science proves the same.

In the Quraan Allah says, addressing ALL mankind:

O you people, eat of what is on earth lawful and good, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is to you an avowed enemy. 11:168

here for all what God says about food in the Quraan.

and to the believers:

"He has only forbidden you carrion, blood, the flesh of swine and that on which any other name has been invoked besides that of God. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience or transgressing due limits, then is he guiltless. For God is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful". 11:173

And in Bible He speaks of it too saying:

“And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clove-footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is UNCLEAN to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.” Leviticus (11:7-8), (also Deut., 14:8)

A list of lawful and unlawful foods

Update: I found a book related to the topic, you may want to check it out.

English - What God said about Eating Pork
Buy Today @ AL-Basheer.com

Who is Allah?

2005-12-27T17:18:00.000+05:00

The Meaning of Allah

Allah is the Name of the Lord, the Exalted. It is said that Allah is the Greatest Name of Allah, because it is referred to when describing Allah by the various attributes. For instance, Allah said

He is Allah, beside Whom none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. He is Allah, beside Whom La ilaha illa Huwa, the King, the Holy, the One free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the Almighty, the Wise) (59:22-24).

Hence, Allah mentioned several of His Names as Attributes for His Name Allah. Similarly, Allah said,

And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them) (7:180), and,

(Say (O Muhammad :) "Invoke Allah or invoke the Most Gracious (Allah), by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to Him belong the Best Names.'') (17:110)

Also, the Two Sahihs recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

(Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred minus one, whoever counts (and preserves) them, will enter Paradise.)

These Names were mentioned in a Hadith recorded by At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, and there are several differences between these two narrations.

Tafsir Ibn Katheer

Is There Hope for Them?

2005-12-22T13:36:00.001+05:00

Browsing for the news for my earthquake section, i m really feeling sad today. Life is so bitter for the people who are surviving after the quake in Himalyas. Its is piercing cold with snow there. And imagine all the rest and ease that we have in the warmth of our houses. All things that we need ready at our hands, warm water to wash ourselves, warm clothes, beds, blankets, quilts, pillows, clean and healthy food and water (and tea), clean environment. All things that save you from this biting weather, and these are what we dont think to be luxuries but as neccessities.

BUT those people from the cold mountains have NONE of these. Their flimsy tents are just as bad as being outside and facing the icy winds. Burning a fire inside could kill themselves. They still take the risk when their hands and bodies become stiff with cold, but it doesnt do any good. They dont have enough warm clothes to wear, and sitting on the bare earth inside a tent feels just like being on a slab of ice. Even outside under the sun the wind bites through the bones.

"Our skin becomes so hard that we can't move our hands properly, and they start to bleed," an old man said, and the same news report says that 2.4 million blankets suitable for winter and 1.2 million quilts are urgently required.

Its 2.5 million that are living in tents, and still another 400,ooo at the higher altitudes where probably there are no camps, and by January it will be snowing many feets.

Their troubles are endless, but the world has already forgotten them, the promised help has not reached them while they are in dire need of it.

THe point is think of all that you could need if you were them. Sweaters, jackets, socks, caps, gloves, shoeswinterized tents, anything to keep them going and warm. Food and medicine also because they are getting infections, and pneumonia.

Find out ways in which you can help them.

My side bar has the link to donate to Islamic Relief

and another one to direct you to a page listed with a number of organizations you can choose from and donate.

Go ahead and give them hope to live.

****************************************************

And whatever you spend in the way of ALLAH, it shall be paid back to you in full and you shall not be wronged- The Quraan 8:61

Behold ! You are those who are called upon to spend in the way of ALLAH; but of you there are some who are niggardly. And whoso is niggardly, is niggardly only against his own soul. 47: 38.

And those of you who believe and spend will have a great reward. 57:7

'In the Name of Allah'

2005-12-19T13:39:00.000+05:00

Blessings of Reciting 'Bismillah'

['Bismillah' is a short prayer for blessing, and for getting God's help and protection before starting any act]

In one of my previous post Beginning the Quraan, I talked about why it is important to begin the Quraan by saying Ta'awuz ("I seek Allah's refuge against Satan, the rejected"), the next etiquiette is to say 'In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful', and then we begin reading the Quraan.

This is to be said not just to begin reading the Quraan, but before doing anything except a bad or evil task.

When starting a work by Allah's (The God) name, He puts blessings in that, it could be in the sense that the output is increased, or it is done in a better way and also it reminds us that because we started by saying God's name, we must not cheat in it etc. or we must not do it in such a way to harm others or ourselves, or in anyway that can be evil.

Again it really hits the poor satan, not only he cannot take part in what we are doing, but also there is something else that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said. The following incident is taken from Tafsir Ibn Katheer .

Imam Ahmad recorded in his Musnad, that a person who was riding behind the Prophet said, "The Prophet's animal tripped, so I said, `Cursed Shaytan.' The Prophet said,

'Do not say, 'Cursed Shaytan,' for if you say these words, Satan becomes arrogant and says, 'With my strength I made him fall.' When you say, 'Bismillah,' Satan will become as small as a fly.'

This is how it looks in Arabic.

Pronounced: Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem

Means: In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Quraan on Your Mobile Phone

2005-12-15T23:09:00.000+05:00

Update: June 04, 06

Been long since i have been waiting to get the holy Quraan on my mobile phone. Alhamdulilah now that I have it myself I can share my experience. I couldnt download it from the mobiquran site for some reason, I got it from PocketQuran.Com for my Sony Ericsson K700i.

It is quite a simple program, with the complete Holy Quraan in Arabic, with chapter and verse numbers, an index of surah names, and you can go to a specif verse by entering a number from a particular chapter. You can also save three bookmarks for later use.

For novices, you either download the file from the site to your pc, and then get it downloaded to your phone via data cable or/ infrared device/ bluetooth. And then you run it from your phone, which should be java enabled.

Or else if your phone is GPRS enabled, go to wap.PocketQuran.com and download direct to your phone.

This is good, but i hope that MobiQuran works too. Also plz share if you know a better software like this.

______________________

Nov 19,05
Assalamalaikum

I found something good while surfing yesterday. Its a nice site which lets you install the Holy Quraan program on your cell phone. I havent tried, coz i dont have the right model yet.

MobiQuran

Steps are very simple and you can choose from nine languages, alongwith Latin aphabets, and also 4 different Turkish translations.

___________________________________________________

And here i must again mention the Quraan Digital Book on which you can read and listen the Quraan in Arabic also, plz see the rest of its great features on the link above.

UPDATE

_________________________________________________
Dec 15, 05

What I found this time is the colored version of the Digital Quraan

Colored Digital Quraan

It is beautiful, and also has a lot more additional featurs. Also has the Quraan translation in Urdu language.

________________________________________

English - A Journey to Explore Islam
Buy Today @ AL-Basheer.com

Guidelines for Hifz students

2005-12-10T23:12:00.000+05:00

i.e for those who want to memorize the Quraan.

Q - What is the best time to memorise the new lesson?

A - The best time to learn the new lesson is when one's mind is quite relaxed. Generally this is at the time of Fajr (the morning prayer) and after the Magrib salah (the prayer after sunset).

Q - What is the best method to use in memorising one's new lesson?

A - One of the most effective methods to use in memorising the new lesson is as follows: Before commencing the actual procedure of memorisation, read the new lesson at least three or four times. This will prepare the student mentally for the lesson, as well as give him the crux of the lesson. Secondly, memorise verse by verse (ayah after ayah). Do not precede to the next verse if you have not memorised the previous one properly. Be very observant when memorising the lesson.

Q - How should one memorise a verse which is extremely long eg. Verse 282 of Surah Al-Imran (Chapter on the family of Imran)?

A - If the verse is very long, it is most advisable to memorise it in portions, eg. By memorising small portions of the verse. Once the entire verse has been memorised, one would be capable of reciting it fluently.

Q - Is it advisable for students to memorise their lessons by listening to cassettes?

A - It is advisable for students to listen to their new lesson on cassette then to begin memorising it. However, a more approved method is where the ustadh (teacher) himself recites the new lesson to the student and thereafter the student memorises his lesson.

Q - Are there any special benefits in listening to cassettes by the student?

A - From the many special benefits here are a few:

* Listening to these cassettes creates a greater urge and fervour to learn eg. A student loves to listen to the recital of the Qur'an by Sheikh Abdul Rahman As-Sudais, now by him listening to the recitation, this enhances the desire of learning.

* The student gets more familiar with the method of recital.

* The student tends to remember his lesson for a longer period of time.

NB. The effort of the student is still of utmost importance.

Q - Many students keep mentioning that certain chapters of the Qur'an are extremely difficult to memorise eg. Surah As Saffat. Please advise us.

A - These are merely statements of ignorance. Psychology proves when a person retains such statements and takes them to heart, one is bound to find the lesson difficult to memorise. The clarity of mind plays an extremely important role when memorising a lesson.

Q - Can you enlighten us on the importance of reciting one's lesson to the teacher before commencing the actual process of memorisation?

A - The importance of reciting the new lesson by the teacher cannot be over emphasized. One is definitely saved from many errors which could arise because of negligence. The student is made aware of any weakness regarding the application of the laws of tajweed etc.

Q - How much of the new lesson should a student learn?

A - This depends mainly on the student himself. The amount varies from 1/3 of a page to 2 pages and more.NB. Quality is of utmost importance, not quantity.Thus far most of the questions dealt with the 'new lesson' (sabaq). Hereunder follow questions pertaining to the 'previous day's lessons', revision (dor, Muraj'ah) as well as miscellaneous advice and noteworthy points.

Q - Students find great difficulty in remembering their previous day's lesson. What is the main cause for this?

A - The main cause for students forgetting their previous day's lesson is negligence.Hereunder follow some methods which will assist the students. As soon as the student recites his new lesson to the teacher from memory, he must revise the very same lesson instantly at least 4 to 5 times. The very same method should be adopted before one learns one's revision (i.e. the repetition of the new lesson).

Q - Students tend to make a lot of mistakes when reciting their revision. What is the cause of this?

A - Mistakes are unavoidable. It must be remembered that memorising the Qur'an takes different stages eg. First the student has to memorise the new lesson, revise it etc. It is like a building. The foundation has to be firm. Then only is it possible for the building to stand. Similarly, once the student makes the effort to learn his new lesson (sabaq) correctly, his revision becomes easier.To decrease the rate of mistakes, the teacher can set a target for the student eg. the student is not permitted to make more than 3 or 4 mistakes in a surah (chapter).

Q - What is the recommended amount of revision that a student should recite daily?

A - The Qur'an consists of 30 parts, it would be highly recommended that every student recites at least one part every day.

Q - How does a student remember those texts/ places in the Qur'an which are very often repeated? (Mutashabihat)

A - One can only remember these places after excessive learning.

Q - Is it necessary for a student to learn from one print of the Qur'an or can he learn from different prints of the Qur'an?

A - It is very important that a student learns from one print of the Qur'an, because the student generally visualises his lessons. Now if he starts learning from different prints, very soon he is going to be confused.NB. This also leads to a lot of strain on the student's mind.

Q - Does one learn better by reciting audibly or inaudibily?

A - This depends mainly on the student. Some students prefer to learn aloud whereas others prefer to learn in a low voice. The advantage of reciting aloud is that one tends to read more clearly and will detect any mistake one makes easily.

Mujahida an Nafs

_______________________________

English - Tahfizh Al-Quran v3.0

Learn to Recite and Memorize the Holy Qur'an through an Advanced Educational Approach
Buy Today @ AL-Basheer.com

2005-12-08T20:43:00.000+05:00

Seize the Day, Tomorrow is not Yours

2005-12-06T17:02:00.000+05:00

New article at Voice From the Heart about the latest situation of pakistan quake victims.

Count Down Continues More Complaints than Praises

It has rained, it has snowed and they are sick and exposed and are dying in the open in the camps with and without shelter as October 8 earthquake exposed everything that is harped for the people in ‘land of the pure’........

Beginning the Quraan

2005-12-04T16:39:00.000+05:00

Why must "Auzubillahi Min ash Shaitaan ir Rajeem" be our first words we say before begining to read the Quraan, yes its one of the ettiquettes for when one wants to read the Quraan. (Meaning: "I seek Allah's refuge against Satan, the rejected")

The very first reason is, because Allah has commanded this in the Quraan itself,

"And when you recite the Quaan, seek refuge with ALLAH from Satan, the rejected" [16: 98]

And Satan is an enemy to us, because we are friends to Allah (the God), or are meant to be.

And the Quraan is the way to God. Satan would never want us to reach God, and get His pleasure, because he himself was rejected by God due to his own arrogance.

So he comes in our way, as we start to get guidance through Allah's words. He starts putting the opposite thoughts in our mind, so that we may not understand it correctly, get confused or even close it and place it aside.

Actually through this we are tested. NOT that Satan does that by having some power out of God's control. Ofcourse not, he is let to do all this by Allah. So for us it is a constant struggle. Another 'Jihad'.

"I seek Allah's refuge against Satan, the rejected"

And these words are a weapon. But remember our enemy is all time alert and very determined, he would keep attacking as he has vowed against us. That means we got to be equally resolute.

Even with you holding your weapon, he would be setting on you. Now you put your trust in Allah, because he cant harm unless Allah wills it. As Allah says, 'And upon All the believers should trust" [58.10].

Now be sure that you are protected by Allah, because you asked for it.

"And if an evil suggestion of Satan assail you, then seek refuge in ALLAH; surely, HE is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

As to those who are righteous, when an evil suggestion from Satan assails them, they remember ALLAH and behold ! they begin to see aright. "[7:200-201]

Ask For a Quraan

2005-12-02T16:49:00.000+05:00

Asalamualaikum (Peace be upon you)

Write to or Visit on-line the organizations listed Here to receive a Free Translation of the Holy Quran in the mail.

King Fahd Holy Quran Printing Complex
Distributor of copies of the Holy Quran:
P.O. Box 3561, Al Madinah Al-Munawarah Saudi Arabia

Contact a local Saudi Embassy or Consulate for more information.
The phone # of the Saudi Embassy is:
(202) 342-3800
The department to contact is the Islamic Affairs Division.

Royal Embassy of Saudi ArabiaIslamic Affairs
601 New Hampshire Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20087
Website: http://www.iad.org/ - Islamic Affairs Division

Qur'an Account Inc. c/o A.S. Hashim, M.D.
Free Islamic books to the LIBRARIES OF PRISONS ONLY:
Requests by chaplains for the free Islamic books to the libaries of prisons should be written to:
6407 Tuckerman Lane
Rockville, MD 20852

Royal Embassy Of Saudi Arabia
Cultural Office 600 New Hampshire Avenue, NW,
Suite 500 Washington DC 20037
ph (202) 337-9450

World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY)
P.O.Box 8096 Falls Church, VA 22041
Phone: 703-931-7239
FaX : 703-931-7253

WAMY Headquarters at Riyadh :
Wamy, P. O. Box 10845, Riyadh 11443, Saudi Arabia
Tel. : (01) 464-1669/465-5431, from the other pamphlet :
Tel. : (01) 464-1663, 464-3281, Fax. : (01) 464-1710
Branch office at Jeddah :
WAMY, P. O. Box 8856, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Tel. : (02) 689-1962

Centro Islamico de Traduccionn (C.I.T.)
An organization which helps Spanish Muslims to get accurate information about Islam. To any Spanish speaking person who is interested in Islam, they distribute free Islamic literature in Spanish.
21 Oak terr. #6F
Somerville, NJ 08876
U.S.A.
e-mail: citi@bellatlantic.net

Why IslamFree Brochures
http://www.whyislam.org/brochures/

Talk Islam
Free Quran
http://www.sharaaz.com/cgi/free.html

You can also visit an Islamic Center or Mosque near you to receive a Free Translation of the Holy Quran

Peace and Blessings

This is a copy of a page at Converts to Islam

Recommended Book:

English - Towards Understanding the Quran (Vol. 2 Surahs 4-6)
Buy Today @ AL-Basheer.com

Special Additions

2005-12-01T14:23:00.000+05:00

There has been a few additions to 'My Quraan' which I would like to mention separately to highlight.

ON the right , the side bar bottom I put a link to buy a copy of the Quraan from Amazon.com, translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. ANd right below it is another one where you can get a Biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), or you can read it online at http://www.al-sunnah.com/nektar/ without buying it, this is also the new link added to the link section.

Another link that i have added is that of an Index to the Quraan, which is ofcourse very useful for finding verses by topics from the Quraan. like for example, you want to look for the verses where Allah SWT talks about angels, so the index gives you all those verse numbers. There are more detailed ones as well, like the one that my copy of the Quraan has (Abdullah Yusuf Ali Translation). So once i find a better one i will replace the link inshaAllah.

And finally the Earthquake section, I keep updating it almost daily with the latest headlines from the Pakistan quake hit areas, or anything else related, because that must not be forgotten, those people need our care, and the world must be kept reminded about their suffering. This is little I can do through this page, because on the whole I must stick to what this site was created for basically.

Assalamalaikum :)

Now Dying of Cold

2005-11-30T13:12:00.000+05:00

The quake effected people in the northern areas of Pakistan are now out in the severe cold with inadequate shelter and food or none at all. The quake killed more than a hundred thousand and as many or more could die of cold. They need help.

Angry Voices Amid Fear of Freezing Death tells more of what they are going thru.

"Another catastrophe if efforts are not made fast for their rescue people will be seen dying of cold, gangrene, respiratory infections and many other ailments that are bound to hit if planning is not done fast for the rehabilitation to safe and warm climate".
Staying in the open and the delayed relief and rescue efforts in the end will only be spent on dead and frozen stiff bodies which will have mostly children and women as in couple of weeks the cold will get to them as after surviving the quake they have to survive the cold and with nothing much as in keeping warm they freeze out in the chilling temperatures".

Eight Reported Dead, 700 Hospitalized in Pakistani Quake Zone As Cold Descends

Shortage of food could kill more, warns WFP

Quake victims need heating as snow forecast

3 Millions of the homeless need Gas, Kerosene, Wood Stoves, Oil heaters, Blankets, Matresses etc. for cooking and warmth, and the temperatures could fall as low as -12 Celsius.

Quraan For My Heart

2005-11-28T13:09:00.000+05:00

Ibn Al-Qayyim said with regards to what one should do to cure his weak Iman (faith) using the Quraan,

"First you should remove your heart from the life of this world and settle it in the Last Life. Then, pay your full attention to pursuing the meanings of the Quran, and try to comprehend and understand them and what they were sent down to accomplish. Then, offer these meanings to the sickness that your heart feels, and when they touch the disease, they will cure the heart, Allah willing."

"A Good Word Is Charity"

2005-11-24T17:35:00.000+05:00

I have tears in my eyes after reading this extremly beautiful article,

REGRET

Too strongly motivating for one not to act. It has two powerful incidents about the last moments of three young men, which changed the life of a policeman who witnessed their accidents and handled them. And the rest of it is about thoughtful lessons that we learn from all this.

I say Wonderful! I feel so good reading it, and in the middle it has the verse that I had just memorized and was reciting a while ago.

"And those who, if they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and who do not persist in what they have done while they know.

"For those - their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens beneath which rivers flow (in Jannah), wherein they shall abide eternally. Excellent is the reward of the (righteous) workers"

[Aal-e-Imraan: 135-136]- Al-Quraan

An excerpt:

" I heard someone ask our shaykh Hatim al-Asum how he reached the level he was at in reliance upon Allah. He replied,

"I became convinced in four things (i.e. that these four things penetrated my heart).

One, I am convinced that no one else will eat the provision Allah has decreed for me, so I am content.

And two, I am convinced that no one else is going to do good works except me, so I am busy doing it myself.

Three, I am certain death shall come unexpectedly, so I am busying myself in expectation of it.

And four, I am certain I shall never escape the Sight of Allah, so I am shy to disobey him while He is watching.""

The point it makes is that after we are dead we will not be regretting the small things that we lose here in this world and feel so bad over it, but the regret will be each and every second that we spent without worshiping or remembering Allah. So we must start working towards that, and asking forgiveness for all what we did before is the first step, then we go on from there.

Tell me did u feel the same way after reading it, as i do?

HOW TO MANAGE A TRAUMA PATIENT

2005-11-18T13:19:00.000+05:00

A very good article by SG, HERE , thought i must share it here on my blog as well.

(I know if u put the word 'quraan' in the search box and reached here then u must be surprised by this title for today, but this is important too. I know what u came looking for, i have all those links around so plz check out :)

This one is about emergency first aid for trauma patients, which was specially needed after the quake but its never too late, we all must learn the basics and how to do it.

2005-11-17T22:45:00.000+05:00

Allah says:

"And hasten towards the forgiveness from your Lord; and a Garden, the extensiveness of which is (as) the heavens and the earth, it is prepared for those who are God-fearing."

[Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:133]

2005-11-17T11:42:00.000+05:00

Some of the lessons learnt from Quraan that apply to our general living!

1. Respect and honour all human beings irrespective of their religion,colour, race, sex, language, status, property, birth, profession/joband so on [17/70]

2. Talk straight, to the point, without any ambiguity or deception[33/70]

3. Choose best words to speak and say them in the best possible way[17/53, 2/83]

4. Do not shout. Speak politely keeping your voice low. [31/19]

5. Always speak the truth. Shun words that are deceitful andostentatious [22/30]

6. Do not confound truth with falsehood [2/42]

7. Say with your mouth what is in your heart [3/167]

8. Speak in a civilised manner in a language that is recognised by thesociety and is commonly used [4/5]

Muslim Character

Logging Under the Rubble

2005-11-14T14:29:00.000+05:00

Two weeks passed when a rescue team started removing the rubble of a primary school amid strong winds, cold and rain. Obviously it was too late and what they found inside were twenty girl students in dirt and all dead. With fear struck faces and holding tight to each other in twos and threes. They must have faced death for so many days before their lives finally ended in darkness. No one cared to come on time.

Taj, a nine years old girl was found holding a pencil and note book in her hands, with her innocent eyes wide open staring in the void. Her father shrieked as he found his little angel lying dead and stiff cold, all dusty.

All this time since she got trapped under that narrow triangle made by the fallen roof and walls of her class room , she didnt let go of her notebook and pencil and kept writing, and in that communicating with her mom and dad, all her lines begining with Mama or Papa.

But she didnt have any idea of what actually had happened, so she wrote to her dad in that homework book that someone has bombed their school, which made their classroom shake wildly at first, which made them hit and fall on each other, and then another explosion made the roof come down on her fellows. After which it was all foggy with dust.

For the first day, her log was coherent and with the date on top. But later, she scribbled her notes whenever it was enough light for her to jot down and whichever page opened in front of her, and whenever she came out of uncousciousness.

To her dad she writes:

"Papa, our teacher had just finished checking the homework of a few girls, but our classroom suddenly started shaking because some terrorist threw a bomb on our school. We fell on each other. We didnt even get back up when there was an explosion and two beams from the roof came down and with them the whole roof. It fell in such a way that it made our room into a triangle, with beams and the roof. When the dust settled, I saw Asifa, Jannat and Noor pressed under a beam and shouting in pain.Our teacher and the rest of tried hard to move it but it didnt, at all. Then they became still in a few moments. As they went quiet we all started crying and shouting in fear. Our teacher Mariam tried to calm us down and was reciting the Kalima loud. But another huge peice of roof fell on her and she was gone. Due to dust, fear and darkness we all became uncounsious. And then it was complete dark"

These are the last of her ordered notes. Scattered scribblings and fuzzy sentences make up the later part of her log. Now she writes without a date, and writes only when she is back to her consciousness and finds enough light to write on any page she sees.

"Papa, I dont know how I woke up. It was may be the pain, hunger or the sharp ray of light that fell on my eyes. I got up to sit. Everyone around me was laying unconscious and senseless. I started shivering so badly in horror. I called out Saba, Naheed, Yasmeen, but no one even moved, they were so cold.

"Papa, I started crying so much, and from out of nowhere Nazia came and clung with me, i got scared, and i shouted "Who"?, "Me Nazia".

"Papa I m so hungry, there is no water, then we started crying together, huddled with each other.

Now, Taj started writing in very short lines.

Papa, Nazia is so quied, she doesnt cry at all.

Papa, she doesnt talk.

Papa, I am so scared.

Mama, give me bread, give me water.

Papa, Mama, it is so cold.

Mama, my leg is getting stiff.

Papa Papa, Mama Mama

Mama, Who took my blanket

Papa, my stomach.

Mama dont you know, I need a blanket?

Mama where are you, where are you?

And then there is just a line stretching across her notebook, she could write no more. She held her copy till the end, and this is all what her father has of her now, who told how he had taught her to write a story, when she asked for it a year or so ago. He had told her to write just as an incident happens in front of her eyes, so she used to write a real story everyday of what she used to see around.

And she had a story to tell when she was dying too, no amount of words can ever tell her pain. Thousands other kids like her lost their lives in their very schools. They couldnt be reached because of the haphazard aid and rescue efforts. Wailing parents could do nothing with bare hands. But they kept clinging to the broken schools in a disoriented state, with their ears on fallen walls, to hear one word from inside. But most still can't even have their children's dead bodies, because this is all that they want now so they can see them, touch them and bury them with their own hands.

Time wasted is the time wasted. Though most from around the country have played their part, but there are more people left to be cared than those have been reached and helped. All because of being disorganized on the overall, and not being prepared even on the basic level.

We ask Allah to ease their pains, and give peace to the departed souls. Aameen.

Here is the original story in Urdu, from Urdupoint, where i read it:

Hamare Aane Wale Kal Ke e Mout

And another article mentioning it:

And there were no more screams

Wish I Can Help

2005-11-08T14:31:00.000+05:00

Though this page is originally all about my study and teaching of the Quraan, and thats what it was started for and is still about. But for the time being, as you have noticed, I have been writing more about earthquake aftermath. This is because this disaster has had a deep impact on myself spiritually, and the damage it has done to the people is colossal. Now i wish i can use this page for anything it can do to make a contribution towards helping it.

It is exactly a month now. The world probably doesnt feel the magnitude of damage, which has been greater than the Tsunami.

Thanks to Allah billion trillion times me, my family, friends, and relatives all have been safe Alhamdulilah. It is the horrible state and suffering of the people coming from the destroyed cities and towns, which is so painful it has broken my heart. Most people, especially kids, are in a state of shock and trauma after seeing their loved ones and everything get crushed in front of their eyes in seconds. Their minds and eyes just cant let go of those scenes.

All it took was a few seconds of time, and all the buildings came down as a pile of rubble, most of them, even the multistorey building, swallowed by the earth with their roofs almost on the ground level. And it was all so quick it didnt give anyone time to rush out, and the building turned into graves. All 8000 or so schools were destroyed and the kids crushed under their very roofs while they had just started their lessons in the morning. Hospitals, libraries, police stations, govt. offices, everything is gone.

i would like to share what some eyewitnesses had to tell about the disaster, when on Saturday I went to join some volunteers.

An amazing account was by a lady who told how theirs was the only house standing in that area (officers colony, Muzzafarabad) after the quake, and that she says is because they were studying the Quraan there, and the place where Quraan is being read is encircled by the angles of mercy (according to a hadith). And thats absolutely true. They had daily Quraan classes in that house, and this lady used to teach kids.

When the jolts started, she said they were very violent, but no one rushed out. She said they felt a strange calm and the kids stayed at their place, and recited prayers. Then they saw the roof getting separated from the walls on one side of the room, as if just about to come down. The jolts were getting more severe and it was taking it too long to stop. Ofcourse it wasnt like any other earthquake. But when finally it settled, she went to look for the kids in the other room, seeing they were all fine she returned to her class and was proud to find out the kids were in prostration, praying nafl to thank Allah, and she joined them too. She said she felt so great seeing them praying so peacefuly in that frightening situation.

But the real surprise came when they went outside to see each and every building around crashed down and dust clouds all around. The next house was all rubble and down in their lawn. This was ofcourse astonishing as their house was no different than the others that fell down in seconds, in construction and stuff. That was the only building, she said, that stood safe in that area, except a few cracks in two of the rooms. And it's a sign indeed, as the angles circle the place where Quraan is being read and peace descends there. Its Allah who protected them, ofcourse.

For others it was horrifying, most people said it started with a very sudden wind storm, then there was a black smoke or dust, and then the earhquake with a booming noise. For some the earth cracked and they fell into it. Others got stuck alive in the rubble of their houses for days. Amazing they took one young man out after 21 days, imagine! He was apparently ok, with a few injuries, but he was in shock, wasnt responding and he wasnt able to listen now.

A school teacher had decided to have her maths class out in the open just minutes before the catastrophe. She also described the same things happening before the quake, saying the weather was just calm, but there was a sudden violent wind and black smoke following it. Then it took only moments for the school building to collapse in front of them.

Another lady just came out of her kitchen when suddenly the wind blew and jolts started and her kitchen broke apart and collapsed behind her. She rushed to pick up her baby, falling three times on her way. And when she finally was holding her baby her two storey house starting falling down and with it she and her son also. Both were able to come out of rubble later unscratched Alhamdulilah.

But a majority people got buried alive, and their cries for help subdued by time. And their disoriented family member still roaming around helplessly because there is no way they can more the heavy boulders without the machines.

The people who are surviving are so lost, and seeing so many hardships ahead didnt even have time to grieve. Digging graves with their hands and burrying the ppl the loved, they have nothing to lose. Now they have nothing to eat, for most there is no shelter in these freezing temperatures.

A huge number of people have lost their limbs, again most of them are kids. It may take them forever to get over this, and to get back to normal life.

The trauma is immense, i can go on and on about it. I would say, everyone around the world, esp. the Muslims, do all the help you can. Everyone can help in someway or the other in their capacity. There are a million way in which we can help, as their needs are as many and more.

Allah please help them, and help us do our best for them and manage, so that not a single one of them is left without proper care. Allah please forgive us, make us better human beings and better Muslims, and give us the best lives here and in the Hereafter. O Allah have Mercy.

Aameen!

2005-11-04T06:41:00.000+05:00

"And say (unto them): Act! Allah will behold your actions, and (so will) His Messenger (pbuh) and the Believers, and you will be brought back to the Knower of the invisible and the visible, and He will tell you what you used to do." [9:105].

Get Into Action

2005-10-28T13:32:00.000+05:00

From the mound of rubble, a little voice cries
“Please help me”, then it fades and dies

Cries, anguish, tears, there’s despair all around
There’s no face you can see on which hope’s to be found

An old man is seated, next to him is a corpse
It’s his only son, “O please help him God!”

A little girl holding a hand so tight
It’s her brother’s hand who died last night

Blood pouring from wounds, there’s a stench in the air
Towards the sky the dead just stare

It’s freezing cold, people thirsty and starved
No fire or light, its just pitch dark

A baby is crying, it can sense something’s wrong
‘Cause the comfort of its mother’s arms is gone

I sit there and look at the distressing scenes
It seems so unreal on the TV screen

Then all of a sudden I start to weep
That could be my child, that could be me!

The tears won’t stop - it’s like a dam that’s burst
‘Cause something tells me it’s going to get worse

Will things ever be the same? O God we need help
It’s not only their trial, but ours as well

Then all of a sudden, something happens to me
It’s like I’ve been blind and now I can see

No weeping for me! That’s all in the past
Let me get into action and do my part.

ZainabHabib

TURN BACK TO YOUR LORD

2005-10-28T06:47:00.000+05:00

"And turn in repentance and in obedience with true faith to your Lord and submit to Him before the torment comes upon you (and) then you will not be helped."

(Az-Zumar: 54)

The need of today is to focus on one's own reformation on an individual and collective level. If we cannot set right the disorder in the world, we can at least correct our own selves.

Let us then strive for our own improvement because the hardships that others are facing today may well engulf those tomorrow who are now mere spectators.

"And fear the fitnah which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong and know that Allah SWT is severe in punishment."

(Al-Anfal: 25)

Hardships & Calamities are a Warning

2005-10-28T06:41:00.000+05:00

It is necessary for every heedful eye to learn a lesson from the calamities and disasters occurring in the lives of individuals and nations. To call them a turn of events, natural calamities or merely an accident and to move on can prove harmful.

Allah Ta'ala says:

"And verily we will make them taste of the near torment (in this world) prior to the supreme torment (in the Hereafter) in order that they may return (repent).”

(As-Sajdah: 21)

THE WAY TO AVERT CALAMITIES

"Was there any town that believed and its faith saved it (from the punishment) except the people of Yunus; when they believed we removed from them the torment of disgrace in the life of the world and permitted them to enjoy for a while (more). "

(Yunus:98)

Consequently, faith in and obedience to Allah Ta'ala is the only way to salvation.

When Disaster Strikes

M o u n t a i n s

2005-10-24T07:12:00.000+05:00

Chapter 27- An-Naml [The Ant], Verse: 88- The Holy Quraan

Transliteration: wa taral jibaala taHsabuhaa jaamidataw wa hiya tamur-ru mar-ras saHaab* Sun'Al-laahil-ladhiy atqana kul-la shay'* in-nahuu khabiyrum bimaa taf'Aluun

Translation: "And you see the mountains, you think them to be solid, and they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds-- the handiwork of Allah Who has made every thing thoroughly; surely He is Aware of what you do".
Shakir's Translation.

After the Disaster

2005-10-22T15:04:00.000+05:00

LET US ANALYZE OURSELVES:

 How have I reacted in this present situation? With panic, despair and wailing or with dignity, patience and faith?

 Do I only remember Allah when I face hardships or calamities and once it passes away, do I forget Him?

 What positive change has come about in my life after this calamity?

 Have I started to study what guidance Allah has sent for me in the Quran?

 Has my pace in constructive activities (efforts towards personal reformation, hastening in good deeds) increased?

 Do I still put off good deeds for the next day?

 Have I stopped wasting my time? Have I left idleness, laziness and negligence?

 Has there been any change in my routine (recreation, parties, shopping, useless chatting)?

 Have I started worrying about fulfilling my obligations, acts of worship and responsibilities?

 Have I left moral vices such as backbiting, lying, fighting and breaking trusts?

 What have I done to help my Muslim brothers affected by the earthquake?

 What have I sacrificed to serve Allah's Deen?

 If death overtakes me today, am I ready to meet Allah Ta'ala?

IF WE CANNOT CHANGE OURSELVES, HOW CAN WE EXPECT THE CONDIONS OF THIS WORLD TO CHANGE?

Taken from a pamphlet

Am I Prepared?

2005-10-21T14:26:00.000+05:00

I Listened to the explanation of Chapters 21 and 22 of the Quraan today, at the mosque, and they make so much more sense now

"Draws near for mankind their reckoning, while they turn away in heedlessness." (Al-Anbiya 21:1)

"O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily the earthquake of the Hour (Day of Judgement) is a terrible thing."

"The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one will drop her load, and shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet they will not be drunken, but severe will be the Torment of Allah" (Al-Hajj 22:1-2)

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet pbuh said, "The Hour (Last Day) will not be established until (religious) knowledge will be taken away (by the death of religious learned men), earthquakes will be very frequent, time will pass quickly, afflictions will appear, murders will increase and money will overflow amongst you." (See Hadith No. 85 Vol 1). [bukari]

Its Allah's mercy in a way to send us these warnings. Its time to prepare!

"...and let every soul look to what it sends forth for the morrow" [Al-Hashr 59:18]

LET THIS BE A START

2005-10-17T16:08:00.000+05:00

All of us Pakistanis are together helping our fellows in pain and endless troubles, and all of us are making use of all the ways in which we can lessen their pain even if we are having to sacrifice. I wish this spirit remains high and doesnt settle down in the next few days. Because no matter how much we do they will need us much and for a long time.

And why should we forget, its not just now after the earthquake that we are seeing all this suffering. Most people in our country are already poor, there are homeless spending their days and nights in the open no matter how fierce the weather is.

There are foodless with big families, because they cant earn enough money, and many even commit suicide due to that.

There are those (actually most in our country) who dont have clean water to drink, because its all contaminated and causes death and disease.

And when they get ill, they cant afford for themselves a proper treatment or even a simple medicine.

Infact, all the suffering that you are seeing now has been there already and on a much larger scale than this quake has caused.

Other than the food and shelter missing, you can imagine all kinds of troubles in store for the poor and weak in our country and all over the Muslim world. Injustice, opression by the rich and poweful, cruelty shown to the women, and lack of all the basic facilities like education, jobs etc.

Isnt all that equally heart aching? we must remain sensitive to this, and not show apathy thinking we keep hearing about this all the time and its just too common.

SO why shouldnt we keep together and united like this and like we have already tried our best to help the quake victims on our own. LETS CONTINUE THIS FOREVER, HELPING THE POOR and THOSE in PAIN. Lets this be a start and make ourselves more organized so we can help properly now and in coming times

Right now i m remided of a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said that anyone of you having any extra thing (that he doesnt use) he should give it to the other person (and not keep it to himself)

Who would remain poor if all of us did this?

Keep Sharing! :)

May Allah bless us all, aameen.

I will put the reference of the hadith later when i find it inshaAllah , i read it in Riyad us Saliheen.

If you are thankful and believe....

2005-10-16T16:25:00.000+05:00

"Why should ALLAH punish you, if you are thankful and if you believe ? And ALLAH is Appreciating, All-Knowing"

[The Quraan:4:147]

"And that you seek forgiveness of your Lord, and then turn to HIM. HE will provide for you a goodly provision until an appointed term. And HE will grant HIS grace to everyone possessed of merit. And if you turn away, then surely I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful day".

"To ALLAH is your return; and HE has full power over all things".

[The Quraan 11:3-4]

Friday

2005-10-14T13:16:00.000+05:00

This Friday please make special prayers for the earthquake victims and the effectees. And for ourselves, we must make prayers of forgivness, and we MUST offer prayers of repentance, so that Allah diverts His punishment from us, relents to us and shows His mercy.

Aameen.

"Know that ALLAH is Severe in punishment and that ALLAH is also Most Forgiving and ever Merciful".
5: 98.

2005-10-13T12:14:00.000+05:00

I still can't believe that the same magnitude earthquake that I survived has destroyed some other cities completely. And I must do something specially as a thanks to Allah for that and for the help of people who are in pain beyong words.

No matter how much we do, it can't make up for the losses they are suffering and will continue to suffer.

Here in Islamabad we couldnt sleep for many nights due to the fear of aftershocks which havent been just a few (a 5.5 aftershock recorded just today morning, and my dad just called telling me his office building has been evacuated coz there are news/rumors for more quakes of high magnitude). We made special prayers during the Taraveeh prayers at the mosque and more nafl prayers for forgiveness and repentance also. And everyone of us must do that as well.

Now although the fear has lessened but its the extreme suffering of the our fellows that doesnt let us rest peacefully. Its heart aching. There are kids, old people, women being taken out from under the debris after days, from the seriously wounded to unscratched. Most painful is to see the kids who have survived but have lost their parents, no doubt they aren't the same anymore, they have plain faces and empty staring eyes.

And then homeless people living under the open sky day and night in cold, withouth tents, clothes, and even water.

Ordinary people are helping a great deal, and both the local and global media are conveying images of the catastrophe, but I m only afraid this fervour would only be initial and the effected people might be forgotten soon, while they will be needing long term help.

Please dont forget them and move on with ur comfortable lives while they will be suffering till the end of their lives. We all know the ways in which we can help, find out more ways even if you have to make little sacrifices. Allah will show mercy! InshaaAllah

I think three kinds of aid is needed, its our material aid, our physical help, and our efforts to help reduce their stress and trauma, and ofcourse their rehabilitation in time. InshaaAllah. There are a million ways we can do that, so get up and do it for God only.

"...`Seek help from ALLAH and be steadfast..."

7:129-The Holy Quraan

`And seek forgiveness of your Lord; then turn wholly to HIM. Verily, my Lord is Merciful, Most Loving.'

11: 91- The Holy Quraan

2005-10-10T09:42:00.000+05:00

The earth is not still yet and its been two days after the quake. Everyone plz keep praying.

I have a class now, will be back soon to write more.

Shaken

2005-10-08T12:39:00.000+05:00

Its 3rd Ramadan, and a little time ago at 8:52 am we were shaken by a horrible voilent earthquake here in Pakistan. I had just finished posting my previous entry on this blog, and was still on the computer when it started and i just felt lifeless coz it was the strongest quake i have ever felt.

My house was swaying right and left, back and forth, and i couldnt run to go out (i could manage to move only as much to get under this table that i work on, and watch everything vibrate in front of me). Astaghfirullah very frightening it was. May Allah have mercy on all of us aameen.

There are still aftershocks as i write this which will continue for the next few days according to the Met. department. How terrible it must be for the people who are still alive under the rubble, injured and calling for help. May Allah protect them and help them to get out unharmed, and may Allah have mercy on the souls of those who have already died in this. Aameen.

Allah SWT says in the Quraan:

"Do you feel secure from HIM Who is in the heaven that HE will not cause the earth to sink with you ? When lo ! it begins to shake".

........ Then will you know how terrible was MY Warning!"

[Al Mulk-67: 16-17]

It was indeed a big warning for us, should make us think. Allah! You are so kind to give me still another chance. I will be as it pleases You and will remember You all the time. Give me the ability to keep my promises that i keep making to You, Forgive me and have mercy and keep us safe Aameen.

To a Dead Heart

2005-10-08T08:31:00.000+05:00

The servant is not afflicted with a punishment greater in severity than the hardening of the heart and its being distant from Allaah. The Fire was created to melt the hardened heart, this heart which is the most distant of hearts from Allaah. If the heart becomes hardened the eye becomes dry [and finds no joy or tranquillity].

There are four matters, when the limits are transgressed with regards to them, which harden the heart: food, sleep, speech and sexual intercourse. A body afflicted by disease does not derive nourishment from food and water and similarly a diseased heart does not benefit from admonishment or exhortation.

Whosoever desires to purify his heart then let him give preference to Allaah over his base desires.

The heart that clings to its base desires is veiled from Allaah in accordance to the strength of its attachment to them. The hearts are the vessels of Allaah upon His earth, hence the most beloved of them to Him are those that are most tender, pure and resistant to deviation.

[A reference to the hadeeth, "Truly, Allaah has vessels from amongst the people of the earth, and the vessels of your Lord are the hearts of his righteous slaves, and the most beloved of them to Him are the softest and most tender ones" and it is hasan. Refer to as-Saheehah (no. 1691)]

The transgressors preoccupied their hearts with the pursuit of this world. If only they had preoccupied them with Allaah and seeking the Hereafter then they would have instead reflected upon the meaning of His Words and His Signs that are witnessed in creation. Their hearts would have returned to their owners (in whose chests they reside) bestowing upon them marvellous wisdom and pearls of benefit.

When the heart is nourished with dhikr, its thirst quenched with contemplation and cleansed from corruption, it shall witness remarkable and wondrous matters and be inspired with wisdom.

Not every individual who is endowed with knowledge and wisdom and dons its robe is from among its people. Rather the People of Knowledge and Wisdom are those who have infused life into their hearts by slaughtering their desires. As for the one who has destroyed his heart and given precedence to his desires then knowledge and wisdom are deprived from his tongue.

The destruction of the heart occurs through possessing a sense of security and negligence. The heart is fortified through fear of Allaah and dhikr. If the heart renounces the pleasures of this world then it will be directed towards pursuing the bliss of the Hereafter and it will be amongst those who call to it. Should the heart become content with the pleasures of this world the bliss of the Hereafter ceases to be pursued.

Yearning for Allaah and meeting Him is like a gentle breeze blowing upon the heart, blowing away the blazing desire for this world. Whosoever causes his heart to settle with his Lord shall find himself in a calm and tranquil condition and whosoever sends it amongst the people shall be disturbed and excessively perturbed. This is because the love of Allaah can never enter the heart which contains love of this world until the camel passes through they eye of a needle.

Therefore the most beloved servant to Allaah is the one who He places in His servitude, who He selects for His Love, who He causes to purify his worship for Him, who dedicates his life to Him, his tongue to His dhikr and his limbs to His service.

The heart becomes sick as the body becomes sick and its cure lies in repentance and seeking protection from evil.

It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty and it is polished through dhikr.

It becomes naked as the body becomes naked and its adornment comes about through taqwaa.

It becomes hungry and thirsty as the body becomes hungry and thirsty and its hunger and thirst is satiated through knowledge, love, reliance, repentance and servitude to Allaah.

Al-Fawaa`id [pp. 111-112] of ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, may Allaah have mercy upon him.[The translation is taken from ‘An Explanation of Riyaadh as-Saaliheen’ Vol. 1, Trans. Abu Sulaymaan and modified.]

Will You Let it Go?!

2005-09-28T23:11:00.000+05:00

'Abdullah b. 'Umar reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:

"The example of a man who has memorised the Qur'an is like that of a hobbled camel. If he remained vigilant, he would be able to retain it (with him), and if he loosened the hobbled camel it would escape".

~Sahih Muslim-Book 4, Number 1722 ~

Meaning, the Quraan is lost from the memory very quick if it is not taken care of by keeping it on our tongues and in our heart, reviewing and reciting it everyday some part of it in every prayer so to never let it go. Just like an animal escapes when you let it to be on its own, and then imagine the effort u would have to make to get that lost animal back.

Similarly, Quraan once escaped from the memory and mind and heart, it is very stressful to bring it back to ur mind like it was before. (I am experiencing this too, i realize its a lot to handle for me now, now that i have many chapters in my memory Alhamdulilah, thats why i am here writing all this for myself).

And ofcourse this is not just with the memory of the words of the quraan, its understanding would also be lost if we dont stick to it and dont impart to others what we understood of it.

Why would anyone knowing what a treasure it is, ever let it go?

Here is the test. When my heart is attached to the Quraan, and I read it regularly and feel at peace, as compared to when i recite it only when i m to memorize, that makes the difference. Allah SWT could have made me have it memorized it once and never ever forget it, but I m to stick to it, keep it tied tight with my own struggle, have its blessings all the time by reciting its words. Getting a new meaning that relates to me myself everytime i read the verses, finding more wisdom in them ... and so much more, which i would miss otherwise.

May Allah help retain Quraan in our memories and hearts, as much as we know of it, and increase us in its knowledge and make it a witness in our favour on the Last Day, Aameen!

"And We have indeed made the Qur’ân easy to understand and remember"

(An-Najm 54:17)

Sins Snatch our Knowledge

2005-09-24T18:23:00.000+05:00

Ibn Mas’ood (RA) said,

“I feel that indeed someone will forget knowledge they had a acquired because of sins they commit.”

A man asked Maalik ibn Anas, ‘O Abu ‘Abd-Allaah! Is there anything that will improve my memory?’ Maalik ibn Anas, rahimahullah, replied, ‘If anything will improve it, it is giving up sin.”

Bishr Alhaafee, rahimahullah, said "A servant commits a sin, and is deprived [thereby] of performing tahajjud."

See how important it is to stop disobeying Allah SWT so we can keep His words in our heart, otherwise they are taken away.

And i think all that struggle to concentrate, listening repeatedly, intake of special foods to increase memory and all that wont help in memorizing and having it memorized for ever, unless we are very careful about not commiting any acts of disobedience to Allah SWT.

The Endless Sea

2005-09-20T04:11:00.000+05:00

[photos: "Blue Quraan-10th century"]

Lately, there has been no mention of my lessons of the Quraan, because I havent started any new lessons yet. I will be revising all the chapters that i have already learnt till the Ramadan starts inshaaAllah. And then i will do one more juz during that month.

But even though it is revision (i am on Al-baqarah, done till ruku 6), which means i had read those parts only few days ago in order to memorize. But its amazing how i get new understanding and all new feelings reciting them again this time. How can this be! its truely a miracle.

To tell u how, why do i still feel the words Alif, Laam, Meem (even though the meaning of these no one knows) ? havent i read them thousands times before as well? and then, the verses about believers, non-believers, hypocrites and how Allah SWT talks about them. It is simply because it is Allah SWT talking, and its all about me myself, and my fellow humans, and its the most true speech ever. And because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that the Quraan will never ever get old, and its wonders will never end.

Each verse in itself seems enough, while each of them having a deep connection with the next and the previous.

"O Mankind! Worship your Lord WHO created you and those before you, that you may guard against evil". [2: 21]

.. Does mankind need more than this?

Next, Allah challenges mankind to produce one chapter similar to that of the Quraan, in case they doubt it.

The story of our begining, Allah, angels, Adam/Eve and Satan. And how Allah promises that He will forgive and show His mercy if we keep following His guidance on the Earth & keep returning to Him after making mistakes.

Angel's saying 'No knowledge have we except what You have taught us', so similar to the fact that Adam repents and ask Allah to forgive using the very same prayer that Allah Himself taught him. Absolute Mercy of Allah SWT.

[The images at the top are of the famous 'Blue Quraan' from the early 10th century. Placed now at a museum in Riyad, Saudi Arabia. This is so pretty to look at, golden writting on blue parchment (i.e. vellum, which was kind of hand made 'paper' made from calfskin). its in Kufi script].

The one below here is showing surah al-baqarah verses 197-201

EXQUISITE!

An Energizer

2005-09-18T15:34:00.000+05:00

For today's post, i have a few points from an article i read elsewhere.

"If a sick person doesn’t realize that she is sick, the doctor will never be able to cure her. So realizing that there is a spiritual sickness is a sign that your faith is strong.

It is natural, we all go thru being weak spiritualy at times, and it happens many times. But it renews our souls if we are to do something about it, and not let it be the way it is.

Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allaah to renew the faith in your hearts.” (Reported by al-Haakim)

This Hadith tells us that our faith will become weak but we will have to strengthen it with various actions and different good deeds."

Next, the article suggests some actions for strengthening our faith and once again bringing it to full life.

One is to attend Islamic gathering or even join an Islamic course taking some time out from ur work or studies. As it is understood that the company of good ppl around us is going to have its effect on us. Also they bring you back to ur good state, helping you out of ur slackness.

And then indeed the most important is to stick to the Quraan, reading some portion of it everyday. And remembering Allah in heart and tongue all the time. Here i would like to direct you to an excellent post on another blog. A True Friend!!

Then comes, reading the hadith. And the best would be to read it in a gathering.

Repenting from our past sins. It says "Islam will prevent us from sins....or sins will prevent us from Islam". we must make it a habit to repent, just the way we keep committing sins.

Remember DEATH.

Try to say ur obligatory prayers very properly, and as it is in my previous post, this is actually a way to reach out to Allah to help u be strong in spirit.

All this laziness and low feelings must not make us commit haram or neglect our duties.

Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “Every deed has energy and strength, and then this energy and strength is followed by a slackening, so who’s slackening is in accordance to my Sunnah he will be fine, and who’s slackening is to other than that [i.e., doing unlawful or forbidden deeds] he will be doomed.” (Reported by Ahmad)

Plead to Allah to bring u to great heights of faith, to make u feel the sweetness of it and to make u completely submit to Him. Because we cant, unless Allah grants us the ability to do.

~may Allah make us all strong in our faith. Aameen!

Patience & Prayer

2005-09-15T20:43:00.000+05:00

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اسْتَعِينُواْ بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلوةِ إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

"O you who believe! Seek help in patience and prayer. Truly! Allah is with the patient". [Al-baqarah:153]

Two best means told by Allah SWT to get His help, which I so badly need because of the spiritual state i am in. My prayers and my good deeds are without a soul. And i feel so low, i havent read the Quran in so many days (as i used to). Haven't memorized anything from it in the whole past week.

I pray and pray about it, and inshaaAllah it will be alright soon because Allah listens and is Kind, but its pathetic right now.

I try to concentrate while praying, but my mind strays, and thats the very first thing i need to focus and work on. Because this is the link between me and Allah.

It is mentioned in the Sahih Hadith that “Whenever something happened to the prophet (pbuh), he would pray”

So that means other than the obligatory prayers, some more prayers should be added as well to invoke Allah's mercy. I did start the Ishraaq prayer (the prayer after sunrise), and that was really helpful, i will continue with it again inshaaAllah.

As for patience inshaAllah i plan to fast for a few days in this month of Shabaan. Please make prayers for me, i really need them at this time.

Verily, man is in loss, except those who believe and do good deeds and encourage one another towards truth and encourge one another towards patience. (104:2-3)

I just found a beautiful writing about Prayer, it mentions a hadith Qudsi that would sure help me in concentrating in prayer inshaa Allah.

"I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two parts, and My servant will have what he asks for.

So when the servant says: ‘Al-Hamdulillaahi Rabb-il-‘Alameen’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has praised Me.’

And when he says: ‘Ar-Rahmaan-ir-Raheem’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has extolled Me.’

And when he says: ‘Maaliki-yawm-id-Deen’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has honored Me.’

And when he says: ‘Iyyaaka Na’bdu wa Iyyaaka Nasta’een’, Allaah says: ‘This is between Me and My servant and My servant will have what he asks for.’

And when he says: ‘Ihdinaas-Siraat-al-Mustaqeem. Siraat-aladheena an’amta ‘alaihim. Ghairil-Maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-Daalleen’, Allaah says: ‘This is for My servant and for My servant will be what he asks for.’" [Reported by Muslim]

Good read>>> Virtues of Prayer

Who To Be Like?

2005-09-14T10:45:00.001+05:00

Sahih-al-Bukhari: Volume 6, Book 61, Number 579:

Narrated Abu Musa:

The Prophet (pbuh) said,

"The example of a believer who recites the Qur'an and acts on it, like a citron which tastes nice and smells nice.

And the example of a believer who does not recite the Qur'an but acts on it, is like a date which tastes good but has no smell.

And the example of a hypocrite who recites the Qur'an is like a Raihana (sweet basil) which smells good but tastes bitter.

And the example of a hypocrite who does not recite the Quran is like a colocynth which tastes bitter and has a bad smell".

And ofcourse we rule out the last three and try to be like a citron, both good smelling and good tasting. Prophet pbuh has given such a beautiful metaphor for a believing person who recites the Quraan, from his heart and is not like the one who recites but it doesnt go deeper than his throat. Allah listens to him reciting it. It gives beauty to his soul, and as he acts on it too, others around him taste the goodness of his attitude and his good morals and of everything that he does.

He is loved by Allah and people. Though the second one is good as well for acting upon the Quraan, but the first one has a higher rank with Allah. WE must strive to be like that sweet and fragrant believer.

Holy Quran Digital Book

2005-09-13T17:03:00.000+05:00

This is one of so many ways u can listen to the Quran when on the move, and memorize. This is in relation to my previous post about memorizing by listening. So this is something excellent that i have found (for those who would like to buy it, its £90).

The best thing is that you can read the Quran in Arabic (plus the translations in English and French) on the screen as the recitation goes on, and the recitation speed can also be controlled.

There are a lot many other features, you can read and order HERE

Listen & Memorize

2005-09-12T11:57:00.001+05:00

Listening to the Quran greatly helps when memorizing it.

It can be done by repeatedly listening to one verse till it gets memorized, or listening to a group of verses, and keeping in mind the theme of the verses, making a connection between them by understanding them first. And then memorizing them fully by repeatedly listening to each of them separately.

There can be many ways according to what suits you, but i think understanding their meaning before starting listening is the key.

My most favourite recitor is Shaikh Abd-ur Rahman As-Sudais. His recitation has the most effect on me while listening. Its simply beautiful and very spiritual.

You can download the whole Quran in his voice, here at
AUDIO QURAN

There you can choose from other recitors too.

ALLAH

2005-09-05T10:48:00.000+05:00

Truly in the heart there is a void that can not be removed except with the company of Allah. And in it there is a sadness that can not be removed except with the happiness of knowing Allah and being true to Him. And in it there is an emptiness that can not be filled except with love for Him and by turning to Him and always remembering Him And if a person were given all of the world and what is in it, it would not fill this emptiness.

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya

Prayer

2005-08-23T14:09:00.000+05:00

"Our Lord, do not punish us if we forget or fall into error, and our Lord, lay not on us a responsibility as You did lay upon those before us. Our Lord, burden us not with what we have not the strength to bear; and overlook our sins and grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us; You are our Master; so help us against the disbelieving people". [Al-baqarah:2:286]

Aameen!

2005-08-16T15:09:00.000+05:00

I missed my early morning Quran class for three days in a row, and I was much worried. Also I was having difficulty memorizing, may be because the verses are a bit complicated to learn, like the verses about divorce and other social guidlines.

But anyway i recited the new verses for my teacher and she actually made memorize the next ones right there in a few minutes. We did the translation, and thats ofcourse the tip, I dont think I could do it if i didnt know the meaning of what I memorizing.

The verses are long, starting from 232 onwards, so she made me do them in very small portions. And then reading the whole verse, and in the end reading the whole Ruku (section) together. I read behind her two or three times and it didnt take more than 25 minutes till I had it done. Alhamdulilah.

So the tip is, (for us non-arabs) to learn the meaning of each word before we start.

And then keeping the meanings in mind, doing it in small portions, and finally doing it as a whole.

2005-08-13T11:58:00.000+05:00

I have alhmdulillah done more of the surah Al-baqarah than it is left to do.

My teacher had told me that when Umer (ra) had finished memorizing this surah (chapter) , he sacrificed 60 or 100 camels for charity (which i think is like give as many cars in charity). Lets see what I can do inshaAllah. I have a little money, and dad will help with the rest inshaAllah :)

What i have in my mind is that i will buy a copy of the Quran (with translation) and some books for the neighbor's maid who is learning the Quran from me, and she is so eager to learn and is so quick in understanding, and above all in putting it into practice as soon as I tell her something new. But she will be leaving in a few days, so i must make arrangements so she keeps learning somehow. She is an asset for me like all the students I have, Alhamdulilah.

I have been very slow in doing this surah, I probably should have finished by now, but it is good, I really have felt this surah

Here is a verse from my latest lesson:

Meaning, its a deal with Allah, I give my self all to Him and get His pleasure in return.

This is, making my SELF do all what pleases Allah, and having pleasure in that.

That involves nothing but sacrifice. But its also says Allah is Compassionate to His servants, so once I start Allah will keep making it easy for me. And for all of us.

May we become one of these , Aameen!

2005-07-13T10:36:00.000+05:00

I had started with the last chapters of the Quran. But now as i have started memorizing surah Al-Baqarah, I really feel the difference. The difference is in feeling while reciting it, it is really heart touching, and makes to tremble. It is heart softening. I feel revitalized after reciting them, honestly I never felt so before. It feels like something life-giving to the heart, making it strong and increasing Iman.

It is the verses about the believers, disbelievers and the hypocrites, which are very strong, and at times I can even relate myself with the verses mentioning the hypocrites, that is frigtening.

These verses are not just about those who were known as hypocrites and were obvoiusly the enemies of Islam, they talk about all of us, either being hypocirtes by faith or by actions.

"The lightening almost snatches away their sight, whenever it flashes for them, they walk therein, and when darkness covers them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Certainly, Allah has power over all things." [Al Baqarah:20]

That is, when there are difficulties, and we find it hard to act, we stop obeying Allah, and obey only when we find it easy, or we desire the same thing that pleases Allah. Doing only what suites us, and make no sacrifice.

But Allah still gives them a chance, they could get their light back, in case they rectify their actions

"Allahumma Tahhir Qalbee Minan Nifaaqi, Wa Amali Minar Riyaa, Wa Lisaani Minal Kadhibi, Wa Ainee Minal Khayanah, Fa Innaka Taalamu Khaa eenatul Aa unee, Wa maa tukhfis Sudoor."

"O Allah! Purify my heart form hypocrisy, my deeds from any kind of show (Riya), my tongue from lying and my eye from treachery. For indeed only You know the treachery of the eyes and what lays hidden in the hearts".

Aameen

Assalamalaikum

2005-07-03T08:14:00.000+05:00

[And 'Assalam alaikum' means 'Peace be upon you' in Arabic, is a Muslim greeting]

I have been planing about having a journal on my Quran study, memorization and teaching of the Tajweed (the study of how to recite Quran beautifully and with the right pronunciation). I will just try to add things here that can be of use to all those who read it inshaa Allah.

In time i would like others to share their experiences too, that would help myself greatly.

Prayers for me plz.

I seek Allah's help, and I pray that my intention for this always remains pure, and I do it only for Allah's pleasure. Ameen

Assalamalaikum

What is Quraan?

2005-01-23T10:38:00.000+05:00

Quran

The last Revealed Book
The only complete Divine Guidance

Subject
Mankind

Purpose
Guidance for All
Purpose and goal in life
How to be successful in this world and in the Hereafter
How to be at peace with oneself and one's environment

Source
Allah (The God)

via Angel Jibril A.S (Gabriel)

Revelaed to Prophet Muhammad [Peace be upon him]

Descendant of Prophet Ibrahim A.S through Prophet Ismael A.S
An unlettered Prophet (could not read and write)
Revelation completed in 23 years

Language
Arabic
Allah chose Arabic above all other languages
Translations cannot do justice to it

Content
114 Surahs or chapters
Divided for convenience into 30 parts

Claim
Book of Allah --- every word is from Him
No doubt in it
Protection promised by Allah
No change or tampering (from Revelation until the end of time)

Challenge
Produce similar work if source is doubted

Essence
To Live
Always conscious of Allah, and accountability unto Him
In total submission to His Will
Ever mindful of meting Him on the Day of Judgement

Study Tips
Purify Intention (Niyyah)
Commitment
Regularity
Ponder upon its verses
Remain conscious of the fact that it is the only guaranteed path to success, An All-Profit, No-Loss investment.

7 Reasons to Read the Glorious Quran

2005-01-01T13:30:00.000+05:00

1. Inimitable

It dares you to disprove it. How? It says that humans cannot write a book like this even if they pooled all their resources together and got help also from the spirits. The Qur'an said this fourteen hundred years ago and yet no one has been able to disprove it. Billions of books have been written-but not another one like the Qur'an.

2. Incorruptible

It is the only religious sacred writing that has been in circulation for such a long time and yet remains as pure as it was in the beginning. The Qur'an was kept intact. Nothing was added to it; nothing was changed in it; and nothing was taken away from it ever since its revelation was completed 1400 years ago.

3. Unsurpassable

The Qur'an is God's final revelation to humankind. God revealed the Torah to Moses, the Psalms to David, the Gospel to Jesus, and finally the Qur'an to Muhammad. Peace be upon Moses, David, Jesus and Muhammad. No other book will come from God to surpass His final revelation.

4. Indisputable

The Qur'an withstands the test of time and scrutiny. No one can dispute the truth of this book. It speaks about past history and turns out right. It speaks about the future in prophecies and it turns out right. It mentions details of physical phenomena which were not known to people at the time; yet later scientific discoveries prove that the Qur'an was right all along. Every other book needs to be revised to accord with modern knowledge. The Qur'an alone is never contradicted by a newly discovered scientific fact.

5. Your Roadmap for Life and Afterlife

The Qur'an is the best guidebook on how to structure your life. No other book presents such a comprehensive system involving all aspects of human life and endeavor. The Qur'an also points out the way to secure everlasting happiness in the afterlife. It is your roadmap showing how to get to Paradise.

6. God's Gift of Guidance

God has not left you alone. You were made for a reason. God tells you why he made you, what he demands from you and what he has in store for you. If you operate a machine contrary to it's manufacturer's specification you will ruin that machine. What about you? Do you have an owner's manual for yourself? The Qur'an is from your Maker. It is a gift for you to make sure you function for success, lest you fail to function. It is a healing from God. It satisfies the soul, and cleans the heart. It removes doubts and brings peace.

7. Your Calling Card to Communicate with your Lord

Humans are social creatures. We love to communicate with other intelligent life. The Qur'an tells us how to communicate with the source of all intelligence and the source of all life-the One God. The Qur'an tells us who God is, by what name we should address Him, and the way in which to communicate with Him.

Are these not seven sufficient reasons for reading the Qur'an?

MY QURAAN

How to have your deed accepted by Allah

The Final Day

~~~****~~~~

Humanity's Teacher

A Message!

HUMANITY'S TEACHER

"Spend and I Shall Spend On You"

From Darkness To Light

Jewels of Wisdom

Modesty

Does Allah Love Me?

Time At Hand

Get Some in Your Heart, If Not All

Ya Allah Forgive Me

DO NOT BE SAD

Looking to God for Guidance

An Image of the Prophet Muhammad

Who is Prophet Muhammad?

Muslim Response

What Makes Me a Muslim

Fasting Today?

Linking Up With God

Al-Fatiha

This Week's Tenant

~*~ Happy Eid ~*~

HAJJ 2006

Tenant

Who is Allah?

Is There Hope for Them?

'In the Name of Allah'

Quraan on Your Mobile Phone

Guidelines for Hifz students

Beginning the Quraan

Ask For a Quraan

Special Additions

Now Dying of Cold

Quraan For My Heart

"A Good Word Is Charity"

HOW TO MANAGE A TRAUMA PATIENT

Logging Under the Rubble

Wish I Can Help

Get Into Action

TURN BACK TO YOUR LORD

Hardships & Calamities are a Warning

M o u n t a i n s

After the Disaster

Am I Prepared?

LET THIS BE A START

If you are thankful and believe....

Friday

Shaken

To a Dead Heart

Will You Let it Go?!

Sins Snatch our Knowledge

The Endless Sea

An Energizer

Patience & Prayer

Who To Be Like?

Holy Quran Digital Book

Listen & Memorize

ALLAH

Prayer

Assalamalaikum

What is Quraan?

7 Reasons to Read the Glorious Quran

~****~~

~~ Happy Eid ~~