BismillahirRahmanirRahim
Assalaamu alaikum
Du'a during ablution (wudu')
Mouth: O God, help me read Your Book and glorify Your name.
Nose: O God, grant me to enjoy the fragrance of paradise, while you are pleased to promise it to me.
(at the time of throwing dust from nose, say "I seek refuge with You from the stretch of Hell and from the evil of the world.")
Face: O God, make my face white and bright with Your light on the day when You will make the faces of Your friends bright.
Head: O God, cover me with Your mercy and shower upon me You blessings.
or
Mouth: O God, Help me to recite Qur'an and to make zikr
Nose: O God, Grant me to smell the fragrance of paradise, don't let me smell the smell of the hellfire
Face: O God, Whiten my face on the day when faces are whitened, don't blacken my face on the day when the faces are blackened
Hands/Arms: O God, Grant me my book of deeds on my right hand; Don't give my book on my left hand or behind my back
Head: O God, Grant me under the shade of Your throne
Ears: O God, Make me of those people who listen to speech and follow what's best in that speech
Neck: O God, Release my neck from the hellfire
Right foot: O God, Strengthen my foot on the bridge over the hell on the day when some people slip into hell
Left foot: O God, Make my sins forgiven and my works accepted and my transactions one day will not come to ruin
May Allah answer your du'a. Ameen.
Wassalaam
Monday, December 28, 2009
Brotherhood in Islam
BismillahirRahmanirrahim
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: One Muslim is brother to another Muslim. The tie of friendship and brotherhood is like that of husband and wife. He does not treat him bad, he does not spoil his honor and does not surrender him to the hands of his enemy. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: Two friends are like two hands, one of which washes the other. Friendship is completed when one of them keeps the other, as if they are one and the same and they share the enjoyments of each other.
A wise man said, when a man does four works in the house of his friend his love become perfect: 1) when he eats with him, 2) when he does necessary works with him, 3) when he prays with him, 4) and when he sleeps with him.
Accord your friend with good treatment in words and deeds. Tell such words which your friend loves, Use words of love and share his sorrows and happiness. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: When one of you love his brother, he should inform him of his love. It increases love. If he knows that you love him, he will surely love you. When you come to know that he also loves you, your love for him will increase. Love will increase from both sides. The existence of love among the believers is the object of Shari'a and religion.
Forgive the faults of your friend. If he commit sin and continues, advise him with tender and sweet words. Don't backbite your friend as Allah likened backbiting to eating the flesh of a dead brother. Do not disclose any secret talk which your friends tell you, even to their close friends.
Help a friend before asking in times of need. Don't ask anything from a friend his wealth and properties. Don't hope to benefit from his name and fame. Aisha, Allah be pleased with her, said: A believer is brother to another believer. He does not seek advantage over him and does not inflict trouble on him. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: I and the God fearing men of my followers are free from inflicting troubles.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A person is upon the religion of his friend." Make friendship having a look to one's character, conduct and qualities.The person with whom companionship is to be kept should have five qualities in him--intellect, good conduct, not to be a sinner, not to be an innovator, not to be a worldly addicted person.
Keep friendship lasting till the death of friend and to keep it even after his death with his wife, children, relatives and friends and to take care of them, and to fulfill the duties of friendship selflessly for the sake of Allah.
Pray for your friend in his life time and even after his death. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: If a man prays for his friend in his absence, the angels say: Similar prayer is for you.
The object of friendship for the sake of Allah is to get benefit in the next world. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said that seven persons will get shade under the shade of the Throne on the Day of Resurrection. There are two persons out of them who love each other for the sake of Allah.
May Allah grant us excellent companions in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah give us shade on the Day when there is no shade except under His Throne. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: One Muslim is brother to another Muslim. The tie of friendship and brotherhood is like that of husband and wife. He does not treat him bad, he does not spoil his honor and does not surrender him to the hands of his enemy. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: Two friends are like two hands, one of which washes the other. Friendship is completed when one of them keeps the other, as if they are one and the same and they share the enjoyments of each other.
A wise man said, when a man does four works in the house of his friend his love become perfect: 1) when he eats with him, 2) when he does necessary works with him, 3) when he prays with him, 4) and when he sleeps with him.
Accord your friend with good treatment in words and deeds. Tell such words which your friend loves, Use words of love and share his sorrows and happiness. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: When one of you love his brother, he should inform him of his love. It increases love. If he knows that you love him, he will surely love you. When you come to know that he also loves you, your love for him will increase. Love will increase from both sides. The existence of love among the believers is the object of Shari'a and religion.
Forgive the faults of your friend. If he commit sin and continues, advise him with tender and sweet words. Don't backbite your friend as Allah likened backbiting to eating the flesh of a dead brother. Do not disclose any secret talk which your friends tell you, even to their close friends.
Help a friend before asking in times of need. Don't ask anything from a friend his wealth and properties. Don't hope to benefit from his name and fame. Aisha, Allah be pleased with her, said: A believer is brother to another believer. He does not seek advantage over him and does not inflict trouble on him. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: I and the God fearing men of my followers are free from inflicting troubles.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A person is upon the religion of his friend." Make friendship having a look to one's character, conduct and qualities.The person with whom companionship is to be kept should have five qualities in him--intellect, good conduct, not to be a sinner, not to be an innovator, not to be a worldly addicted person.
Keep friendship lasting till the death of friend and to keep it even after his death with his wife, children, relatives and friends and to take care of them, and to fulfill the duties of friendship selflessly for the sake of Allah.
Pray for your friend in his life time and even after his death. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: If a man prays for his friend in his absence, the angels say: Similar prayer is for you.
The object of friendship for the sake of Allah is to get benefit in the next world. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said that seven persons will get shade under the shade of the Throne on the Day of Resurrection. There are two persons out of them who love each other for the sake of Allah.
May Allah grant us excellent companions in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah give us shade on the Day when there is no shade except under His Throne. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Time is of the essence
BismillahirRahmanirRahim
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
The other day an Iman/Shaykh called me seeking advice regarding a situation concerning a Muslim brother who has passed away and his non-Muslim widow refused a Muslim funeral and burial. She actually wanted to cremate him. I told him that the only way to prevent her is through a court order, which would be almost an impossible task to get one given the holidays and time is of the essence. It would be very difficult to find an attorney to take the case at this late juncture and I can't help as I am not well.
This situation could have been avoided if the deceased has Will and burial instructions. This is indeed a great lesson for everyone in US who does not have a Will and burial instructions set up especially those who are married to non-Muslims. My advice to you who fit this category is that after you finish reading this email, take a blank piece of paper and hand write your Will (write a very basic one for now--e.g. appoint an executor to execute your will, appoint a guardian for your children, burial instructions, simple distribution of your property), sign and date this document. This is what we called "holographic will" and it is valid in California. It is important that this Will be handwritten by you (i.e. nothing should be typed), sign and date by you. Then, immediately make an appointment to consult an attorney to make a comprehensive Will/Trust. Make a few copies of your will, put in a sealed envelope and distribute to the named executor and the guardian. Put the original will in a sealed envelop and lodge it with someone you trust or if you have a safe deposit box at the bank, lodge it there. Place a copy of the Will with your other important papers. It is best to inform your masjid imam about your burial instructions already in place. Know about Islamic inheritance law so your comprehensive Will conform to the Islamic shari'ah. Every souls will taste death and death will come sooner than we think, so don't put this off even a moment.
Ibn ‘Umar, Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “It is not rightful for a Muslim person, if he has anything to bequeath, that he sleeps two consecutive nights without having his will written with him.”
“…when death approaches any of you and he is leaving wealth, that he makes fair bequests to parents and next of kin…” Qur’an 2:180
Ibn Mas’ud and Abu Burazah, Allah be pleased with them both, reported that Allah’s Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“A human being’s feet will not depart from before his Lord, on the Day of Resurrection, until he is questioned about 5 things:
1. His lifetime—how did he consume it?
2. His youth and body—how did he use it?
3. His wealth—how did he earn it?
4. And how did he spend it?
5. His knowledge—what did he do with what he knew?
Note: Allah asked two things with regard to our wealth which means we should pay particular attention to it.
May Allah grant us good in this world and the Hereafter. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
The other day an Iman/Shaykh called me seeking advice regarding a situation concerning a Muslim brother who has passed away and his non-Muslim widow refused a Muslim funeral and burial. She actually wanted to cremate him. I told him that the only way to prevent her is through a court order, which would be almost an impossible task to get one given the holidays and time is of the essence. It would be very difficult to find an attorney to take the case at this late juncture and I can't help as I am not well.
This situation could have been avoided if the deceased has Will and burial instructions. This is indeed a great lesson for everyone in US who does not have a Will and burial instructions set up especially those who are married to non-Muslims. My advice to you who fit this category is that after you finish reading this email, take a blank piece of paper and hand write your Will (write a very basic one for now--e.g. appoint an executor to execute your will, appoint a guardian for your children, burial instructions, simple distribution of your property), sign and date this document. This is what we called "holographic will" and it is valid in California. It is important that this Will be handwritten by you (i.e. nothing should be typed), sign and date by you. Then, immediately make an appointment to consult an attorney to make a comprehensive Will/Trust. Make a few copies of your will, put in a sealed envelope and distribute to the named executor and the guardian. Put the original will in a sealed envelop and lodge it with someone you trust or if you have a safe deposit box at the bank, lodge it there. Place a copy of the Will with your other important papers. It is best to inform your masjid imam about your burial instructions already in place. Know about Islamic inheritance law so your comprehensive Will conform to the Islamic shari'ah. Every souls will taste death and death will come sooner than we think, so don't put this off even a moment.
Ibn ‘Umar, Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “It is not rightful for a Muslim person, if he has anything to bequeath, that he sleeps two consecutive nights without having his will written with him.”
“…when death approaches any of you and he is leaving wealth, that he makes fair bequests to parents and next of kin…” Qur’an 2:180
Ibn Mas’ud and Abu Burazah, Allah be pleased with them both, reported that Allah’s Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“A human being’s feet will not depart from before his Lord, on the Day of Resurrection, until he is questioned about 5 things:
1. His lifetime—how did he consume it?
2. His youth and body—how did he use it?
3. His wealth—how did he earn it?
4. And how did he spend it?
5. His knowledge—what did he do with what he knew?
Note: Allah asked two things with regard to our wealth which means we should pay particular attention to it.
May Allah grant us good in this world and the Hereafter. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Saturday, December 26, 2009
A man with his garden
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم
I pray that you are well.
From Surah Al-Kahf--A man with his garden
"and he went into his garden while in a state and disbelief unjust to himself. He said: I think not that this will perish." The believing man said: "It was better for you to say, when you entered your garden: 'That which Allah wills will come to pass! There is no power but with Allah!' If you see me less than you in wealth and children."
This disbelieving man was arrogant and Allah sent a sweeping mighty rain destroying his plantations and trees.
"Wealth and children are the adornment of the present world; but the abiding things, the deeds of righteousness, are better with God in reward, and better in hope." The good righteous deeds are meant to be the five compulsory daily prayers, remembrance of Allah with glorification, praises and thanks, or that they are the righteous deeds or the good and nice talk.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: Never has Allah granted a slave with a bliss, be it in his family or wealth or children and said, 'That which Allah wills will come to pass! There is no power but with Allah!' ما شا ءالله لا قوة إلا بالله but nothing of suffering would strike him in regard with them except for death.
May our Lord guide us to excellence in worship till we meet Him. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
السلام عليكم
I pray that you are well.
From Surah Al-Kahf--A man with his garden
"and he went into his garden while in a state and disbelief unjust to himself. He said: I think not that this will perish." The believing man said: "It was better for you to say, when you entered your garden: 'That which Allah wills will come to pass! There is no power but with Allah!' If you see me less than you in wealth and children."
This disbelieving man was arrogant and Allah sent a sweeping mighty rain destroying his plantations and trees.
"Wealth and children are the adornment of the present world; but the abiding things, the deeds of righteousness, are better with God in reward, and better in hope." The good righteous deeds are meant to be the five compulsory daily prayers, remembrance of Allah with glorification, praises and thanks, or that they are the righteous deeds or the good and nice talk.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: Never has Allah granted a slave with a bliss, be it in his family or wealth or children and said, 'That which Allah wills will come to pass! There is no power but with Allah!' ما شا ءالله لا قوة إلا بالله but nothing of suffering would strike him in regard with them except for death.
May our Lord guide us to excellence in worship till we meet Him. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
The precious gift of Iman--don't let it taken away
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم
I pray that you are well.
While I was sitting by a fence outside a shop waiting for my car to be smog tested (a requirement in California every 2 years before a vehicle's registration can be renewed), a man walked up to me and asked me what I was reading. I said, Qur'an. He asked me where I was from. I said, "Malaysia." He said he was from Algeria. Then I asked him if he is a Muslim. He said he is an atheist but came from a Muslim family. I asked him what happened to him. He said he saw a lot of bad things that Muslims have done to people and he got turned off with religion. I said don't judge the acts of some to all Muslims and don't believe everything you hear. I said may Allah guide you and I thought he would go away. But he proceeded to ask me what I thought of the oppression of women in Islam. I asked him what made him think that the women in Islam are being oppressed. He gave me examples like women in Saudi Arabia cannot drive, the women under Taliban, etc, etc. I said I am a woman and I never felt being oppressed. I don't really care about not able to drive--I rather someone drive for me. I told him I have been in Saudi Arabia and other middle eastern countries and I did not see anything really to complain about any more than women can complain about in America. On the contrary, if I were to feel oppressed, I would feel it here in America. I gave him an example of me having to have my smog test (while I am sick) and having to wait for more than an hour for it, in the cold, and trying to ward off pit bull and chihuahua coming to me. Women don't have to do or experience this in Muslim countries. I gave him also an example of him having to work 16 hours a day under the car in the cold for the sake of freedom of speech. I asked him if this is what happiness mean to him--freedom of speech! I asked him to think about it and I asked to be excused.
It turned out that he memorized the Qu'ran and have read various Islamic texts. I sat back thanking Allah for the precious gift of Iman.
May Allah protect our Iman and not let us die except as Muslims, in complete submission to Him. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
السلام عليكم
I pray that you are well.
While I was sitting by a fence outside a shop waiting for my car to be smog tested (a requirement in California every 2 years before a vehicle's registration can be renewed), a man walked up to me and asked me what I was reading. I said, Qur'an. He asked me where I was from. I said, "Malaysia." He said he was from Algeria. Then I asked him if he is a Muslim. He said he is an atheist but came from a Muslim family. I asked him what happened to him. He said he saw a lot of bad things that Muslims have done to people and he got turned off with religion. I said don't judge the acts of some to all Muslims and don't believe everything you hear. I said may Allah guide you and I thought he would go away. But he proceeded to ask me what I thought of the oppression of women in Islam. I asked him what made him think that the women in Islam are being oppressed. He gave me examples like women in Saudi Arabia cannot drive, the women under Taliban, etc, etc. I said I am a woman and I never felt being oppressed. I don't really care about not able to drive--I rather someone drive for me. I told him I have been in Saudi Arabia and other middle eastern countries and I did not see anything really to complain about any more than women can complain about in America. On the contrary, if I were to feel oppressed, I would feel it here in America. I gave him an example of me having to have my smog test (while I am sick) and having to wait for more than an hour for it, in the cold, and trying to ward off pit bull and chihuahua coming to me. Women don't have to do or experience this in Muslim countries. I gave him also an example of him having to work 16 hours a day under the car in the cold for the sake of freedom of speech. I asked him if this is what happiness mean to him--freedom of speech! I asked him to think about it and I asked to be excused.
It turned out that he memorized the Qu'ran and have read various Islamic texts. I sat back thanking Allah for the precious gift of Iman.
فَمَن يُرِدِ ٱللَّهُ أَن يَهْدِيَهُۥ يَشْرَحْ صَدْرَهُۥ لِلْإِسْلَـٰمِ ۖ وَمَن يُرِدْ أَن يُضِلَّهُۥ يَجْعَلْ صَدْرَهُۥ ضَيِّقًا حَرَجًا كَأَنَّمَا يَصَّعَّدُ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَجْعَلُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلرِّجْسَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿١٢٥[Qur'an, Al-An'am 6:125]
So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe. (125)
الٓمٓ ﴿١﴾ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٢﴾ ٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ ﴿٣﴾ وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ وَبِٱلْءَاخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ ﴿٤﴾ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ عَلَىٰ هُدًى مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ ﴿٥[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:1-5]
Alif, Lam, Meem. (1) This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah - (2) Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, (3) And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. (4) Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful. (5)
May Allah protect our Iman and not let us die except as Muslims, in complete submission to Him. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Don't fall into error
BismillahirRahmanirRahim
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
"Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?" It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah's Signs and Verses)." Qur'an Azzumar 39:8
See you not that Allah sends down water (rain) from the sky, and We produce therewith fruits of varying colors, and among the mountains are streaks white and red, of varying colors and (others) very black. And likewise of men and Ad-Dawabb (moving (living) creatures, beasts), and cattle, of various colors. It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allâh. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Forgiving. Qur'an Faatir 35:27-28
Learning the sacred knowledge is key to our success with Allah. But be careful from who we learn our religion so we don't fall into error. Learn from the one who has the knowledge and is Godfearing. These are the people who are sound in their hearts. May Allah guide us to them. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
"Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?" It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah's Signs and Verses)." Qur'an Azzumar 39:8
See you not that Allah sends down water (rain) from the sky, and We produce therewith fruits of varying colors, and among the mountains are streaks white and red, of varying colors and (others) very black. And likewise of men and Ad-Dawabb (moving (living) creatures, beasts), and cattle, of various colors. It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allâh. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Forgiving. Qur'an Faatir 35:27-28
Learning the sacred knowledge is key to our success with Allah. But be careful from who we learn our religion so we don't fall into error. Learn from the one who has the knowledge and is Godfearing. These are the people who are sound in their hearts. May Allah guide us to them. Ameen.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Rains of reward
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Calamities are just like bitter lessons to a man walking in the path of Allah. They show path towards the next world. It is that though a medicine is bitter and distasteful, it is a bliss for the sick. When the man see the reward of calamities in the next world he will be grateful to his Creator.
The rewards of disasters and calamities are more than them. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: Allah said, When I give calamity to the body of a servant or to his wealth or children and he proceeds forward keeping patience, I shall feel ashamed in setting up Balance for him on the Day of Resurrection. He also said, When a man falls in calamity and says according to the order of God 'we are for Allah and to Him we shall return, O Allah, give me protection in my calamity and leave for me good therefrom,' Allah does for him accordingly.
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: There is no good in one whose wealth has not gone and whose body is not diseased. When Allah loves a servant, He examines him with calamity. When he falls into it, he keeps patience.
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: When Allah wishes good of a man and establishes love with him, He sends down upon him troubles and calamities and afflicts him with mishaps. When he prays to Allah, angels say: This voice is acquainted with us. When he prays to Him a second time and says, O Lord, Allah says: O My servant, I am present, fortune for you. I have given you what is good for you and I have kept deposited with Me what is better for you. When there will be Resurrection, the pious will be brought and their actions will be weighed in the Balance--the actions of those who prayed, those who paid zakat, those who fasted and those who made hajj. Then those who were afflicted with calamities will be brought but their book of deeds will not be opened in their presence. Reward will be rained over them as calamities were thrown over them. Those who were happy and safe in the world will see the high rank of those who suffered troubles and calamities and say: Alas how good it would have been if the flesh of our bodies were severed by scissors. For this reason, Allah says: Surely the patient will be given full rewards without account.
إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ ﴿١٠
...Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account. (Quran, Az-Zumar39:10)
May Allah make us among the patient. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Special connection with Allah always
BismillahirRahmanirRahim
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
Fast keeps special connection with Allah. The specialty of fasting is forbearance and sacrifice, as it is an action of the mind and secret from public eye, but all other actions fall within human eyes. Nobody sees fast except Allah as it is a secret action with sincere patience.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: Fast is half of patience and patience is half of truth. The patient will be given rewards without measure. Paradise has got a gate named Rayyan. None except a fasting person will enter Paradise by that gate.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to Aisha, Allah be pleased with her, Knock at the door of Paradise. She asked, How? The Prophet said, With hunger, specially when fast controls the devil, shuts his path and makes narrow its passage.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "The treasures of the world were presented to me. I rejected them and said: I shall remain hungry for one day and take food on another. When I shall take food, I shall praise You and when I shall remain hungry, I shall seek humility from You." He also said, "The best fast is that of my brother Daud. He fasted for one day and broke it on the following day."
Men and women who have surrendered, believing men and believing women, obedient men and obedient women, truthful men and truthful women, enduring men and enduring women, humble men and humble women, men and women who give in charity, men who fast and women who fast, men and women who guard their private parts, men and women who remember God oft -- for them God has prepared forgiveness and a mighty wage. Qur'an Al-Ahzaab 33:35
Allah knows best.
May Allah bless your day. Ameen.
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
Fast keeps special connection with Allah. The specialty of fasting is forbearance and sacrifice, as it is an action of the mind and secret from public eye, but all other actions fall within human eyes. Nobody sees fast except Allah as it is a secret action with sincere patience.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: Fast is half of patience and patience is half of truth. The patient will be given rewards without measure. Paradise has got a gate named Rayyan. None except a fasting person will enter Paradise by that gate.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to Aisha, Allah be pleased with her, Knock at the door of Paradise. She asked, How? The Prophet said, With hunger, specially when fast controls the devil, shuts his path and makes narrow its passage.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "The treasures of the world were presented to me. I rejected them and said: I shall remain hungry for one day and take food on another. When I shall take food, I shall praise You and when I shall remain hungry, I shall seek humility from You." He also said, "The best fast is that of my brother Daud. He fasted for one day and broke it on the following day."
Men and women who have surrendered, believing men and believing women, obedient men and obedient women, truthful men and truthful women, enduring men and enduring women, humble men and humble women, men and women who give in charity, men who fast and women who fast, men and women who guard their private parts, men and women who remember God oft -- for them God has prepared forgiveness and a mighty wage. Qur'an Al-Ahzaab 33:35
Allah knows best.
May Allah bless your day. Ameen.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Bearing burdens
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم
I pray that you are well.
When the going gets tough, try to remember this:
"Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us; our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Patron, Supporter and Protector, etc.) and give us victory over the disbelieving people." Qur'an Al-Baqarah 2:286
Try to memorize the verse in Arabic as well and recite it often. InshaAllah, your heart will be at rest.
"Those who believe and whose hearts are set at rest by the remembrance of Allah; now surely by Allah's remembrance are the hearts set at rest." Qur'an Ar-Ra'd 13:28
And Allah knows best.
May Allah have mercy on us and protect us from fitans. May you have a blessed new hijri year. Ameen.
السلام عليكم
I pray that you are well.
When the going gets tough, try to remember this:
"Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us; our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Patron, Supporter and Protector, etc.) and give us victory over the disbelieving people." Qur'an Al-Baqarah 2:286
Try to memorize the verse in Arabic as well and recite it often. InshaAllah, your heart will be at rest.
"Those who believe and whose hearts are set at rest by the remembrance of Allah; now surely by Allah's remembrance are the hearts set at rest." Qur'an Ar-Ra'd 13:28
And Allah knows best.
May Allah have mercy on us and protect us from fitans. May you have a blessed new hijri year. Ameen.
Tender heart and mercy
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم
I pray that you are well.
Narrated Anas ibn Malik: We went with Allah's Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, to the blacksmith Abu Sayf, and he was the husband of the wet-nurse of Ibrahim (the son of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, took Ibrahim and kissed him and smelled him and later we entered Abu Sayf's house and at that time Ibrahim was in his last breadths, and the eyes of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, started shedding tears. Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf said, "O Allah's Messenger, even you are weeping!" HE said, "O Ibn Awf, this is mercy." Then he wept more and said, "The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord, O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your separation."
Narrated Usama bin Zaid: We were with the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, when suddenly there came to him a messenger from one of his daughters who was asking him to come and see her son who was dying. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said (to the messenger), "Go back and tell her that whatever Allah takes is His, and whatever He gives is His, and everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world). So order her to be patient and hope for Allah's reward." But she sent the messenger to the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, again, swearing that he should come to her. So the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, got up, and so did Sa`d bin 'Ubada and Mu`adh bin Jabal (and went to her). When the child was brought to the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, his breath was disturbed in his chest as if it were in a water skin. On that the eyes of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace,became flooded with tears, whereupon Sa`d said to him, "O Allah's Messenger! What is this?" The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "This is mercy which Allah has put in the heart of His slaves, and Allah bestows His mercy only on those of His slaves who are merciful (to others)."
May Allah make our hearts tender and merciful to others. May Allah have mercy on us. Ameen.
السلام عليكم
I pray that you are well.
Narrated Anas ibn Malik: We went with Allah's Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, to the blacksmith Abu Sayf, and he was the husband of the wet-nurse of Ibrahim (the son of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, took Ibrahim and kissed him and smelled him and later we entered Abu Sayf's house and at that time Ibrahim was in his last breadths, and the eyes of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, started shedding tears. Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf said, "O Allah's Messenger, even you are weeping!" HE said, "O Ibn Awf, this is mercy." Then he wept more and said, "The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord, O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your separation."
Narrated Usama bin Zaid: We were with the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, when suddenly there came to him a messenger from one of his daughters who was asking him to come and see her son who was dying. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said (to the messenger), "Go back and tell her that whatever Allah takes is His, and whatever He gives is His, and everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world). So order her to be patient and hope for Allah's reward." But she sent the messenger to the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, again, swearing that he should come to her. So the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, got up, and so did Sa`d bin 'Ubada and Mu`adh bin Jabal (and went to her). When the child was brought to the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, his breath was disturbed in his chest as if it were in a water skin. On that the eyes of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace,became flooded with tears, whereupon Sa`d said to him, "O Allah's Messenger! What is this?" The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "This is mercy which Allah has put in the heart of His slaves, and Allah bestows His mercy only on those of His slaves who are merciful (to others)."
May Allah make our hearts tender and merciful to others. May Allah have mercy on us. Ameen.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Selfless love
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalaamu alaykum
"Whoever possesses three characteristics shall taste the sweetness of faith: that Allah and His Messenger be more beloved by him than all else, that he love someone purely for the sake of Allah, and that he hate returning to disbelief as he hates being caste into a fire." (Bukhari)
All the 1000-1500 Companions of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, may Allah be pleased with them all, who gave the pledge of allegiance to the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, possessed all three characteristics. This was a pledge of allegiance for death. This is selfless love.
Narrated Yazid bin Ubaid: Salama said, "I gave the Pledge of allegiance (Al−Ridwan) to Allah's Messenger and then I moved to the shade of a tree. When the number of people around the Prophet diminished, he said, 'O Ibn Al−Akwa! Will you not give to me the pledge of Allegiance?' I replied, 'O Allah's Messenger! I have already given to you the pledge of Allegiance.' He said, 'Do it again.' So I gave the pledge of allegiance for the second time." I asked 'O Abu Muslim! For what did you give the pledge of Allegiance on that day?" He replied, "We gave the pledge of Allegiance for death."
Allah praised the Companions and rewarded them: "Certainly Allah was well pleased with the believers when they swore allegiance to you under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquility on them and rewarded them with a near victory." Qur'an Al-Fath 48:18
"Nobody who pledged allegiance under the tree shall enter the Fire." (Tirmidhi)
"And (as for) the foremost, the first of the Muhajirs and the Ansars, and those who followed them in goodness, Allah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them for ever; that is the mighty achievement." (Qur'an At-Tawba 9:100)
We must love the Companions for their love of Allah, the Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, and their love of Islam we enjoy today. Behind selfless love and hate lies concern, sacrifice and genuineness. The companions are great examples of what selfless love truly mean. Perhaps we cannot achieve selfless love 100% but we can certainly practice concern, sacrifice, genuineness and sincerity and as we realize our slavehood and the heart becomes more attached to our Lord, it will descend from our minds to our hearts. InshaAllah.
May Allah grant us a place in the highest Paradise among the righteous Companions. Ameen.
Assalaamu alaykum
"Whoever possesses three characteristics shall taste the sweetness of faith: that Allah and His Messenger be more beloved by him than all else, that he love someone purely for the sake of Allah, and that he hate returning to disbelief as he hates being caste into a fire." (Bukhari)
All the 1000-1500 Companions of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, may Allah be pleased with them all, who gave the pledge of allegiance to the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, possessed all three characteristics. This was a pledge of allegiance for death. This is selfless love.
Narrated Yazid bin Ubaid: Salama said, "I gave the Pledge of allegiance (Al−Ridwan) to Allah's Messenger and then I moved to the shade of a tree. When the number of people around the Prophet diminished, he said, 'O Ibn Al−Akwa! Will you not give to me the pledge of Allegiance?' I replied, 'O Allah's Messenger! I have already given to you the pledge of Allegiance.' He said, 'Do it again.' So I gave the pledge of allegiance for the second time." I asked 'O Abu Muslim! For what did you give the pledge of Allegiance on that day?" He replied, "We gave the pledge of Allegiance for death."
Allah praised the Companions and rewarded them: "Certainly Allah was well pleased with the believers when they swore allegiance to you under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquility on them and rewarded them with a near victory." Qur'an Al-Fath 48:18
"Nobody who pledged allegiance under the tree shall enter the Fire." (Tirmidhi)
"And (as for) the foremost, the first of the Muhajirs and the Ansars, and those who followed them in goodness, Allah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them for ever; that is the mighty achievement." (Qur'an At-Tawba 9:100)
We must love the Companions for their love of Allah, the Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, and their love of Islam we enjoy today. Behind selfless love and hate lies concern, sacrifice and genuineness. The companions are great examples of what selfless love truly mean. Perhaps we cannot achieve selfless love 100% but we can certainly practice concern, sacrifice, genuineness and sincerity and as we realize our slavehood and the heart becomes more attached to our Lord, it will descend from our minds to our hearts. InshaAllah.
May Allah grant us a place in the highest Paradise among the righteous Companions. Ameen.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Enjoining Patience
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamua alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Reflect on these verses (Qur'an Al-Asr 103:1-3)
I swear by the time,
Surely Man is in the way of loss
Save those who believe, and do righteous deeds, and counsel each other unto the truth, and counsel each other to patience.
Imam Shafi'i (may Allah have mercy on him) said, "If nothing of the Qur'an was revealed to people except this surah it would have sufficed them." It has been narrated that the companions of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, would not part company until one of them recited this surah to the other.
Time is our capital and our life is a transaction. Time will outstrip us because our life in this world is temporary and each moment that pass by is a moment closer to the end of our life in this world.
Each of us has a capital which we must use to make a profit. If we fail to do so we lose our capital--this is a clear loss. If we don't understand what time represents, then we cannot profit from it. If we understand the significance of time, our attitude to life would be very different. We would struggle to make sure every moment of our time is spent in a way that will give us maximum profit in the next life. Wherever we are with Allah, there is a closer rank and higher station, so we don't stop striving. We should not be satisfied with a minimum. However pure our prayer is, for example, there is always a purer prayer that we can aimed for. "I just need to scrape in into Paradise" should not be part of our vocabulary. So lay out a plan of action to reach a higher rank. We will still be rewarded for our plans even if we didn't get to execute our plans.
Patience is a key to all these. Patience enable us to put up with the difficult and unexpected in life. Putting up with these difficulties without complaining and without losing hope is of the highest ranks of patience and has a tremendous reward.
We need each other to remind us to be patient. Each of us has that responsibility as part and parcel of doing righteous deeds and perfecting ourselves to reach that high "profitable" rank with Allah. This surah emphasizes that social responsibility a lot as well as the urgency of time and the need to do good as many good deeds as you can. The good deeds in Islam are the truths of Islam. Enjoining to truth includes putting up with things you don't like. So the single most important good deed is to enjoin people to patience because patience is what people need the most when enjoining people to the truth and when striving oneself to nearness to Allah.
And Allah knows best.
May Allah give us blessings in our time, and what little we do is much with Him out of His Grace. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. JazakAllahu khairan.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamua alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Reflect on these verses (Qur'an Al-Asr 103:1-3)
I swear by the time,
Surely Man is in the way of loss
Save those who believe, and do righteous deeds, and counsel each other unto the truth, and counsel each other to patience.
Imam Shafi'i (may Allah have mercy on him) said, "If nothing of the Qur'an was revealed to people except this surah it would have sufficed them." It has been narrated that the companions of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, would not part company until one of them recited this surah to the other.
Time is our capital and our life is a transaction. Time will outstrip us because our life in this world is temporary and each moment that pass by is a moment closer to the end of our life in this world.
Each of us has a capital which we must use to make a profit. If we fail to do so we lose our capital--this is a clear loss. If we don't understand what time represents, then we cannot profit from it. If we understand the significance of time, our attitude to life would be very different. We would struggle to make sure every moment of our time is spent in a way that will give us maximum profit in the next life. Wherever we are with Allah, there is a closer rank and higher station, so we don't stop striving. We should not be satisfied with a minimum. However pure our prayer is, for example, there is always a purer prayer that we can aimed for. "I just need to scrape in into Paradise" should not be part of our vocabulary. So lay out a plan of action to reach a higher rank. We will still be rewarded for our plans even if we didn't get to execute our plans.
Patience is a key to all these. Patience enable us to put up with the difficult and unexpected in life. Putting up with these difficulties without complaining and without losing hope is of the highest ranks of patience and has a tremendous reward.
We need each other to remind us to be patient. Each of us has that responsibility as part and parcel of doing righteous deeds and perfecting ourselves to reach that high "profitable" rank with Allah. This surah emphasizes that social responsibility a lot as well as the urgency of time and the need to do good as many good deeds as you can. The good deeds in Islam are the truths of Islam. Enjoining to truth includes putting up with things you don't like. So the single most important good deed is to enjoin people to patience because patience is what people need the most when enjoining people to the truth and when striving oneself to nearness to Allah.
And Allah knows best.
May Allah give us blessings in our time, and what little we do is much with Him out of His Grace. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. JazakAllahu khairan.
Wassalaam
Hadith Qudsi on gatherings of remembering of Allah
BismillahiRahmanirRahim
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace), who said:
Allah (glorified and exalted be He) has supernumerary angels who rove about seeking out gatherings in which Allah's name is being invoked: they sit with them and fold their wings round each other, filling that which is between them and between the lowest heaven. When the people in the gathering depart, the angels ascend and rise up to heaven. He, Allah bless him and give him peace said: Then Allah (mighty and sublime be He) asks them - though He is most knowing about them: From where have you come? And they say: We have come from some servants of Yours on Earth: they were glorifying You (SubhanAllah), exalting you (Allahu akbar), witnessing that there is no god but You (La ilaha illa llah), praising You (Al-Hamdu lillah), and asking [favors] of You. He says: And what do they ask of Me? They say: They ask of You Your Paradise. He says: And have they seen My Paradise? They say: No, O Lord. He says: And how would it be were they to have seen My Paradise! They say: And they ask protection of You. He says: From what do they ask protection of Me? They say: From Your Hell-fire, O Lord. He says: And have they seen My Hell-fire? They say: NO. He says: And how would it be were they to have seen My Hell-fire! They say: And they ask for Your forgiveness. He (the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace) said: Then He says: I have forgiven them and I have bestowed upon them what they have asked for,and I have granted them sanctuary from that from which they asked protection. He (the Prophet, Allah bless him and gran him peace) said: They say: O Lord, among then is So-and-so, a much sinning servant, who was merely passing by and sat down with them. He (the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: And He says: And to him [too] I have given forgiveness: he who sits with such people shall not suffer.
It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari, at-Tirmidhi, and an-Nasa'i).
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace), who said:
Allah (glorified and exalted be He) has supernumerary angels who rove about seeking out gatherings in which Allah's name is being invoked: they sit with them and fold their wings round each other, filling that which is between them and between the lowest heaven. When the people in the gathering depart, the angels ascend and rise up to heaven. He, Allah bless him and give him peace said: Then Allah (mighty and sublime be He) asks them - though He is most knowing about them: From where have you come? And they say: We have come from some servants of Yours on Earth: they were glorifying You (SubhanAllah), exalting you (Allahu akbar), witnessing that there is no god but You (La ilaha illa llah), praising You (Al-Hamdu lillah), and asking [favors] of You. He says: And what do they ask of Me? They say: They ask of You Your Paradise. He says: And have they seen My Paradise? They say: No, O Lord. He says: And how would it be were they to have seen My Paradise! They say: And they ask protection of You. He says: From what do they ask protection of Me? They say: From Your Hell-fire, O Lord. He says: And have they seen My Hell-fire? They say: NO. He says: And how would it be were they to have seen My Hell-fire! They say: And they ask for Your forgiveness. He (the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace) said: Then He says: I have forgiven them and I have bestowed upon them what they have asked for,and I have granted them sanctuary from that from which they asked protection. He (the Prophet, Allah bless him and gran him peace) said: They say: O Lord, among then is So-and-so, a much sinning servant, who was merely passing by and sat down with them. He (the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: And He says: And to him [too] I have given forgiveness: he who sits with such people shall not suffer.
It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari, at-Tirmidhi, and an-Nasa'i).
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Don't wait
BismillahirRahmanirRahim
In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
Assalaamu alaykum
We often times do not value what we have until we are deprived of it. But when the angel of death come upon us, it would be too late for anything. We can't go back. Sicknesses and death are human weaknesses which we have no power to escape.
Abdullah bin `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said, "Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) took hold of my shoulder and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler." The sub−narrator added: Ibn `Umar used to say, "If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening, and take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death." (Bukhari)
A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and asked, "O Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)! Which charity is the most superior in reward?" He replied, "The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, 'Give so much to such and such, and so much to such and such.' And it has already belonged to such and such (as it is too late)." (Bukhari)
And Allah knows best.
May Allah bless your day. Ameen.
In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
Assalaamu alaykum
We often times do not value what we have until we are deprived of it. But when the angel of death come upon us, it would be too late for anything. We can't go back. Sicknesses and death are human weaknesses which we have no power to escape.
Abdullah bin `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said, "Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) took hold of my shoulder and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler." The sub−narrator added: Ibn `Umar used to say, "If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening, and take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death." (Bukhari)
A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and asked, "O Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)! Which charity is the most superior in reward?" He replied, "The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, 'Give so much to such and such, and so much to such and such.' And it has already belonged to such and such (as it is too late)." (Bukhari)
And Allah knows best.
May Allah bless your day. Ameen.
The thing inside two gates
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
How many people we know who we just love to be around them, we look forward to see them time and time again. They have many kind words to say about people and they always make du'a for you, they uplift you, their tongues are moist with remembrance of Allah. How many people we know who we stay away from. These are the people who are so negative about the world and they discourage you in so many ways, their tongues are moist with gossips and impolite or harsh words.
The tongue can be the most dangerous thing for us and the most beneficial thing for us. This small, yet amazing creation, is our ambassador. It can do beautiful things for us and it can do evil for us. It is a very important element in our lives and our personality. It is a weapon more powerful than the guns. A person will say a word and Allah is pleased with him until the Day of Judgment and a person will say one word and Allah is angry with him until the Day of Judgment. Ibn Qayyum said Allah created us so that, the normal situation is that we don't talk. We need to initiate the talk unlike the ear, we don't initiate the hearing and we hear everything unless we block our ears. Allah made guards for the tongue which He did not make it with other senses. We have direct access to smell and touch. But Allah created 2 gates--teeth and lips--which need to be opened before we can talk. So we have time to think either to bring forth beautiful words or ugly words before we open the gates.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Let one who believes in God and the next world speak good or remain silent." There is nothing we say that the two angels who Allah have appointed to accompany us all the time not write it down. Keep the tongue inside if there is nothing good to say. There is nothing to control the tongue other than the fear of Allah.
And Allah knows best.
May Allah grant us beautiful speech. Ameen.
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
How many people we know who we just love to be around them, we look forward to see them time and time again. They have many kind words to say about people and they always make du'a for you, they uplift you, their tongues are moist with remembrance of Allah. How many people we know who we stay away from. These are the people who are so negative about the world and they discourage you in so many ways, their tongues are moist with gossips and impolite or harsh words.
The tongue can be the most dangerous thing for us and the most beneficial thing for us. This small, yet amazing creation, is our ambassador. It can do beautiful things for us and it can do evil for us. It is a very important element in our lives and our personality. It is a weapon more powerful than the guns. A person will say a word and Allah is pleased with him until the Day of Judgment and a person will say one word and Allah is angry with him until the Day of Judgment. Ibn Qayyum said Allah created us so that, the normal situation is that we don't talk. We need to initiate the talk unlike the ear, we don't initiate the hearing and we hear everything unless we block our ears. Allah made guards for the tongue which He did not make it with other senses. We have direct access to smell and touch. But Allah created 2 gates--teeth and lips--which need to be opened before we can talk. So we have time to think either to bring forth beautiful words or ugly words before we open the gates.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Let one who believes in God and the next world speak good or remain silent." There is nothing we say that the two angels who Allah have appointed to accompany us all the time not write it down. Keep the tongue inside if there is nothing good to say. There is nothing to control the tongue other than the fear of Allah.
And Allah knows best.
May Allah grant us beautiful speech. Ameen.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Does not a lover want to be alone with his beloved?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
There is no love without giving and there is no lover who does not want to be alone with his/her beloved.
When we give our mind, body and soul to the one we love, that's the highest love. The level of love depends on how much we give. Someone who rush to please Allah is manifesting a greater love for Him than someone who is not. Someone who give himself/herself to Allah by waking up at night to pray is manifesting a greater love for Him than someone who sleeps through the night.
In one of God's revealed scriptures it is said, "He has lied who claims to love Me but who when night falls sleeps (and leaves) Me. Does not every lover love to be alone with his beloved." (source--Imam Al-Haddad's Book of Assistance).
When Zulaikha brought faith and married Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, she kept herself separate from him and remained engaged in divine services and surrendered herself completely to God. Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, called her to his bed in the day time as Zulaikha remained busy at night in divine service. When Yusuf, peace be upon him, called her at nights, she hinted at the day time and said: O Yusuf, I loved you before I recognized God. When I knew God, I can have no love for others except God. I don't hope for anything than this. (source: Imam Al-Ghazzali's Ihya ulum-id-din) (Zulaikha was once the wife of a wealthy man who fell madly in love with Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, because of his beauty, and then caused Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, many trials. Read Surah Yusuf).
By this we can access our love for Allah.
May Allah give us piety and purify our souls. He is the Master and Lord of souls. Ameen.
In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
There is no love without giving and there is no lover who does not want to be alone with his/her beloved.
When we give our mind, body and soul to the one we love, that's the highest love. The level of love depends on how much we give. Someone who rush to please Allah is manifesting a greater love for Him than someone who is not. Someone who give himself/herself to Allah by waking up at night to pray is manifesting a greater love for Him than someone who sleeps through the night.
In one of God's revealed scriptures it is said, "He has lied who claims to love Me but who when night falls sleeps (and leaves) Me. Does not every lover love to be alone with his beloved." (source--Imam Al-Haddad's Book of Assistance).
When Zulaikha brought faith and married Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, she kept herself separate from him and remained engaged in divine services and surrendered herself completely to God. Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, called her to his bed in the day time as Zulaikha remained busy at night in divine service. When Yusuf, peace be upon him, called her at nights, she hinted at the day time and said: O Yusuf, I loved you before I recognized God. When I knew God, I can have no love for others except God. I don't hope for anything than this. (source: Imam Al-Ghazzali's Ihya ulum-id-din) (Zulaikha was once the wife of a wealthy man who fell madly in love with Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, because of his beauty, and then caused Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, many trials. Read Surah Yusuf).
By this we can access our love for Allah.
May Allah give us piety and purify our souls. He is the Master and Lord of souls. Ameen.
Beauties of Islam
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalaamu alaykum
One of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, Khalid ibn Al Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated the following:
A Bedouin came one day to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and said to him, "O, Messenger of Allah! I've come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this life and the Hereafter. "
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, responded, "Ask what you wish."
* I'd like to be the most learned of men.
* Fear Allah, and you will be the most learned of men.
* I wish to be the richest man in the world.
* Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world.
* I'd like to be the most just man.
* Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men.
* I want to be the best of men.
* Do good to others and you will be the best of men.
* I wish to be the most favored by Allah.
* Engage much in Allah's praise, and you will be most favored by Him.
* I'd like to complete my faith.
* If you have good manners you will complete your faith.
* I wish to be among those who do good.
* Adore Allah as if you see Him. If you don't see Him, Know that He sees you. In this way you will be among those who do good.
* I wish to be obedient to Allah.
* If you observe Allah's commands you will be obedient.
* I'd like to be free from all sins.
* Bathe yourself from impurity and you will be free from all sins.
* I'd like to be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light.
* Don't wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light.
* I'd like Allah to bestow His mercy on me.
* If you have mercy on yourself and on others, Allah will grant you mercy on the Day of Judgment.
* I'd like my sins to be very few.
If you seek the forgiveness of Allah as much as you can, your sins will be very few.
I'd like to be the most honorable man.
If you do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honorable of men.
I'd like to be the strongest of men.
If you put your trust in Allah, you will be the strongest of men.
I'd like to enlarge my provision.
If you keep yourself pure, Allah will enlarge your provision.
I'd like to be loved by Allah and His messenger.
If you love what Allah and His messenger love, you will be among their beloved ones.
I wish to be safe from Allah's wrath on the Day of Judgment.
If you do not lose your temper with any of your fellow creatures, you will be safe from the wrath of Allah on the Day of Judgment.
I'd like my prayers to be responded.
If you avoid forbidden actions your prayers will be responded.
I'd like Allah not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgment.
If you guard your chastity, Allah will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgment.
I'd like Allah to provide me with a protective covering on the Day of Judgment.
Do not uncover your fellow peoples faults, and Allah will provide you with a covering protection on the Day of Judgment.
What will save me from sins?
Tears, humility and illness.
What are the best deeds in the eyes of Allah?
Gentle manners, modesty and patience.
What are the worst evils in the eyes of Allah?
Hot temper and miserliness.
What alleviates the wrath of Allah in this life and in the Hereafter?
Concealed charity and kindness to relatives.
What extinguishes hell's fires on the Day of Judgment?
Patience in adversity and misfortunes.
Imam Al Mustaghfiri said: "I have never heard a tradition more comprehensive of the beauties of religion, and more beneficial than this hadith. It collects all the good things of Islam but not put to use." (Related by Imam Ibn Hambal)
Assalaamu alaykum
One of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, Khalid ibn Al Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated the following:
A Bedouin came one day to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and said to him, "O, Messenger of Allah! I've come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this life and the Hereafter. "
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, responded, "Ask what you wish."
* I'd like to be the most learned of men.
* Fear Allah, and you will be the most learned of men.
* I wish to be the richest man in the world.
* Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world.
* I'd like to be the most just man.
* Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men.
* I want to be the best of men.
* Do good to others and you will be the best of men.
* I wish to be the most favored by Allah.
* Engage much in Allah's praise, and you will be most favored by Him.
* I'd like to complete my faith.
* If you have good manners you will complete your faith.
* I wish to be among those who do good.
* Adore Allah as if you see Him. If you don't see Him, Know that He sees you. In this way you will be among those who do good.
* I wish to be obedient to Allah.
* If you observe Allah's commands you will be obedient.
* I'd like to be free from all sins.
* Bathe yourself from impurity and you will be free from all sins.
* I'd like to be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light.
* Don't wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light.
* I'd like Allah to bestow His mercy on me.
* If you have mercy on yourself and on others, Allah will grant you mercy on the Day of Judgment.
* I'd like my sins to be very few.
If you seek the forgiveness of Allah as much as you can, your sins will be very few.
I'd like to be the most honorable man.
If you do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honorable of men.
I'd like to be the strongest of men.
If you put your trust in Allah, you will be the strongest of men.
I'd like to enlarge my provision.
If you keep yourself pure, Allah will enlarge your provision.
I'd like to be loved by Allah and His messenger.
If you love what Allah and His messenger love, you will be among their beloved ones.
I wish to be safe from Allah's wrath on the Day of Judgment.
If you do not lose your temper with any of your fellow creatures, you will be safe from the wrath of Allah on the Day of Judgment.
I'd like my prayers to be responded.
If you avoid forbidden actions your prayers will be responded.
I'd like Allah not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgment.
If you guard your chastity, Allah will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgment.
I'd like Allah to provide me with a protective covering on the Day of Judgment.
Do not uncover your fellow peoples faults, and Allah will provide you with a covering protection on the Day of Judgment.
What will save me from sins?
Tears, humility and illness.
What are the best deeds in the eyes of Allah?
Gentle manners, modesty and patience.
What are the worst evils in the eyes of Allah?
Hot temper and miserliness.
What alleviates the wrath of Allah in this life and in the Hereafter?
Concealed charity and kindness to relatives.
What extinguishes hell's fires on the Day of Judgment?
Patience in adversity and misfortunes.
Imam Al Mustaghfiri said: "I have never heard a tradition more comprehensive of the beauties of religion, and more beneficial than this hadith. It collects all the good things of Islam but not put to use." (Related by Imam Ibn Hambal)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Ihsan and Du'a
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
When the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) entered Makkah into the city of the pagans of Makkah and the Quraysh, those who killed indiscriminately, those who maimed the Muslims, those who ridiculed at God and His Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace), those who broke covenants with him time and time again, those who sent assassins to kill him, his head was so low out of humbleness, so low that his head was almost touching the neck of his camel. He said to these people, "Go today, you are free."
Before that he went to Ta'if and the people of Ta'if treated him so cruelly. They ridiculed him with venomous poisonous words and children and fools of Ta'if formed lines from the left and right of him and cast stones at him and he bled profusely. Yet he in his magnanimous splendid heart, he prayed for them and not against them. He did not say, O Allah curse them, but he said O Allah may you bring from within them who will affirm your Oneness. A few years later, all of Ta'if became Muslims.
A few decades later his du'a was fulfilled in so many ways. Muhammad ibn Qasim al Thaqafi (may Allah have mercy on him), a young man of 16 1/2 years old led the Muslims and conquered Indian subcontinent. And from there Islam spread to South East Asia, including Indonesia (having the largest population of Muslims in the world) and Malaysia where my father (may Allah bless his soul) came from. Muhammad ibn Qasim Al Thaqafi was from Ta'if. This is the result of the du'a of Ihsan of our beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).
Indeed, du'a is a means of triumph. Ihsan is the inner beauty that we must aspire to have. We should strive to be leaders in Ihsan since we have a perfect example, the Rasullullah sallallahu alayhi wassallam.
May Allah put in our hearts Ihsan and increase our love for His beloved. Ameen.
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
When the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) entered Makkah into the city of the pagans of Makkah and the Quraysh, those who killed indiscriminately, those who maimed the Muslims, those who ridiculed at God and His Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace), those who broke covenants with him time and time again, those who sent assassins to kill him, his head was so low out of humbleness, so low that his head was almost touching the neck of his camel. He said to these people, "Go today, you are free."
Before that he went to Ta'if and the people of Ta'if treated him so cruelly. They ridiculed him with venomous poisonous words and children and fools of Ta'if formed lines from the left and right of him and cast stones at him and he bled profusely. Yet he in his magnanimous splendid heart, he prayed for them and not against them. He did not say, O Allah curse them, but he said O Allah may you bring from within them who will affirm your Oneness. A few years later, all of Ta'if became Muslims.
A few decades later his du'a was fulfilled in so many ways. Muhammad ibn Qasim al Thaqafi (may Allah have mercy on him), a young man of 16 1/2 years old led the Muslims and conquered Indian subcontinent. And from there Islam spread to South East Asia, including Indonesia (having the largest population of Muslims in the world) and Malaysia where my father (may Allah bless his soul) came from. Muhammad ibn Qasim Al Thaqafi was from Ta'if. This is the result of the du'a of Ihsan of our beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).
Indeed, du'a is a means of triumph. Ihsan is the inner beauty that we must aspire to have. We should strive to be leaders in Ihsan since we have a perfect example, the Rasullullah sallallahu alayhi wassallam.
May Allah put in our hearts Ihsan and increase our love for His beloved. Ameen.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Increasing Iman
In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well and in high spirits of Iman.
When the angel of death come to us, nothing else matter except our faith (Iman) in the One. We should be able to say La illaha illallah (there is no god but Allah). You can't say this unless you have been practicing it--like the basketball player who is able to make his basket--he has been practicing for many years to make those perfect shots.
We must go through the physical struggle--something that cause us intense pain--like something happen in our lives, e.g. losing our loved ones, etc. Take for example, Anas ibn Nader (Allah be pleased with him), the companion of Uhud, experienced this intense pain, and that intense pain was hearing the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has been killed.
After the pain is so intense, you need to step back and let go. What did Anas let go off? He let go off this world. We know this because he said to Sa'ad ibn Mua'dah, another great companion (Allah be pleased with him), "I can smell the fragrance of Jannah." And Anas fought unlike any human being could fight.
When you come out of this struggle, your mind body patterns change and you reach a higher level of Iman. And for Anas, he was a matyr and his abode is Jannatul Firdaus inshaAllah.
We may not have the chance to be a matryr like Anas and we don't have to wait till we lose our loved ones or calamities befall us to go through intense pain and hard struggle to reach a higher level of Iman. We can do what was only obligated upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Allah commanded him (peace and blessings be upon him) to pray at night and this is to prepare him to carry the message of Islam that we have today.
"O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little. Half of it, or a little less than that, Or a little more; And recite the Qur'an (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style. Verily, We shall send down to you a weighty Word (i.e. obligations, laws). Verily, the rising by night (for Tahajjud prayer) is very hard and most potent and good for governing oneself, and most suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allâh). Qur'an Muzzammil 73:1-6
Many of us don't pray qiyamulail (the night vigil prayer) because it not an easy task to get up at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning while everyone was sleeping. A person has to go through a massive struggle to get up at that time. You go through the process of letting it go and so you rise up from your bed and when you say Allahu Akbar, you entered into a higher level of Iman. Your Iman will get stronger and stronger as long as you don't quit inshaAllah. And you will be able to fight like Anas, in spirit, inshaAllah.
If we wonder why can't we carry the message of Islam, it is because our Iman is not strong and we are not doing anything to make it strong.
May Allah increase our Iman. Ameen.
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well and in high spirits of Iman.
When the angel of death come to us, nothing else matter except our faith (Iman) in the One. We should be able to say La illaha illallah (there is no god but Allah). You can't say this unless you have been practicing it--like the basketball player who is able to make his basket--he has been practicing for many years to make those perfect shots.
We must go through the physical struggle--something that cause us intense pain--like something happen in our lives, e.g. losing our loved ones, etc. Take for example, Anas ibn Nader (Allah be pleased with him), the companion of Uhud, experienced this intense pain, and that intense pain was hearing the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has been killed.
After the pain is so intense, you need to step back and let go. What did Anas let go off? He let go off this world. We know this because he said to Sa'ad ibn Mua'dah, another great companion (Allah be pleased with him), "I can smell the fragrance of Jannah." And Anas fought unlike any human being could fight.
When you come out of this struggle, your mind body patterns change and you reach a higher level of Iman. And for Anas, he was a matyr and his abode is Jannatul Firdaus inshaAllah.
We may not have the chance to be a matryr like Anas and we don't have to wait till we lose our loved ones or calamities befall us to go through intense pain and hard struggle to reach a higher level of Iman. We can do what was only obligated upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Allah commanded him (peace and blessings be upon him) to pray at night and this is to prepare him to carry the message of Islam that we have today.
"O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little. Half of it, or a little less than that, Or a little more; And recite the Qur'an (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style. Verily, We shall send down to you a weighty Word (i.e. obligations, laws). Verily, the rising by night (for Tahajjud prayer) is very hard and most potent and good for governing oneself, and most suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allâh). Qur'an Muzzammil 73:1-6
Many of us don't pray qiyamulail (the night vigil prayer) because it not an easy task to get up at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning while everyone was sleeping. A person has to go through a massive struggle to get up at that time. You go through the process of letting it go and so you rise up from your bed and when you say Allahu Akbar, you entered into a higher level of Iman. Your Iman will get stronger and stronger as long as you don't quit inshaAllah. And you will be able to fight like Anas, in spirit, inshaAllah.
If we wonder why can't we carry the message of Islam, it is because our Iman is not strong and we are not doing anything to make it strong.
May Allah increase our Iman. Ameen.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
What are we busy for?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
Why are people going about their normal life as if there is no end? They are so engrossed with the world, to even consider death, busying with things that won't benefit them in the Afterlife.
If they truly know what is going to happen to them, they will stop on the tracks and reflect on the blessings of Allah and use them in the manner they were created--this is gratitude. If one is strong, intelligent or wealthy one must reflect on how one may use these blessings for the service of Allah, His religion and one's fellow men. Gratitude is a means of increase in this world and salvation in the Hereafter. "I swear if you are grateful I will give you more." (Qur'an 14:7)
"Verily, when a slave is placed in his grave, then as his companions are departing and he can still hear their footsteps, two angels come to him, sit him up and say aboout Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). " What did you used to say about this man?" The believer will say, "I testify that he is Allah's slave and messenger, upon which he will be told, "Look at your seat in the Fire, Allah has exchanged it for a seat in Paradise. and he will see them both,...The hypocrite and the disbeliever will be asked, "What did you used to say about this man." He will reply, "I don't know, I used to say what people said," upon which he will be told, "You understood not, neither did you follow," and he will be severely struck with iron hammers, and he will let out a scream that will be heard by everyone around him except humans and jinn." Sahih al-Bukhari.
Death is a "rude awakening." It is a moment when everything is worthless except our good deeds. We need to always check our intentions in all our endeavors, that they are only for His pleasure, so our works can be counted as good deeds in the eyes of Allah. Visiting graveyards is recommended in sacred law. It is a chance to see where one will end up while reflecting on the inability of those in the grave to perform any more good deeds or to repent from their mistakes. We have so little time left before we will be one of them.
May Allah grant us righteous deeds and save us from the punishment of the grave and give us a seat in Paradise. Ameen.
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
Why are people going about their normal life as if there is no end? They are so engrossed with the world, to even consider death, busying with things that won't benefit them in the Afterlife.
If they truly know what is going to happen to them, they will stop on the tracks and reflect on the blessings of Allah and use them in the manner they were created--this is gratitude. If one is strong, intelligent or wealthy one must reflect on how one may use these blessings for the service of Allah, His religion and one's fellow men. Gratitude is a means of increase in this world and salvation in the Hereafter. "I swear if you are grateful I will give you more." (Qur'an 14:7)
"Verily, when a slave is placed in his grave, then as his companions are departing and he can still hear their footsteps, two angels come to him, sit him up and say aboout Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). " What did you used to say about this man?" The believer will say, "I testify that he is Allah's slave and messenger, upon which he will be told, "Look at your seat in the Fire, Allah has exchanged it for a seat in Paradise. and he will see them both,...The hypocrite and the disbeliever will be asked, "What did you used to say about this man." He will reply, "I don't know, I used to say what people said," upon which he will be told, "You understood not, neither did you follow," and he will be severely struck with iron hammers, and he will let out a scream that will be heard by everyone around him except humans and jinn." Sahih al-Bukhari.
Death is a "rude awakening." It is a moment when everything is worthless except our good deeds. We need to always check our intentions in all our endeavors, that they are only for His pleasure, so our works can be counted as good deeds in the eyes of Allah. Visiting graveyards is recommended in sacred law. It is a chance to see where one will end up while reflecting on the inability of those in the grave to perform any more good deeds or to repent from their mistakes. We have so little time left before we will be one of them.
May Allah grant us righteous deeds and save us from the punishment of the grave and give us a seat in Paradise. Ameen.
With hardship is tremendous ease
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are being enveloped by Allah's Mercy.
We want what pleases us and we dislike what displeases us. We don't want hardships. We want bliss. But bliss must be earned. How do we earn it? This is what this life is for.
Anybody can say "I believe", but are you telling the truth? When that hardship comes, are you going to break?
"Do the people reckon that they will be left to say 'We believe,' and will not be tried? We certainly tried those that were before them, and assuredly God knows those who speak truly, and assuredly He knows the liars." Qur'an The Spider 29:2-3
One day the Prophet (may Allah give him peace and blessings) asked his companions, "Do you see what I see?" They replied, "No". He said, "Verily I see fitan falling on your homes like rain."
Trials will continue to surge like the waves of the sea.
"Be patient, for no time will come except that the one after it shall be worse than it until you meet your Lord." (hadith)
"...have patience until you meet me at the Pool." (hadith)
(where you will have a drink from after which you will never be thirsty again, followed by eternal bliss in Paradise.)
Remember,
"On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear..." (Qur'an 2:286)
"So, truly with the hardship is (tremendous) ease. Truly with hardship is (tremendous) ease" (Qur'an 94:5-6)
Du'a is a very powerful act of worship. In times of hardship du'as become purer. Ask for Allah Himself and ask Him what He is asking you to do.
May Allah protect you and your family from the trials. Ameen.
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are being enveloped by Allah's Mercy.
We want what pleases us and we dislike what displeases us. We don't want hardships. We want bliss. But bliss must be earned. How do we earn it? This is what this life is for.
Anybody can say "I believe", but are you telling the truth? When that hardship comes, are you going to break?
"Do the people reckon that they will be left to say 'We believe,' and will not be tried? We certainly tried those that were before them, and assuredly God knows those who speak truly, and assuredly He knows the liars." Qur'an The Spider 29:2-3
One day the Prophet (may Allah give him peace and blessings) asked his companions, "Do you see what I see?" They replied, "No". He said, "Verily I see fitan falling on your homes like rain."
Trials will continue to surge like the waves of the sea.
"Be patient, for no time will come except that the one after it shall be worse than it until you meet your Lord." (hadith)
"...have patience until you meet me at the Pool." (hadith)
(where you will have a drink from after which you will never be thirsty again, followed by eternal bliss in Paradise.)
Remember,
"On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear..." (Qur'an 2:286)
"So, truly with the hardship is (tremendous) ease. Truly with hardship is (tremendous) ease" (Qur'an 94:5-6)
Du'a is a very powerful act of worship. In times of hardship du'as become purer. Ask for Allah Himself and ask Him what He is asking you to do.
May Allah protect you and your family from the trials. Ameen.
Object of love
بسم الله الحمن الرحيم
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
One of bases of love is acquaintance and understanding. Man does not not love one with who he is not acquainted. When it is strong and firm, then is deep love. One of the causes of love is secret connection between a lover and his beloved. This love is cemented not for beauty but for the union of their souls.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
"Out of them, love grows among those who have got similarity of souls."
"The souls are regulated army." Love begets among persons of similar nature and habits. Remember the proverb, "birds of a feather flock together"? The souls which agree with one another love one another, and those souls which have no agreement differ.
Only Allah should be the object of our love. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is an object of love because he (peace and blessings be upon him) is the beloved of Allah. So is love for the learned, religious and good people, as the dear ones of the beloved are object of love. The ambassadors and the messengers of the dear ones are also objects of love.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Imbue yourself with divine attributes." This injunction is only for following the good attributes, such as acquisition of knowledge, honesty, showing kindness, to do good to people, enjoin them good, to show them right path and to prohibit from evils.
There is no object of love other than Allah. The way to love Him is through Divine knowledge. A man gets great pleasure getting the secret information of an emperor. God is the most High and Most Honorable. So, the pleasure gained by the pursuit of knowledge of His attributes is the greatest. The best and highest pleasure is by the pursuit of knowledge relating to God and His attributes. It is many times more than the pleasure gained by satisfaction of lust or greed by the sense organs.
Allah knows best.
May Allah increase us in Divine knowledge. Ameen.
source: Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
One of bases of love is acquaintance and understanding. Man does not not love one with who he is not acquainted. When it is strong and firm, then is deep love. One of the causes of love is secret connection between a lover and his beloved. This love is cemented not for beauty but for the union of their souls.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
"Out of them, love grows among those who have got similarity of souls."
"The souls are regulated army." Love begets among persons of similar nature and habits. Remember the proverb, "birds of a feather flock together"? The souls which agree with one another love one another, and those souls which have no agreement differ.
Only Allah should be the object of our love. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is an object of love because he (peace and blessings be upon him) is the beloved of Allah. So is love for the learned, religious and good people, as the dear ones of the beloved are object of love. The ambassadors and the messengers of the dear ones are also objects of love.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Imbue yourself with divine attributes." This injunction is only for following the good attributes, such as acquisition of knowledge, honesty, showing kindness, to do good to people, enjoin them good, to show them right path and to prohibit from evils.
There is no object of love other than Allah. The way to love Him is through Divine knowledge. A man gets great pleasure getting the secret information of an emperor. God is the most High and Most Honorable. So, the pleasure gained by the pursuit of knowledge of His attributes is the greatest. The best and highest pleasure is by the pursuit of knowledge relating to God and His attributes. It is many times more than the pleasure gained by satisfaction of lust or greed by the sense organs.
Allah knows best.
May Allah increase us in Divine knowledge. Ameen.
source: Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Who is our wakeel?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
When we hire an attorney, we trust the attorney to make everything alright. We are relaxed because we think someone is going to take care of our matters. In Arabic world, when they say "I assign a wakeel," it means I assign an attorney.
Who is really our wakeel?
wa kafa billahi wakeel وكفى بالله وكيل (translated as "And Allah suffices for a wakeel") Qur'an Annisaa 4:81
When we say Hassbiyallahu wa nikmal wakeel حسبيا الله ونعم الكيل (translated as "Allah is sufficient for us, an excellent Wakeel is He)
did we feel it, did we mean it? If we mean it, we should be at that state of peace at least for that moment.
"If truly I know" new poem on Tawakkul, visit
http://www.scribd.com/people/documents/18648830-aisha-othman
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
I pray that you are well.
When we hire an attorney, we trust the attorney to make everything alright. We are relaxed because we think someone is going to take care of our matters. In Arabic world, when they say "I assign a wakeel," it means I assign an attorney.
Who is really our wakeel?
wa kafa billahi wakeel وكفى بالله وكيل (translated as "And Allah suffices for a wakeel") Qur'an Annisaa 4:81
When we say Hassbiyallahu wa nikmal wakeel حسبيا الله ونعم الكيل (translated as "Allah is sufficient for us, an excellent Wakeel is He)
did we feel it, did we mean it? If we mean it, we should be at that state of peace at least for that moment.
"If truly I know" new poem on Tawakkul, visit
http://www.scribd.com/people/documents/18648830-aisha-othman
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Love is sweet
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalaamu alaykum
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
First I would like to thank those who asked about me--about what happened to me that they didn't find my email yesterday first thing in the morning. May Allah bless you. The email was delayed because my ideas were all over the place and I did not know which one to focus on. Alhamdulillah, your emails came right at a time when I needed it most. Jazakallahu khairan. I had received a nasty and vulgar email from someone who I used to be closed to, I believe this person was responding to yesterday's email. I was shaken by it but then I remembered the event when the Quraysh was torturing and trying to humiliate the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in front of the Ka'bah and Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) said to them, "Do you have to kill a man for asking you to believe in the One God?" That give me some perspective. And your emails give me a lot of encouragement. Jazakallahu khairan. This person has been in my emailist for a while for no other reason but for the love of Allah. Tell me friends, if I should keep or remove this person from my emailist.
This brings me to the subject of love again. Love is a sweet and beautiful feeling, undescribable. You experience some of this beauty and sweetness when you are in love with someone. Don't you wish it never go away? Increase your knowledge of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and you will experience the true sweetness of love that never go away, inshaAllah. Don't go a day without learning something about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
When the Prophet's pulpit (peace and blessings be upon him) was made, he ascended the pulpit and began to give his sermon. A palm tree nearby his masjid cried. Previously, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would lean against this palm trunk when giving his sermon. The palm trunk yearned for him and cried so loud until people could not hear his sermon. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) descended from the pulpit, stroke it and hugged it and spoke to it--do you want to be a palm tree in this world until the Day of Resurrection or be a palm tree in Paradise with me. The palm tree chose to be with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in Paradise. SubhanAllah! If this is how much the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cared about a piece of wood that long for him, imagine the treatment we would get from loving and yearning for him! If your love for him is not there or has not increased since my previous email below, do something about it. Our hearts shouldn't be harder than the palm trunk. I have heard this hadith before but this was narrated by a beloved learned teacher this way and it truly touches my heart this time. May Allah preserve and bless my teacher.
May Allah increase our love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Ameen
Assalaamu alaykum
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
First I would like to thank those who asked about me--about what happened to me that they didn't find my email yesterday first thing in the morning. May Allah bless you. The email was delayed because my ideas were all over the place and I did not know which one to focus on. Alhamdulillah, your emails came right at a time when I needed it most. Jazakallahu khairan. I had received a nasty and vulgar email from someone who I used to be closed to, I believe this person was responding to yesterday's email. I was shaken by it but then I remembered the event when the Quraysh was torturing and trying to humiliate the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in front of the Ka'bah and Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) said to them, "Do you have to kill a man for asking you to believe in the One God?" That give me some perspective. And your emails give me a lot of encouragement. Jazakallahu khairan. This person has been in my emailist for a while for no other reason but for the love of Allah. Tell me friends, if I should keep or remove this person from my emailist.
This brings me to the subject of love again. Love is a sweet and beautiful feeling, undescribable. You experience some of this beauty and sweetness when you are in love with someone. Don't you wish it never go away? Increase your knowledge of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and you will experience the true sweetness of love that never go away, inshaAllah. Don't go a day without learning something about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
When the Prophet's pulpit (peace and blessings be upon him) was made, he ascended the pulpit and began to give his sermon. A palm tree nearby his masjid cried. Previously, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would lean against this palm trunk when giving his sermon. The palm trunk yearned for him and cried so loud until people could not hear his sermon. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) descended from the pulpit, stroke it and hugged it and spoke to it--do you want to be a palm tree in this world until the Day of Resurrection or be a palm tree in Paradise with me. The palm tree chose to be with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in Paradise. SubhanAllah! If this is how much the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cared about a piece of wood that long for him, imagine the treatment we would get from loving and yearning for him! If your love for him is not there or has not increased since my previous email below, do something about it. Our hearts shouldn't be harder than the palm trunk. I have heard this hadith before but this was narrated by a beloved learned teacher this way and it truly touches my heart this time. May Allah preserve and bless my teacher.
May Allah increase our love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Ameen
Good companion
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
I pray that you are well.
How do we make our children wake up for tahajjud (night vigil prayer)? This is how...
Maymunah (Allah be pleased with her), the last wife of the Prophet ﷺ, used to have her young nephew spent the nights in her home when the Prophet ﷺ was there. This young nephew was none other than Abdullah ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him), one of the greatest Companions and a great gift to the ummah of Rasullullah ﷺ.
Ibn Abbas said (in meaning, not exact words), "I spent the nights in the house of my aunt, Maymunah, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ used to pray the night prayer (qiyamu lail) in the house of Maymunah. I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) praying so I went and got on his left side and I began to pray with him and the Prophet ﷺ grabbed me and put me on his right." Ibn Abbas, in his later years, lost his eyesight and had lines on his face from crying at night. He learned this directly from the Prophet ﷺ in the home of his aunt when he was young.
The Prophet ﷺ said, "A man's religion is that of his intimate, so let each of you consider who to be intimate with." "A good companion is better than solitude and solitude is better than an evil companion."
Be vigilant as to make sure that our children are in the company of the best of people and they stay away from that of the worst.
May Allah protect our children and guide them and make them a source of our happiness in this world and the Hereafter. Ameen
I pray that you are well.
How do we make our children wake up for tahajjud (night vigil prayer)? This is how...
Maymunah (Allah be pleased with her), the last wife of the Prophet ﷺ, used to have her young nephew spent the nights in her home when the Prophet ﷺ was there. This young nephew was none other than Abdullah ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him), one of the greatest Companions and a great gift to the ummah of Rasullullah ﷺ.
Ibn Abbas said (in meaning, not exact words), "I spent the nights in the house of my aunt, Maymunah, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ used to pray the night prayer (qiyamu lail) in the house of Maymunah. I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) praying so I went and got on his left side and I began to pray with him and the Prophet ﷺ grabbed me and put me on his right." Ibn Abbas, in his later years, lost his eyesight and had lines on his face from crying at night. He learned this directly from the Prophet ﷺ in the home of his aunt when he was young.
The Prophet ﷺ said, "A man's religion is that of his intimate, so let each of you consider who to be intimate with." "A good companion is better than solitude and solitude is better than an evil companion."
Be vigilant as to make sure that our children are in the company of the best of people and they stay away from that of the worst.
May Allah protect our children and guide them and make them a source of our happiness in this world and the Hereafter. Ameen
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