بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم I
n the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Parenting and being parents is a lifelong struggle. We have aspirations of who we want to be as parents and we strive to achieve them. But there is no guarantee how our children are going to turn out.
Parents can be the most pious, practicing, loving parents, nonetheless they can have many disappointments by their children at every turn. These parents are in the company of prophets like Prophet Adam and Prophet Nuh (upon whom be peace) who had sons who rejected their teachings — yet these were fathers who were from among the best of humanity, parents who were in a constant state of supplication and prayer, who received guidance from Allah Almighty.
There is great comfort in knowing that parents will be rewarded not for how our children “turn out” but for the intentions we had while raising them, for the steps we took to facilitate their spiritual growth and success. All we can do is take the means; the end is up to Allah. Even if your children go astray, you should always leave a ‘door’ open for them and pray that they will one day ‘come back’. We should never cut off relations; we should never despair of Allah’s Mercy and Guidance.
We should never feel safe or believed that we have done a good job raising our children either. No matter how great life is, how righteous your family is, no one is safe until he/she dies with iman (faith) (husn al-khatima). Always and continue to pray for tawfiq (success).
وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا ﴿٧٤
Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous. [Qur'an, Al-Furqan 25:74]
رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْنِى مُقِيمَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ ﴿٤٠﴾ رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَىَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلْحِسَابُ ﴿٤١
My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication. (40) Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established." (41) [Qur'an, Ibrahim 14:40-41]
We pray that Allah grants us the du'a for “a pure progeny” that He granted Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Zakariyya, and the mother of Maryam (upon them all be peace) in the Qur'an. We pray that we are able to be worthy teachers for our children who will carry this noble religion on, a precious trust to be handed from one generation to the next. May we not be “the weak link”.
Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassallam
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Fasting on One's Birthday
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
It is mentioned in several works that simply commemorating one’s day of birth is not blameworthy, if it is done in a way that is related to remembering and giving thanks for the blessings of Allah Most High. However, the closer such celebration comes to the ways of the unbelievers, the more disliked it would be, especially if one seeks to imitate or be like them, for the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever loves a people is of them.”
May Allah make us of those who are thankful to Him. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
source: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
It is mentioned in several works that simply commemorating one’s day of birth is not blameworthy, if it is done in a way that is related to remembering and giving thanks for the blessings of Allah Most High. However, the closer such celebration comes to the ways of the unbelievers, the more disliked it would be, especially if one seeks to imitate or be like them, for the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever loves a people is of them.”
May Allah make us of those who are thankful to Him. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
source: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Saturday, August 30, 2014
The Prayer (As-Salaat) Does Not Revolve Around Our Life
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
The prayer (As-Salaat) is of the greatest obligation in Islam.
It is an institution in a person's life. It is the pillar, the support and strength, in the person's life, and joy for those people who Allah blessed them in their prayers. Our life has to revolve around it. Like all the furniture in your home which have to go around the pillars of your home, all your schedules -- work, school, appointments, meetings, business, etc. have to go around the prayer. The prayer is fixed -- it does not revolve around our life.
If the pillar is weak, your Islam is wobbly and will eventually collapse, because it is so easy for Shaytan to steal your Faith (Iman). Losing one's Iman is the ultimate loss for the person because if he remains in this state until he dies, there is no more hope for Paradise for him and he will abide in the Hellfire forever.
Each day we should strive to better our prayer and this can only be done through having the right knowledge and implementation of that knowledge. No matter how long/how much we have prayed, there is always a better prayer. Strive to make the current prayer better than the one before. If you are praying the same way as you have been for the past 20 years, or if you don't rush to prayer, or if you still find prayer more of a burden than a comfort to you, or if you are rushing to finish your prayer, you are not truly appreciating the gift of prayer and therefore you won't feel the benefit of your prayer.
The more prayer you do, the more taqwa (God-Fearing) you will get. The more taqwa you have the more guidance you are ready to receive. Through taqwa Allah will make access to guidance easier to you. People who have taqwa and guidance, Allah promised them life of ease in this life before the next.
Remember, Shaytan is dedicated to make sure we don't get guidance. Know his tricks to keep you away from your prayers.
May Allah grant us steadfastness and bless us in our prayers and increase us in taqwa. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Related Archives
7 Entrances for Shaytan
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
The prayer (As-Salaat) is of the greatest obligation in Islam.
إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ كَانَتۡ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ كِتَـٰبً۬ا مَّوۡقُوتً۬ا" [Qur'an. An-Nisa 4:103]
...Verily, the prayer is enjoined on the believers at appointed time.
It is an institution in a person's life. It is the pillar, the support and strength, in the person's life, and joy for those people who Allah blessed them in their prayers. Our life has to revolve around it. Like all the furniture in your home which have to go around the pillars of your home, all your schedules -- work, school, appointments, meetings, business, etc. have to go around the prayer. The prayer is fixed -- it does not revolve around our life.
حَـٰفِظُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلصَّلَوَٰتِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ٱلْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا۟ لِلَّـهِ قَـٰنِتِينَ ﴿٢٣٨[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:238]
Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient. (238)
If the pillar is weak, your Islam is wobbly and will eventually collapse, because it is so easy for Shaytan to steal your Faith (Iman). Losing one's Iman is the ultimate loss for the person because if he remains in this state until he dies, there is no more hope for Paradise for him and he will abide in the Hellfire forever.
Each day we should strive to better our prayer and this can only be done through having the right knowledge and implementation of that knowledge. No matter how long/how much we have prayed, there is always a better prayer. Strive to make the current prayer better than the one before. If you are praying the same way as you have been for the past 20 years, or if you don't rush to prayer, or if you still find prayer more of a burden than a comfort to you, or if you are rushing to finish your prayer, you are not truly appreciating the gift of prayer and therefore you won't feel the benefit of your prayer.
The more prayer you do, the more taqwa (God-Fearing) you will get. The more taqwa you have the more guidance you are ready to receive. Through taqwa Allah will make access to guidance easier to you. People who have taqwa and guidance, Allah promised them life of ease in this life before the next.
Remember, Shaytan is dedicated to make sure we don't get guidance. Know his tricks to keep you away from your prayers.
May Allah grant us steadfastness and bless us in our prayers and increase us in taqwa. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Related Archives
7 Entrances for Shaytan
Climbing The Ladder Of Success (Tawfiq)
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Tawfiq is success or the ability to attain what truly benefits you in this life and the next. How do we climb the ladder of success?
First, we have to know that tawfiq comes only from Allah, not from you or anyone else. As mentioned in the Qur'an, Prophet Shu'aib (alayhissalaam) said,
The best of guidance is when Allah grants you tawfiq. When Allah gives you tawfiq, your affairs are gathered together and you are able to achieve your goals. However, it is extremely important that you take the first step and put in your best effort.
In order for Allah to choose you for this specific form of guidance, you need to actively seek tawfiq from Him in all your affairs, big or small, for this world or the Hereafter.
Some Causes of Tawfiq
Having sincere intention
It is very important to have sincere intention in all your undertakings. Your intention must be correct--you are doing it to seek the pleasure of Allah Almighty. When your intention is sincere and when you wish for that which is good and correct, then Allah will grant you tawfiq. That is why the scholars mentioned sincerity to be from the biggest of causes of tawfiq. So wish for the truth and for yourself to attain goodness and correctness in your affairs and keep reminding yourself about the importance of a sincere intention in all you do for Allah.
Having certainty, trust in Allah and turn to Allah
Another cause for being granted tawfiq is to have yaqeen (certainty) that this tawfiq can only come from Allah and, very importantly, to rely on Him and turn to Him in repentance. How many times do people attribute success in their career or having done good deeds to themselves, without even thinking it was only by the tawfiq of Allah? So have true belief that tawfiq only comes from Allah, put your trust in Him and repent.
Desiring Paradise and asking for it
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said:
Allah gives tawfiq for the slave when he asks for Paradise, so ask for it.
A bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah whilst he was travelling and he took hold of his camel’s halter or reigns and said: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me of something that will draw me closer to Paradise and distance me away from the Hellfire. He said, the Prophet turned and looked to his companions and said: Indeed he has been granted tawfiq. Indeed he has been granted tawfiq. Then he said: What did you say? So he (the bedouin) repeated and the Prophet said: That you should worship Allah and associate none with Him, that you establish prayers, pay the zakah and join ties (kindred). Let go of the camel. [Muslim]
The bedouin’s will to attain Paradise is an example of tawfiq.
May Allah grant us the highest Paradise without reckoning. Ameen.
Praying the istikharah prayer
Praying this sunnah prayer when proceeding with decisions in your life means you seek tawfiq. Praying this prayer with the du'a for istkharah included in it is a cause for being granted tawfiq.
Asking for a good end
Realize the importance of being granted tawfiq in the last moments of your life. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said:
May Allah make us of those He utilized and grant us an excellent ending. Ameen.
Reflecting on your friendships
The righteous predecessors used to say: If a person of the sunnah is granted tawfiq, then the biggest blessing that Allah bestows on him is to give him tawfiq in finding (another) companion of the sunnah who takes him by the hand and leads him to the truth.
A beautiful example is Khaythamah ibn Abi Sabra who said: I came to Madinah and I asked Allah to facilitate for me in finding a righteous companion, so He facilitated for me Abu Hurayrah. I sat with him and said: Indeed I asked Allah to facilitate for me righteous companionship so I was granted tawfiq. He said to me: Where are you from? . . . (until the end of the narration). [At-Tirmidhi]
This is how those who were true to Allah in their intentions were granted tawfiq in meeting those from the Companion.
So ask Allah for tawfiq in friendships. May Allah grant us righteous companions. Ameen.
Being grateful whenever you are given tawfiq
Whenever Allah enabled you to carry out that good deed you wanted to do, thank Allah. And whoever is grateful, Allah will give him more.
So be grateful for any tawfiq and He will give you more. May Allah make us of those who are grateful. Ameen.
May Allah make us of those who always ask for tawfiq, recognize tawfiq is from Him only and put our trust in Him. May Allah grant us tawfiq in all that is good, utilize us on His path and distance us from the Fire and all deeds that lead to it. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Tawfiq is success or the ability to attain what truly benefits you in this life and the next. How do we climb the ladder of success?
First, we have to know that tawfiq comes only from Allah, not from you or anyone else. As mentioned in the Qur'an, Prophet Shu'aib (alayhissalaam) said,
إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا ٱلْإِصْلَـٰحَ مَا ٱسْتَطَعْتُ ۚ وَمَا تَوْفِيقِىٓ إِلَّا بِٱللَّـهِ ۚ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ ﴿٨٨[Qur'an, Hud 11:88]
... I only intend reform as much as I am able. And my success is not but through Allah. Upon him I have relied, and to Him I return. (88)
The best of guidance is when Allah grants you tawfiq. When Allah gives you tawfiq, your affairs are gathered together and you are able to achieve your goals. However, it is extremely important that you take the first step and put in your best effort.
In order for Allah to choose you for this specific form of guidance, you need to actively seek tawfiq from Him in all your affairs, big or small, for this world or the Hereafter.
Some Causes of Tawfiq
Having sincere intention
It is very important to have sincere intention in all your undertakings. Your intention must be correct--you are doing it to seek the pleasure of Allah Almighty. When your intention is sincere and when you wish for that which is good and correct, then Allah will grant you tawfiq. That is why the scholars mentioned sincerity to be from the biggest of causes of tawfiq. So wish for the truth and for yourself to attain goodness and correctness in your affairs and keep reminding yourself about the importance of a sincere intention in all you do for Allah.
Having certainty, trust in Allah and turn to Allah
Another cause for being granted tawfiq is to have yaqeen (certainty) that this tawfiq can only come from Allah and, very importantly, to rely on Him and turn to Him in repentance. How many times do people attribute success in their career or having done good deeds to themselves, without even thinking it was only by the tawfiq of Allah? So have true belief that tawfiq only comes from Allah, put your trust in Him and repent.
Desiring Paradise and asking for it
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said:
Whoever makes the Hereafter his preoccupation, then Allah places freedom from want in his heart, gathers his affairs, and dunya (worldly life) comes to him despite being reluctant to do so. And whoever makes dunya his preoccupation, then Allah places his poverty in front of his eyes, make his affairs scattered, and nothing of the dunya comes to him except that which has been decreed for him.[At-Tirmidhi]
Allah gives tawfiq for the slave when he asks for Paradise, so ask for it.
A bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah whilst he was travelling and he took hold of his camel’s halter or reigns and said: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me of something that will draw me closer to Paradise and distance me away from the Hellfire. He said, the Prophet turned and looked to his companions and said: Indeed he has been granted tawfiq. Indeed he has been granted tawfiq. Then he said: What did you say? So he (the bedouin) repeated and the Prophet said: That you should worship Allah and associate none with Him, that you establish prayers, pay the zakah and join ties (kindred). Let go of the camel. [Muslim]
The bedouin’s will to attain Paradise is an example of tawfiq.
May Allah grant us the highest Paradise without reckoning. Ameen.
Praying the istikharah prayer
Praying this sunnah prayer when proceeding with decisions in your life means you seek tawfiq. Praying this prayer with the du'a for istkharah included in it is a cause for being granted tawfiq.
Asking for a good end
Realize the importance of being granted tawfiq in the last moments of your life. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said:
If Allah wishes good for a slave, he utilizes him. It was said: How does He utilizes him, O Messenger of Allah? He said: He grants him tawfiq to perform righteous deeds before death.[At-Tirmidhi]
May Allah make us of those He utilized and grant us an excellent ending. Ameen.
Reflecting on your friendships
The righteous predecessors used to say: If a person of the sunnah is granted tawfiq, then the biggest blessing that Allah bestows on him is to give him tawfiq in finding (another) companion of the sunnah who takes him by the hand and leads him to the truth.
A beautiful example is Khaythamah ibn Abi Sabra who said: I came to Madinah and I asked Allah to facilitate for me in finding a righteous companion, so He facilitated for me Abu Hurayrah. I sat with him and said: Indeed I asked Allah to facilitate for me righteous companionship so I was granted tawfiq. He said to me: Where are you from? . . . (until the end of the narration). [At-Tirmidhi]
This is how those who were true to Allah in their intentions were granted tawfiq in meeting those from the Companion.
So ask Allah for tawfiq in friendships. May Allah grant us righteous companions. Ameen.
Being grateful whenever you are given tawfiq
Whenever Allah enabled you to carry out that good deed you wanted to do, thank Allah. And whoever is grateful, Allah will give him more.
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌۭ[Qur'an Ibrahim 14:7]
And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.' " (7)
So be grateful for any tawfiq and He will give you more. May Allah make us of those who are grateful. Ameen.
May Allah make us of those who always ask for tawfiq, recognize tawfiq is from Him only and put our trust in Him. May Allah grant us tawfiq in all that is good, utilize us on His path and distance us from the Fire and all deeds that lead to it. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Surah Al-Kahf -- Overcoming Trials
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wassallam) explained that Surah al-Kahf is of the earliest revelation that has been revealed to him because it fortifies our Iman (Faith).
“Whoever reads Surah al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next.” [Narrated by al-Haakim, al-Bayhaqi]
Peace and tranquility will be brought down to those who recite Surah al-Kahf.
Narrated Al-Bara': A man was reciting Surah Al-Kahf and his horse was tied with two ropes beside him. A cloud came down and spread over that man, and it kept on coming closer and closer to him till his horse started jumping (as if afraid of something). When it was morning, the man came to the Prophet, and told him of that experience. The Prophet said, "That was As-Sakina (tranquility) which descended because of (the recitation of) the Qur'an." [Bukhari]
Each story in Surah al-Kahf presents a main trial (fitnah) and teaches us how we can overcome those fitnah.
1. Young men that went to seek shelter in the cave
This story is about the fitnah of religion. It is about a group of young men who believed in Allah, but the king wanted to kill them because they were believers. So the young men retreated to a cave seeking Allah’s protection and Allah gave them that protection.
Allah is teaching us that those who seek refuge in Allah, He will pave a way out for them when Allah says,
2. The story of the man with the 2 gardens
This story is about the fitnah of wealth/money. It tells us what happens when money gets into your head. And it tells us what happens when money gets you to be arrogant.
The solution here is to realize that this world/life is temporary – that Allah gives and you didn’t give. That what you have will perish and what is with Allah will remain forever. So we don't become too crazy with this world and forget the Lord.
3. The story of Prophet Musa (alayhissalaam) and Khidr (alayhissalaam)
Knowledge is a fitnah if it does make you humble and wise. Knowledge can cause one's arrogance if he forgets the All-Knowing and All-Wise. Prophet Musa overcame that by looking for Khidr who Allah has given certain knowledge so he can learn from him.
It is also for us to recognize that acquiring knowledge requires lots of patience.
4. The story of Dhul-Qarnayn
The story is about the fitnah of power. Allah mentioned that Allah tested Dhul-Qarnayn with that fitnah:
And Dhul-Qarnayn overcame it by constantly being aware that Allah is al-Malik ul-Mulk. Allah is the Ultimate King.
May Allah protect us from the trials and tribulations of this life and the next.
رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wassallam) explained that Surah al-Kahf is of the earliest revelation that has been revealed to him because it fortifies our Iman (Faith).
“Whoever reads Surah al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next.” [Narrated by al-Haakim, al-Bayhaqi]
Peace and tranquility will be brought down to those who recite Surah al-Kahf.
Narrated Al-Bara': A man was reciting Surah Al-Kahf and his horse was tied with two ropes beside him. A cloud came down and spread over that man, and it kept on coming closer and closer to him till his horse started jumping (as if afraid of something). When it was morning, the man came to the Prophet, and told him of that experience. The Prophet said, "That was As-Sakina (tranquility) which descended because of (the recitation of) the Qur'an." [Bukhari]
Each story in Surah al-Kahf presents a main trial (fitnah) and teaches us how we can overcome those fitnah.
1. Young men that went to seek shelter in the cave
This story is about the fitnah of religion. It is about a group of young men who believed in Allah, but the king wanted to kill them because they were believers. So the young men retreated to a cave seeking Allah’s protection and Allah gave them that protection.
Allah is teaching us that those who seek refuge in Allah, He will pave a way out for them when Allah says,
إِذْ أَوَى ٱلْفِتْيَةُ إِلَى ٱلْكَهْفِ فَقَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا ﴿١٠[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:10]
Mention] when the youths retreated to the cave and said, "Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance." (10)
2. The story of the man with the 2 gardens
This story is about the fitnah of wealth/money. It tells us what happens when money gets into your head. And it tells us what happens when money gets you to be arrogant.
وَأُحِيطَ بِثَمَرِهِۦ فَأَصْبَحَ يُقَلِّبُ كَفَّيْهِ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَنفَقَ فِيهَا وَهِىَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَىٰ عُرُوشِهَا وَيَقُولُ يَـٰلَيْتَنِى لَمْ أُشْرِكْ بِرَبِّىٓ أَحَدًا ﴿٤٢﴾ وَلَمْ تَكُن لَّهُۥ فِئَةٌ يَنصُرُونَهُۥ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّـهِ وَمَا كَانَ مُنتَصِرًا ﴿٤٣[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:42-3]
And his fruits were encompassed [by ruin], so he began to turn his hands about [in dismay] over what he had spent on it, while it had collapsed upon its trellises, and said, "Oh, I wish I had not associated with my Lord anyone." (42) And there was for him no company to aid him other than Allah, nor could he defend himself. (43)
The solution here is to realize that this world/life is temporary – that Allah gives and you didn’t give. That what you have will perish and what is with Allah will remain forever. So we don't become too crazy with this world and forget the Lord.
ٱلْمَالُ وَٱلْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَٱلْبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا ﴿٤٦﴾ وَيَوْمَ نُسَيِّرُ ٱلْجِبَالَ وَتَرَى ٱلْأَرْضَ بَارِزَةً وَحَشَرْنَـٰهُمْ فَلَمْ نُغَادِرْ مِنْهُمْ أَحَدًا ﴿٤٧[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:46-47]
Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope. (46) And [warn of] the Day when We will remove the mountains and you will see the earth prominent, and We will gather them and not leave behind from them anyone. (47)
3. The story of Prophet Musa (alayhissalaam) and Khidr (alayhissalaam)
Knowledge is a fitnah if it does make you humble and wise. Knowledge can cause one's arrogance if he forgets the All-Knowing and All-Wise. Prophet Musa overcame that by looking for Khidr who Allah has given certain knowledge so he can learn from him.
It is also for us to recognize that acquiring knowledge requires lots of patience.
قَالَ إِن سَأَلْتُكَ عَن شَىْءٍۭ بَعْدَهَا فَلَا تُصَـٰحِبْنِى ۖ قَدْ بَلَغْتَ مِن لَّدُنِّى عُذْرًا ﴿٧٦[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:76]
[Moses] said, "If I should ask you about anything after this, then do not keep me as a companion. You have obtained from me an excuse." (76)
4. The story of Dhul-Qarnayn
The story is about the fitnah of power. Allah mentioned that Allah tested Dhul-Qarnayn with that fitnah:
إِنَّا مَكَّنَّا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ سَبَبًا ﴿٨٤[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:84]
Indeed We established him upon the earth, and We gave him to everything a way. (84)
And Dhul-Qarnayn overcame it by constantly being aware that Allah is al-Malik ul-Mulk. Allah is the Ultimate King.
قُلْنَا يَـٰذَا ٱلْقَرْنَيْنِ إِمَّآ أَن تُعَذِّبَ وَإِمَّآ أَن تَتَّخِذَ فِيهِمْ حُسْنًا ﴿٨٦﴾ قَالَ أَمَّا مَن ظَلَمَ فَسَوْفَ نُعَذِّبُهُۥ ثُمَّ يُرَدُّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِۦ فَيُعَذِّبُهُۥ عَذَابًا نُّكْرًا ﴿٨٧﴾ وَأَمَّا مَنْ ءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًا فَلَهُۥ جَزَآءً ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ ۖ وَسَنَقُولُ لَهُۥ مِنْ أَمْرِنَا يُسْرًا ﴿٨٨[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:86-87]
... Allah said, "O Dhul-Qarnayn, either you punish [them] or else adopt among them [a way of] goodness." (86) He said, "As for one who wrongs, we will punish him. Then he will be returned to his Lord, and He will punish him with a terrible punishment. (87) But as for one who believes and does righteousness, he will have a reward of Paradise, and we will speak to him from our command with ease." (88)
قَالَ مَا مَكَّنِّى فِيهِ رَبِّى خَيْرٌ فَأَعِينُونِى بِقُوَّةٍ أَجْعَلْ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُمْ رَدْمًا ﴿٩٥[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:95]
He said, "That in which my Lord has established me is better [than what you offer], but assist me with strength; I will make between you and them a dam. (95)
May Allah protect us from the trials and tribulations of this life and the next.
رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Thursday, August 28, 2014
The Joy of Entertaining and Honoring Guests
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Entertaining and honoring guests is of the most important traditions in Islam. It is a great virtue that holds a significant purpose. Being hospitable to neighbors and guests can increase societal ties as well as unite an entire community.
Guests who visit our homes must be treated with kindness and respect. The same principle applies whether the guest is a family member, a stranger, Muslim or non-Muslim. Muslims should provide an abundance of food and drink to their guests to the best of their abilities. We should greet our guests with a pleasing attitude and take interest in their conversation. Hospitality of guests does not go beyond what Allah has decreed.
The Prophet Ibrahim alayhissalaam was most hospitable to his guests. He disliked eating unless he had a guest to eat with him and would often look for guests that he could invite to dinner. When he received three of Allah's angels as guests, he immediately served them a roasted calf as he mistook them for travelers and did not yet know their Divine mission.
Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wassallam, was always generous to his guests and instructed his companions to do the same.
There is verse that was revealed highlighting the hospitality shown to a guest by one of the companions, Abu Talha and his wife Umm Sulaim (radhiAllahu anhuma). Abu Talha welcomed a hungry traveler into his home even though there was very little to eat. So he instructed his wife Umm Sulaim to bring whatever provisions they had and give it to the guest. As the guest ate his fill, these two devout Muslims pretended to eat in the dim candlelight. The following day the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam gave them the news about the verse Allah had revealed:
When it comes to hospitality, there are countless opportunities a Muslim can find to engage in this most noble deed. And we should always be grateful to our Lord, who has provided us with all the tools we need to succeed in this life and the next.
Here are some points of etiquette which should be observed with the guest.
(1) To take the guest by the hand and enter the guest into one's house, showing extreme happiness, looking at the guest with joy and smiles.
(2) To honor the guest with what one is able of kindness and gentleness.
(3) To spend on honoring the guest with what one has.
(4) To feel truly grateful that the guest accepted to come and be one’s guest.
(5) To speak kind and gentle words; and entertain the guest with goodly conversation.
(6) To hasten to bring the guest what one can find of food and drink.
(7) If most guests are present, the food should be served; although there is no harm in delaying if the one’s not there are poor or would be broken hearted if the food is served without them.
(8) To place the food before the guest, and not to make the guest go to the food.
(9) To not consider it wasteful if one puts forward a lot of food.
(10) To not calculate how much one is spending on the guest as that is miserliness.
(11) To choose the cleanest, purest and most suitable food for the guest.
(12) To present the food in the nicest containers.
(13) To present the lighter food before the heavier food, not the other way around.
(14) To gently encourage the guest to eat. One should not encourage the guest more than three times, if the guest is not eating much or is feeling shy to eat. As for forcing the guest to eat, swearing oaths, or pouring a spoon full of food into his plate, against the guest's will, there is no permission for that and it hurts the guest.
(15) To entertain the God-fearing, not the corrupt; as the food aids the former to obey and the latter to disobey.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,
(16) To prefer the guest over oneself with what one possesses, even if one does not have except the food for a day.
(17) To serve guests with one’s own hands, and not to surrender their service to the people of the household.
(18) To start with serving guests the best one has; although there is no harm in letting them choose their food, so that each orders what the guest most desires, saying, “I have got such and such ingredients, so choose what you would like me to cook for you.”
(19) To present food, cold drinks and salad; each ready to be eaten.
(20) To tell guests if there is no other course of food, so that they eat their fill of what is presented, without waiting for any more food.
(21) To not ask the guest to serve, as this is against self respect.
It is reported that a guest came to Umar ibn Abd al-‘Aziz and his lantern was about to go out; the guest said, “I will stand to the lantern and fix it,” and ‘Umar replied, “It is not from the nobility of a man to use his guests,” and then he went himself and filled up the lantern with oil.
(22) That the host, if he is eating with the guests, be the first to put his hand in the food, encouraging the others to start thereby, and the last to take his hand out, encouraging them to eat their fill thereby.
(23) To believe that the burden of caring for the guest will be borne by Allah; i.e. not to fear that one might be unable to provide for the guest.
(24) To not invite anyone to food except for the sake of Allah.
(25) To avoid showing off and boasting in one’s entertaining the guest.
(26) To not enter onto the guest someone that does not agree with him.
(27) To not restrict to entertaining the rich and leave out the poor.
(28) To not invite some people from a single household, and leave out others, as this hurts their feelings. Likewise, to look out for the feelings of friends and relatives, as inviting some and leaving out others can lead to alienation.
(29) To not invite someone for whom answering the invitation is very burdensome.
(30) To help the guest to observe prayer times while he is staying with one, as guests can make mistakes about prayer times.
(31) To give the guest at night what the guest needs, including a lantern, fuel, a toothbrush, slippers and wudu' water.
(32) To not ask the guest if he wants something, as this is low character; rather, he presents things to the guest and lets the guest take what he wills.
(33) To help them wash hands, starting with youngsters before the meal and with the elders at the end of the meal, as this enables the elders to eat straight after washing hands and wash their hands straight after eating.
(34) To not stay silent lest they feel alienation, and not to speak except with what benefits them and benefits oneself.
(35) To taste fruit and the like, first, to ensure that it tastes good, before presenting it to the guests.
(36) To allow guests to leave once they finish eating.
(37) To escort them to the door of the house on their way out.
(38) To enter the house before the guest, to show them the way.
(39) To entertain the stranger and the poor for three days, whatever is beyond that is charity. It is an emphasized sunna to present food to the guest for the first day and night, and to present what one normally eats for the next two days; whatever is beyond then is charity and kindness, if one wants to provide it, one can, and if one does not, one need not do so.
(40) To say to guests as they part, “You have honored me, may Allah reward you with great good on my behalf,” seeing shortcomings from himself, even if he had poured this world on them completely.
(41) To not remind the guests of his favor to them, or ask the guests for some form of substitute for his kindness or thanks.
May Allah enable us to observe the sunnah of entertaining and honoring guests. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Entertaining and honoring guests is of the most important traditions in Islam. It is a great virtue that holds a significant purpose. Being hospitable to neighbors and guests can increase societal ties as well as unite an entire community.
Guests who visit our homes must be treated with kindness and respect. The same principle applies whether the guest is a family member, a stranger, Muslim or non-Muslim. Muslims should provide an abundance of food and drink to their guests to the best of their abilities. We should greet our guests with a pleasing attitude and take interest in their conversation. Hospitality of guests does not go beyond what Allah has decreed.
The Prophet Ibrahim alayhissalaam was most hospitable to his guests. He disliked eating unless he had a guest to eat with him and would often look for guests that he could invite to dinner. When he received three of Allah's angels as guests, he immediately served them a roasted calf as he mistook them for travelers and did not yet know their Divine mission.
Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wassallam, was always generous to his guests and instructed his companions to do the same.
There is verse that was revealed highlighting the hospitality shown to a guest by one of the companions, Abu Talha and his wife Umm Sulaim (radhiAllahu anhuma). Abu Talha welcomed a hungry traveler into his home even though there was very little to eat. So he instructed his wife Umm Sulaim to bring whatever provisions they had and give it to the guest. As the guest ate his fill, these two devout Muslims pretended to eat in the dim candlelight. The following day the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam gave them the news about the verse Allah had revealed:
وَٱلَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُو ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلْإِيمَـٰنَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّونَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِى صُدُورِهِمْ حَاجَةً مِّمَّآ أُوتُوا۟ وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ ۚ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ ﴿٩[Qur'an, Al-Hashr 59:9]
And [also for] those who were settled in al-Madinah and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful. (9)
When it comes to hospitality, there are countless opportunities a Muslim can find to engage in this most noble deed. And we should always be grateful to our Lord, who has provided us with all the tools we need to succeed in this life and the next.
Here are some points of etiquette which should be observed with the guest.
(1) To take the guest by the hand and enter the guest into one's house, showing extreme happiness, looking at the guest with joy and smiles.
(2) To honor the guest with what one is able of kindness and gentleness.
(3) To spend on honoring the guest with what one has.
(4) To feel truly grateful that the guest accepted to come and be one’s guest.
(5) To speak kind and gentle words; and entertain the guest with goodly conversation.
(6) To hasten to bring the guest what one can find of food and drink.
(7) If most guests are present, the food should be served; although there is no harm in delaying if the one’s not there are poor or would be broken hearted if the food is served without them.
(8) To place the food before the guest, and not to make the guest go to the food.
(9) To not consider it wasteful if one puts forward a lot of food.
(10) To not calculate how much one is spending on the guest as that is miserliness.
(11) To choose the cleanest, purest and most suitable food for the guest.
(12) To present the food in the nicest containers.
(13) To present the lighter food before the heavier food, not the other way around.
(14) To gently encourage the guest to eat. One should not encourage the guest more than three times, if the guest is not eating much or is feeling shy to eat. As for forcing the guest to eat, swearing oaths, or pouring a spoon full of food into his plate, against the guest's will, there is no permission for that and it hurts the guest.
(15) To entertain the God-fearing, not the corrupt; as the food aids the former to obey and the latter to disobey.
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,
Do not keep the company except of a believer, and let no one eat your food except for the God-fearing. (Tirmidhi)
(16) To prefer the guest over oneself with what one possesses, even if one does not have except the food for a day.
(17) To serve guests with one’s own hands, and not to surrender their service to the people of the household.
(18) To start with serving guests the best one has; although there is no harm in letting them choose their food, so that each orders what the guest most desires, saying, “I have got such and such ingredients, so choose what you would like me to cook for you.”
(19) To present food, cold drinks and salad; each ready to be eaten.
(20) To tell guests if there is no other course of food, so that they eat their fill of what is presented, without waiting for any more food.
(21) To not ask the guest to serve, as this is against self respect.
It is reported that a guest came to Umar ibn Abd al-‘Aziz and his lantern was about to go out; the guest said, “I will stand to the lantern and fix it,” and ‘Umar replied, “It is not from the nobility of a man to use his guests,” and then he went himself and filled up the lantern with oil.
(22) That the host, if he is eating with the guests, be the first to put his hand in the food, encouraging the others to start thereby, and the last to take his hand out, encouraging them to eat their fill thereby.
(23) To believe that the burden of caring for the guest will be borne by Allah; i.e. not to fear that one might be unable to provide for the guest.
(24) To not invite anyone to food except for the sake of Allah.
(25) To avoid showing off and boasting in one’s entertaining the guest.
(26) To not enter onto the guest someone that does not agree with him.
(27) To not restrict to entertaining the rich and leave out the poor.
(28) To not invite some people from a single household, and leave out others, as this hurts their feelings. Likewise, to look out for the feelings of friends and relatives, as inviting some and leaving out others can lead to alienation.
(29) To not invite someone for whom answering the invitation is very burdensome.
(30) To help the guest to observe prayer times while he is staying with one, as guests can make mistakes about prayer times.
(31) To give the guest at night what the guest needs, including a lantern, fuel, a toothbrush, slippers and wudu' water.
(32) To not ask the guest if he wants something, as this is low character; rather, he presents things to the guest and lets the guest take what he wills.
(33) To help them wash hands, starting with youngsters before the meal and with the elders at the end of the meal, as this enables the elders to eat straight after washing hands and wash their hands straight after eating.
(34) To not stay silent lest they feel alienation, and not to speak except with what benefits them and benefits oneself.
(35) To taste fruit and the like, first, to ensure that it tastes good, before presenting it to the guests.
(36) To allow guests to leave once they finish eating.
(37) To escort them to the door of the house on their way out.
(38) To enter the house before the guest, to show them the way.
(39) To entertain the stranger and the poor for three days, whatever is beyond that is charity. It is an emphasized sunna to present food to the guest for the first day and night, and to present what one normally eats for the next two days; whatever is beyond then is charity and kindness, if one wants to provide it, one can, and if one does not, one need not do so.
(40) To say to guests as they part, “You have honored me, may Allah reward you with great good on my behalf,” seeing shortcomings from himself, even if he had poured this world on them completely.
(41) To not remind the guests of his favor to them, or ask the guests for some form of substitute for his kindness or thanks.
May Allah enable us to observe the sunnah of entertaining and honoring guests. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Watch The Manners
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
Narrated by Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
Good character comes from good manners. Some of the scholars have mentioned that all of the good manners can be derived from four Hadiths, and they mentioned amongst them this Hadith:
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
The focus of this Hadith is actions; actions of controlling one’s speech, actions of being good to your neighbor and actions of being generous to your guests. All these actions lead to good character.
It is not enough that we say that we believe in Allah and in the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) but also this belief should manifest one’s actions. That is why the scholars said, “Belief is what settles in the heart and manifest itself on one’s limbs.” It is part of Islam to act on what you believe in and act upon the teachings of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the teachings of the Qur'an.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) put emphasis on the importance of each action by repeating the statement “Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment,” with every single action. It is a constant repetition and reminder that these actions should come out of one's belief.
Speak Good, or Keep Silent
To control our speech is a very important aspect in manifesting our belief. Also it is very important for our own spiritual development.
Much can be said of a person’s character by the way he uses his tongue. The tongue is one of the smallest organs of one's body yet it possesses great capacity to be used for evil that plunge one into the Hellfire. Once the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, held his tongue and said that people are thrown into Hell on their faces because of the sins of their tongues.
We should only speak what is good and true and must not under any circumstances speak evil or use filthy language. If a person wishes to say something, then if that speech is good, and will surely be rewarded for, then let him say it. And if not, then let him keep silent - whether it is apparent that the speech is Haram (forbidden) or Makruh (disliked) or even Mubah (permissible). In such situations, even permissible speech, it is preferred to keep silent out of fear that it may turn into something which is Haram or Makruh.
Be Generous to your Neighbors; Be Generous to your Guests
Generosity and hospitality is from Islam, and from the character of the Prophets and the righteous. The Prophet’s statement "let him be generous to his neighbor" and "let him be generous to his guest" contains instruction on the rights of the neighbors and on doing good to them and encouragement upon protecting the limbs from doing harm to them.
May Allah grant us noble character and enable us to be good to our neighbors and guests. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Related Archives:
The Joy of Entertaining and Honoring Guests
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
Do you know the things which most commonly brings people into Paradise? It is fear of Allah and good character. Do you know what most commonly brings people into Hell? It is the two hollow things: the mouth and the private parts.[Al-Tirmidhi]
Narrated by Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
There is nothing heavier than good character put in the Scale of a believer on the Day of Resurrection.[Abu Dawood]
Good character comes from good manners. Some of the scholars have mentioned that all of the good manners can be derived from four Hadiths, and they mentioned amongst them this Hadith:
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
Let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day speak good, or keep silent; and let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his neighbor; and let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his guest.[Bukhari & Muslim]
The focus of this Hadith is actions; actions of controlling one’s speech, actions of being good to your neighbor and actions of being generous to your guests. All these actions lead to good character.
It is not enough that we say that we believe in Allah and in the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) but also this belief should manifest one’s actions. That is why the scholars said, “Belief is what settles in the heart and manifest itself on one’s limbs.” It is part of Islam to act on what you believe in and act upon the teachings of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the teachings of the Qur'an.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) put emphasis on the importance of each action by repeating the statement “Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment,” with every single action. It is a constant repetition and reminder that these actions should come out of one's belief.
Speak Good, or Keep Silent
To control our speech is a very important aspect in manifesting our belief. Also it is very important for our own spiritual development.
Much can be said of a person’s character by the way he uses his tongue. The tongue is one of the smallest organs of one's body yet it possesses great capacity to be used for evil that plunge one into the Hellfire. Once the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, held his tongue and said that people are thrown into Hell on their faces because of the sins of their tongues.
We should only speak what is good and true and must not under any circumstances speak evil or use filthy language. If a person wishes to say something, then if that speech is good, and will surely be rewarded for, then let him say it. And if not, then let him keep silent - whether it is apparent that the speech is Haram (forbidden) or Makruh (disliked) or even Mubah (permissible). In such situations, even permissible speech, it is preferred to keep silent out of fear that it may turn into something which is Haram or Makruh.
Be Generous to your Neighbors; Be Generous to your Guests
Generosity and hospitality is from Islam, and from the character of the Prophets and the righteous. The Prophet’s statement "let him be generous to his neighbor" and "let him be generous to his guest" contains instruction on the rights of the neighbors and on doing good to them and encouragement upon protecting the limbs from doing harm to them.
May Allah grant us noble character and enable us to be good to our neighbors and guests. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Related Archives:
The Joy of Entertaining and Honoring Guests
Qur'an is Not for Everybody
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Qur'an is guidance, but not everybody can benefit from it. Because Qur'an is not for everybody. It is guidance for the Muttaqin (those who possess Taqwa).
Allah Almighty says,
Those who have Taqwa will see the Truth and those who don't will not be able to see it.
What is Taqwa?
Taqwa is one of those unique words in the Arabic language that cannot simply be translated into a word or two in English. As a result, many translators struggle to bring out the real meaning of this word.
Ali (radhiAllahu anhu) defined Taqwa as being the ‘fear of Jaleel (Allah), acting upon the tanzeel (Quran), being content with qaleel (little), and preparing for the day of raheel (journeying from this world).
Umar ibn Khattab (radhiAllahu anhu) once asked Ibn Ka’ab (radhiAllahu anhu) the definition of taqwa. In reply Ibn Ka’ab asked, “Have you ever had to traverse a thorny path?” Umar replied in the affirmative and ibn Ka’ab continued, “How do you do so?”
Taqwa can be compared to walking through a narrow path with thorny bushes on both sides and a person passing through it tries his level best to save his clothes from being torn. The thorns are the sins and the clothes is one's Iman (faith).
Allah Almighty says:
Ibn Mas'ud (radhiallahu anhu) said speaking about this verse, Allah is meant to be obeyed, and not disobeyed; remembered at all times, and not forgotten; and to be thanked; and we are not to be ungrateful to Him."
Taqwa makes one deserving of Allah's pleasure and love. Allah Almighty says,
Taqwa keeps one steadfast on the Straight Path and protects him from deviation. Allah Almighty says,
Taqwa is a means by which a believer performs righteous deeds and Taqwa causes the righteous deed to be accepted by Allah.
Allah mentioned the characteristics of His Awliya (Friends of Allah) saying:
How to achieve Taqwa?
Allah Almighty says,
Thus, Taqwa is the fruit of 'ibadah (act of worship) and can only be achieved by performing acts of 'ibadah. Therefore, we often find Allah mentions Taqwa with 'ibadah. Allah Almighty says regarding the fasts of Ramadhan:
Taqwa inhabits the heart and it is only within the capability of Allah to know what the hearts conceal. Therefore, judging people's righteousness and spirituality is beyond our ability.
May Allah forgive our sins and make us among the people of Taqwa and guide us, our families and the Ummah. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Qur'an is guidance, but not everybody can benefit from it. Because Qur'an is not for everybody. It is guidance for the Muttaqin (those who possess Taqwa).
Allah Almighty says,
ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٢[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:2]
This Book has no doubt in it - a guidance for the God-fearing (Al-Muttaqin), (2)
Those who have Taqwa will see the Truth and those who don't will not be able to see it.
إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ لَا يَسْتَحْىِۦٓ أَن يَضْرِبَ مَثَلًا مَّا بَعُوضَةً فَمَا فَوْقَهَا ۚ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ فَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَآ أَرَادَ ٱللَّـهُ بِهَـٰذَا مَثَلًا ۘ يُضِلُّ بِهِۦ كَثِيرًا وَيَهْدِى بِهِۦ كَثِيرًا ۚ وَمَا يُضِلُّ بِهِۦٓ إِلَّا ٱلْفَـٰسِقِينَ ﴿٢٦[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:26]
Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient, (26)
What is Taqwa?
Taqwa is one of those unique words in the Arabic language that cannot simply be translated into a word or two in English. As a result, many translators struggle to bring out the real meaning of this word.
Ali (radhiAllahu anhu) defined Taqwa as being the ‘fear of Jaleel (Allah), acting upon the tanzeel (Quran), being content with qaleel (little), and preparing for the day of raheel (journeying from this world).
Umar ibn Khattab (radhiAllahu anhu) once asked Ibn Ka’ab (radhiAllahu anhu) the definition of taqwa. In reply Ibn Ka’ab asked, “Have you ever had to traverse a thorny path?” Umar replied in the affirmative and ibn Ka’ab continued, “How do you do so?”
Taqwa can be compared to walking through a narrow path with thorny bushes on both sides and a person passing through it tries his level best to save his clothes from being torn. The thorns are the sins and the clothes is one's Iman (faith).
Allah Almighty says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ ﴿١٠٢[Qur'an, AleImran 3:102]
O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah, as you should have of Him and do not die except as Muslims. (102)
Ibn Mas'ud (radhiallahu anhu) said speaking about this verse, Allah is meant to be obeyed, and not disobeyed; remembered at all times, and not forgotten; and to be thanked; and we are not to be ungrateful to Him."
Taqwa makes one deserving of Allah's pleasure and love. Allah Almighty says,
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّـهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ ﴿١٣[Qur'an, al-Hujurat 49:13]
O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is that (believer) who has Taqwa. (13)
Taqwa keeps one steadfast on the Straight Path and protects him from deviation. Allah Almighty says,
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِن تَتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ يَجْعَل لَّكُمْ فُرْقَانًا وَيُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّـهُ ذُو ٱلْفَضْلِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ ﴿٢٩[Qur'an, Al-Anfaal 8:29]
O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a Furqaan (criterion to judge between right and wrong) and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty. (29)
Taqwa is a means by which a believer performs righteous deeds and Taqwa causes the righteous deed to be accepted by Allah.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ وَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا ﴿٧٠﴾ يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَـٰلَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّـهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا ﴿٧١[Qur'an, al-Ahzab 33:70-71]
O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. (70) He will [then] amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment. (71)
Allah mentioned the characteristics of His Awliya (Friends of Allah) saying:
أَلَآ إِنَّ أَوْلِيَآءَ ٱللَّـهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ ﴿٦٢﴾ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَكَانُوا۟ يَتَّقُونَ ﴿٦٣[Qur'an, Yunus 10:62-63]
Unquestionably, the friends of Allah shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve (62) Those who have believed and have been fearful of Allah. (63)
How to achieve Taqwa?
Allah Almighty says,
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمْ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ﴿٢١[Qur'an, al-Baqarah 2:21]
O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allâh), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (those who possess Taqwa) (21)
Thus, Taqwa is the fruit of 'ibadah (act of worship) and can only be achieved by performing acts of 'ibadah. Therefore, we often find Allah mentions Taqwa with 'ibadah. Allah Almighty says regarding the fasts of Ramadhan:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ﴿١٨٣[Qur'an, al-Baqarah 2:183]
O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting)[] is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (those who possess Taqwa) (183)
Taqwa inhabits the heart and it is only within the capability of Allah to know what the hearts conceal. Therefore, judging people's righteousness and spirituality is beyond our ability.
وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعْجِبُكَ قَوْلُهُۥ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَيُشْهِدُ ٱللَّـهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلْبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلْخِصَامِ ﴿٢٠٤[Qur'an, al-Baqarah 2:204]
There is among people, he whose speech will dazzle you in this life and he will claim that Allah is witness (to the sincerity of) what is in his heart, yet he will be among the most vicious enemies (of mankind).
(204)
May Allah forgive our sins and make us among the people of Taqwa and guide us, our families and the Ummah. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Breaking Ties -- Cause of Disorder and Self-Destruction
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
The fundamental cause of disorder in human society is the sundering of relationships that Allah has joined. When we separate things that are supposed to be together, the natural result is those things fall apart. Individual concerns and collective concerns are meant to be together. If you separate them, then society falls apart. Just as our body and soul are joined together, you can't separate the two lest you die.
Allah has commanded should be joined includes all kinds of relationships -- the one between Allah and His servant, the one between a person and his/her parents and relatives, between him/her and his/her neighbors and friends, between one Muslim and another Muslim, between one human and another human.
Islam means fulfilling one's obligations with regard to these relationships. Deficiency in fulfilling these obligations produces all kinds of disorder among people, and thus the transgressors end up by being destructive for others and for themselves. It is these people who are the losers -- in this world as in the other.
It is essential for us to maintain the relationships which Allah has commanded us to keep intact.
May Allah enable us to keep and strengthen the ties He commanded us to keep intact. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
The fundamental cause of disorder in human society is the sundering of relationships that Allah has joined. When we separate things that are supposed to be together, the natural result is those things fall apart. Individual concerns and collective concerns are meant to be together. If you separate them, then society falls apart. Just as our body and soul are joined together, you can't separate the two lest you die.
Allah has commanded should be joined includes all kinds of relationships -- the one between Allah and His servant, the one between a person and his/her parents and relatives, between him/her and his/her neighbors and friends, between one Muslim and another Muslim, between one human and another human.
Islam means fulfilling one's obligations with regard to these relationships. Deficiency in fulfilling these obligations produces all kinds of disorder among people, and thus the transgressors end up by being destructive for others and for themselves. It is these people who are the losers -- in this world as in the other.
ٱلَّذِينَ يَنقُضُونَ عَهْدَ ٱللَّـهِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مِيثَـٰقِهِۦ وَيَقْطَعُونَ مَآ أَمَرَ ٱللَّـهُ بِهِۦٓ أَن يُوصَلَ وَيُفْسِدُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَـٰسِرُونَ ﴿٢٧[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:27]
Who break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and cause corruption on earth. It is those who are the losers. (27)
It is essential for us to maintain the relationships which Allah has commanded us to keep intact.
May Allah enable us to keep and strengthen the ties He commanded us to keep intact. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Dealing with People -- The Muslim's Golden Rule
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Muslims have it in the teachings of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) better than the "Golden Rule" - to love for your brother what you love for yourself.
On the authority of Abu Hamzah Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
"None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself." [Bukhari & Muslim]
For the person to receive true faith they have to love their brother in humanity, Muslim or non-Muslim, what they love for themselves. This is a very high level of spirituality and selflessness the true believer should seek. We shouldn’t say that someone who does not attain this station is no longer a believer. He just haven’t reached that high level of faith.
Many of us fall short in following this teaching and sometimes act in opposite to the teachings. You will find envy and jealousy among people, even in familial relationships and close friendships. If we see something good that our brother has and we want it, or worse, that we want him to lose it, then there is an actual problem in our belief. It’s a problem in our love for our brother, and it’s contradictory to the meaning of this hadith.
Holding ourselves accountable is an essential characteristic of a believer. You hold yourself accountable and question yourself about your feelings against your brother and why you feel a certain way, and rectify it.
Sometimes when we see flaws of others, instead of hoping, striving, and working toward rectify their difficulties in flaws, we actually exploit them. We take advantage of them and make ourselves feel better. This is actually a disease in the heart that we need to see someone to do something bad in order for us to feel good. We should help the person to overcome his problems and desire for him to be better.
We should want our brother to have what we have and even better. This is a manifestation of us realizing that Allah is endless in His bounty and endless in His generosity, even infinite in these qualities. We should rid of this disease that makes us think that if someone else have it, then we can’t. Allah can give and take as He pleases so it shouldn’t make any difference if someone else has something, something we don't have or something better than what we have.
May Allah beautify our character and enable us to love for our brothers what we love for ourselves. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Muslims have it in the teachings of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) better than the "Golden Rule" - to love for your brother what you love for yourself.
On the authority of Abu Hamzah Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
"None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself." [Bukhari & Muslim]
For the person to receive true faith they have to love their brother in humanity, Muslim or non-Muslim, what they love for themselves. This is a very high level of spirituality and selflessness the true believer should seek. We shouldn’t say that someone who does not attain this station is no longer a believer. He just haven’t reached that high level of faith.
Many of us fall short in following this teaching and sometimes act in opposite to the teachings. You will find envy and jealousy among people, even in familial relationships and close friendships. If we see something good that our brother has and we want it, or worse, that we want him to lose it, then there is an actual problem in our belief. It’s a problem in our love for our brother, and it’s contradictory to the meaning of this hadith.
Holding ourselves accountable is an essential characteristic of a believer. You hold yourself accountable and question yourself about your feelings against your brother and why you feel a certain way, and rectify it.
Sometimes when we see flaws of others, instead of hoping, striving, and working toward rectify their difficulties in flaws, we actually exploit them. We take advantage of them and make ourselves feel better. This is actually a disease in the heart that we need to see someone to do something bad in order for us to feel good. We should help the person to overcome his problems and desire for him to be better.
We should want our brother to have what we have and even better. This is a manifestation of us realizing that Allah is endless in His bounty and endless in His generosity, even infinite in these qualities. We should rid of this disease that makes us think that if someone else have it, then we can’t. Allah can give and take as He pleases so it shouldn’t make any difference if someone else has something, something we don't have or something better than what we have.
May Allah beautify our character and enable us to love for our brothers what we love for ourselves. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Monday, August 25, 2014
Building A Good Neigborhood and Society -- Be A Good Neighbor
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
We are living in a society where very few people are concerned for others. People are scared of one another. They may see someone screaming, "Help! Help!" Very few of the pedestrians or watchers may be willing to help. Neighbors may not know each other, even those who live in the same building or next door. A neighbor lost his motorcycle parked outside, but no one cares -- "Not my motorcycle!" A neighbor may scream, "Help! Help!" but very few, if any, may be interested to help. Each one is looking out for himself only. SubhanAllah.
Having good neighbors is a great blessing. Without having good neighbors, people will have a miserable life. If you want to live in peace and harmony in your home, you should choose a good neighborhood in a good society. Know who your potential neighbors when you look for a new home to move into.
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said, "Among the happiness of a Muslim is a good neighbor, and wide house, and a relaxing transportation..." [Ahmad & Al-Hakim]
Allah informed us that neighbors are important segments in the society. Accordingly, Allah commanded us to be good to our neighbors. Allah associated them with categories of parents, relatives, orphans, poor and needy.
Narrated by Abi Shuraih Al-Khuza'i that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement, let him do good to his neighbor..." [Muslim]
Whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims, they are to be taken care of in the best manner.
Our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam explained to us how to be good to our neighbors.
Narrated by Ibn Umar and Aisha (radhiAllahu anhuma) saying that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "Angel Jibril advised me continuously to take care of the neighbor till I thought that Allah is to make him an inheritor."
Narrated by Abu Zarr Al-Ghaffari saying that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "O Abu Zarr! Whenever you cook food, increase its contents, and take care of your neighbors." [Muslim]
"The rights of the neighbor is that, when he is sick you visit him; when he dies, you go to his funeral; when he is poor you lend him (money); when he is in need, you protect him; when he is in happiness, you congratulate him; when he is struck with a calamity, you console him; don't raise your building above his to cut off the wind from him; don't harm him with the good smell of your food unless you let him have part of it." [Tabarani]
"Neighbor is before the house, the companion is before traveling, and the food supply is before departure." [Al-Khatib]
In another Hadith, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam informed us that the best person is the one who is good to his neighbors.
Narrated by Ibn Umar radhiAllahu anhu that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam) said: "The best friend in the sight of Allah is the one who is good to his companions; and the best neighbor in the sight of Allah is the one who is good to his neighbors." [Tirmidhi]
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam warned those who do harm to their neighbors.
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah radhiAllahu anhu saying that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam) said: "He will not enter paradise, the one whose neighbor is not safe of him." [Muslim]
In another hadith, narrated by Abu Hurayrah saying that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "In the name of Allah, he is not a believer, In the Name of Allah, he is not a believer, In the Name of Allah, he is not a believer. They asked him, who is he O Messenger of Allah! He said: It is he whose neighbor is not safe of him." [Agreed]
"He is not believing in me, the one who sleeps full while his neighbor is hungry." [Al-Bazar]
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah saying that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should not harm his neighbor; whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should be generous to his guest, and whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should say good or keep silent." [Agreed]
Who are your neighbors?
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam explained the physical limits of neighbors:
"Every forty houses are your neighbors: The ones in front of you, the ones from the back, the ones on the right and the ones on the left." [Tahhawi]
If we want a good neighborhood and ultimately a good society, no one can make it for us. We have to make it ourselves, by starting to be a good neighbor ourselves. You should try to get to know all your neighbors. If you can't do this with everyone, at least start with your near neighbors.
May Allah enable us to be good neighbors and grant us good neighbors. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
We are living in a society where very few people are concerned for others. People are scared of one another. They may see someone screaming, "Help! Help!" Very few of the pedestrians or watchers may be willing to help. Neighbors may not know each other, even those who live in the same building or next door. A neighbor lost his motorcycle parked outside, but no one cares -- "Not my motorcycle!" A neighbor may scream, "Help! Help!" but very few, if any, may be interested to help. Each one is looking out for himself only. SubhanAllah.
Having good neighbors is a great blessing. Without having good neighbors, people will have a miserable life. If you want to live in peace and harmony in your home, you should choose a good neighborhood in a good society. Know who your potential neighbors when you look for a new home to move into.
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said, "Among the happiness of a Muslim is a good neighbor, and wide house, and a relaxing transportation..." [Ahmad & Al-Hakim]
Allah informed us that neighbors are important segments in the society. Accordingly, Allah commanded us to be good to our neighbors. Allah associated them with categories of parents, relatives, orphans, poor and needy.
وَٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا ۖ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا وَبِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْجَارِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْجَارِ ٱلْجُنُبِ وَٱلصَّاحِبِ بِٱلْجَنۢبِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا ﴿٣٦[Qur'an, An-Nisa 4:36]
Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful. (36)
Narrated by Abi Shuraih Al-Khuza'i that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement, let him do good to his neighbor..." [Muslim]
Whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims, they are to be taken care of in the best manner.
Our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam explained to us how to be good to our neighbors.
Narrated by Ibn Umar and Aisha (radhiAllahu anhuma) saying that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "Angel Jibril advised me continuously to take care of the neighbor till I thought that Allah is to make him an inheritor."
Narrated by Abu Zarr Al-Ghaffari saying that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "O Abu Zarr! Whenever you cook food, increase its contents, and take care of your neighbors." [Muslim]
"The rights of the neighbor is that, when he is sick you visit him; when he dies, you go to his funeral; when he is poor you lend him (money); when he is in need, you protect him; when he is in happiness, you congratulate him; when he is struck with a calamity, you console him; don't raise your building above his to cut off the wind from him; don't harm him with the good smell of your food unless you let him have part of it." [Tabarani]
"Neighbor is before the house, the companion is before traveling, and the food supply is before departure." [Al-Khatib]
In another Hadith, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam informed us that the best person is the one who is good to his neighbors.
Narrated by Ibn Umar radhiAllahu anhu that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam) said: "The best friend in the sight of Allah is the one who is good to his companions; and the best neighbor in the sight of Allah is the one who is good to his neighbors." [Tirmidhi]
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam warned those who do harm to their neighbors.
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah radhiAllahu anhu saying that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam) said: "He will not enter paradise, the one whose neighbor is not safe of him." [Muslim]
In another hadith, narrated by Abu Hurayrah saying that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "In the name of Allah, he is not a believer, In the Name of Allah, he is not a believer, In the Name of Allah, he is not a believer. They asked him, who is he O Messenger of Allah! He said: It is he whose neighbor is not safe of him." [Agreed]
"He is not believing in me, the one who sleeps full while his neighbor is hungry." [Al-Bazar]
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah saying that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should not harm his neighbor; whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should be generous to his guest, and whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should say good or keep silent." [Agreed]
Who are your neighbors?
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam explained the physical limits of neighbors:
"Every forty houses are your neighbors: The ones in front of you, the ones from the back, the ones on the right and the ones on the left." [Tahhawi]
If we want a good neighborhood and ultimately a good society, no one can make it for us. We have to make it ourselves, by starting to be a good neighbor ourselves. You should try to get to know all your neighbors. If you can't do this with everyone, at least start with your near neighbors.
May Allah enable us to be good neighbors and grant us good neighbors. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Manliness and Femininity
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Men and women were not created the same. A man cannot be a woman and a woman cannot be a man. Manliness in men and femininity in women is self respect. And to imitate the other gender is having no self respect.
We are part of the creation of Allah. And Allah does not discriminate between men and women. Men and women complement each other.
Manliness is to be strong enough to stand up for yourself but gentle enough to stand up for others. Being manly isn't easy, nor should it be - real men relish challenges. Manly men don't have to look like Conan the Barbarian or Fabio, but they do need to take care of their bodies. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, always looked his best, both in private and in public.
Manly men are aware of the image they project - stand up straight and walk with purpose. Real men don't run from challenges or try to shirk their obligations. Rather, they take pride in being reliable and responsible. If you're a husband or father, become a leader in your family. Take an active role in child-raising, helping with household chores and/or balance the household budget, for instance.
Manliness is not yelling, screaming, beating, raising your manly voice or scaring your woman. On the contrary manly men are very gentle with their womenfolk. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, would not raise his voice even in the marketplace.
"The best of the Muslims is he from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe." [Muslim]
"The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family." [Tirmidhi]
Just because Hawwa (Eve) was created from Adam's ribs, it does not mean that women are inferior to men. Rather, it shows that the woman is your partner working side by side just as the ribs are on your side. Just because ribs are curved, that doesn't mean women are crooked (evil) or that it is a defect in the manufacture. Just imagine if Allah created your ribs straight. Surely, it is very painful to be walking around with bones sticking into your flesh.
Ribs are curved on both sides of our bodies to create a cage to protect the heart, the major arteries and veins as well as the lungs which are all essential for life continuity. So the curved nature of the rib is one of the signs of Allah’s perfection in creation of human and if they were straight they would not give the maximum security for the heart and lungs as the cage shape that the rib’s curvature produce.
Saying that a woman is created from a crooked rib is to explain that she has all the characteristics she requires to perform her function perfectly which is protection for her family and children as well as her mercy. So if one tries to change a woman’s characteristics to be like his then she would not be able to perform her function on earth which is mercy and protection of her loved ones. Honoring this nature in women and not trying to change it is what makes life enjoyable. Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alayhi wassallam is advising men not to try to change the characteristics of a woman to be like that of a man or he would not enjoy her presence beside him. If you try to straighten your ribs, it will break and you will have no shape.
To be a feminine woman, you should adopt the mindset of a more traditional woman and know how to cultivate grace, compassion, politeness, and capability. Being feminine does not mean being perfect and ethereal. For those times when grace is lacking and you fall flat on your face in the middle of a room, the true test of your femininity is your ability to laugh it off! Because think about it: taking life too seriously is not very healthy overall. Ultimately, being feminine is about feeling at ease with yourself, and you can't feel at ease if you're too stiff, somber, and serious, so be the opposite: lighthearted and playful.
A feminine woman feels compassion for other people, knows how to sympathize with people, and says the right thing when she's trying to help someone. Being confident is also an important part of femininity. Anyone can agree that learning to love yourself is important. A truly feminine person is confident enough in her looks and abilities to be modest. Avoid bragging about your accomplishments, talking about how amazing you look, or generally showing off.
If you are a wife, you are not there to tell your husband what to do -- there are things best left to your husband to decide even if you think you are right. If you see your husband driving a certain way that you might not appreciate, tell yourself that he has been driving all these years to work without you and he has been coming home safe. So leave him alone and save the argument in the car. It is highly likely that he won't listen to you anyway. You are there to protect his vital organ -- the heart. Smile a lot, flirt, tease, and play. Have fun! And talk like a lady.
"The best of women are those that please him [her husband] when he sees her, obeys him when she is commanded, and who does not secretly betray him with regards to herself and her money in that which he dislikes." [Ahmad]
"The best of women are those that please you when you see them, obey you when commanded, and who safeguard themselves and your money in your absence." [Tabarani, Sahih]
Part of being feminine is knowing how to get across exactly what you want to say while being graceful, poised, delicate, and considerate. Women should be direct and clear in public, and not behave girly, so as not to attract unnecessary attention to herself. Speak softly, slow down your words, and express your thoughts as eloquently as possible. You don't have to change the way you think to be feminine -- you just have to consider the way you say them. To be a feminine, you can't curse like a sailor, yell to get what you want, or talk so loudly that any person in the building can hear you.
"The best of people are those with the most excellent character." [Tabarani, Sahih]
May Allah enable us to fulfill our responsibilities in the best manner. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. JazakAllahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Men and women were not created the same. A man cannot be a woman and a woman cannot be a man. Manliness in men and femininity in women is self respect. And to imitate the other gender is having no self respect.
We are part of the creation of Allah. And Allah does not discriminate between men and women. Men and women complement each other.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّـهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ ﴿١٣[Qur'an, Hujuraat 49:13]
O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (13)
Manliness is to be strong enough to stand up for yourself but gentle enough to stand up for others. Being manly isn't easy, nor should it be - real men relish challenges. Manly men don't have to look like Conan the Barbarian or Fabio, but they do need to take care of their bodies. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, always looked his best, both in private and in public.
Manly men are aware of the image they project - stand up straight and walk with purpose. Real men don't run from challenges or try to shirk their obligations. Rather, they take pride in being reliable and responsible. If you're a husband or father, become a leader in your family. Take an active role in child-raising, helping with household chores and/or balance the household budget, for instance.
Manliness is not yelling, screaming, beating, raising your manly voice or scaring your woman. On the contrary manly men are very gentle with their womenfolk. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, would not raise his voice even in the marketplace.
"The best of the Muslims is he from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe." [Muslim]
"The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family." [Tirmidhi]
Just because Hawwa (Eve) was created from Adam's ribs, it does not mean that women are inferior to men. Rather, it shows that the woman is your partner working side by side just as the ribs are on your side. Just because ribs are curved, that doesn't mean women are crooked (evil) or that it is a defect in the manufacture. Just imagine if Allah created your ribs straight. Surely, it is very painful to be walking around with bones sticking into your flesh.
Ribs are curved on both sides of our bodies to create a cage to protect the heart, the major arteries and veins as well as the lungs which are all essential for life continuity. So the curved nature of the rib is one of the signs of Allah’s perfection in creation of human and if they were straight they would not give the maximum security for the heart and lungs as the cage shape that the rib’s curvature produce.
Saying that a woman is created from a crooked rib is to explain that she has all the characteristics she requires to perform her function perfectly which is protection for her family and children as well as her mercy. So if one tries to change a woman’s characteristics to be like his then she would not be able to perform her function on earth which is mercy and protection of her loved ones. Honoring this nature in women and not trying to change it is what makes life enjoyable. Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alayhi wassallam is advising men not to try to change the characteristics of a woman to be like that of a man or he would not enjoy her presence beside him. If you try to straighten your ribs, it will break and you will have no shape.
To be a feminine woman, you should adopt the mindset of a more traditional woman and know how to cultivate grace, compassion, politeness, and capability. Being feminine does not mean being perfect and ethereal. For those times when grace is lacking and you fall flat on your face in the middle of a room, the true test of your femininity is your ability to laugh it off! Because think about it: taking life too seriously is not very healthy overall. Ultimately, being feminine is about feeling at ease with yourself, and you can't feel at ease if you're too stiff, somber, and serious, so be the opposite: lighthearted and playful.
A feminine woman feels compassion for other people, knows how to sympathize with people, and says the right thing when she's trying to help someone. Being confident is also an important part of femininity. Anyone can agree that learning to love yourself is important. A truly feminine person is confident enough in her looks and abilities to be modest. Avoid bragging about your accomplishments, talking about how amazing you look, or generally showing off.
If you are a wife, you are not there to tell your husband what to do -- there are things best left to your husband to decide even if you think you are right. If you see your husband driving a certain way that you might not appreciate, tell yourself that he has been driving all these years to work without you and he has been coming home safe. So leave him alone and save the argument in the car. It is highly likely that he won't listen to you anyway. You are there to protect his vital organ -- the heart. Smile a lot, flirt, tease, and play. Have fun! And talk like a lady.
"The best of women are those that please him [her husband] when he sees her, obeys him when she is commanded, and who does not secretly betray him with regards to herself and her money in that which he dislikes." [Ahmad]
"The best of women are those that please you when you see them, obey you when commanded, and who safeguard themselves and your money in your absence." [Tabarani, Sahih]
Part of being feminine is knowing how to get across exactly what you want to say while being graceful, poised, delicate, and considerate. Women should be direct and clear in public, and not behave girly, so as not to attract unnecessary attention to herself. Speak softly, slow down your words, and express your thoughts as eloquently as possible. You don't have to change the way you think to be feminine -- you just have to consider the way you say them. To be a feminine, you can't curse like a sailor, yell to get what you want, or talk so loudly that any person in the building can hear you.
"The best of people are those with the most excellent character." [Tabarani, Sahih]
May Allah enable us to fulfill our responsibilities in the best manner. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. JazakAllahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Don't Dare to Die Except as Muslims
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
This life is a struggle, but it is nothing compared to the after life.
Death for a Muslim is the beginning of the next journey. It is the first stop to eternity. All future stops will be determined by your death.
The next stop will be the life in the grave -- it's either a torment or blessing. If a person died as a believer, then a gate to Paradise will be opened for him, and he will feel its rest and provision and blessings. If he died as an unbeliever, then a gate to Hell will be opened for him, and his grave will constrict until his ribs intermingle, and his grave will be like one of the pits of Hell. He will feel its heat and torment.
The next stop will be Judgment Day when everyone will find their final abode -- Paradise or Hell. There is no other stop after this.
When Allah Almighty says to have taqwa of Allah (fear of Allah) as He deserves to have, it is a personal judgment call for you and me. If you can tell yourself "I am doing everything I can to please Allah," knowing fully well that Allah knows what on the tongues and in the hearts, then that's fine, but if not, then keep trying and push yourself to a higher standard of Islam, but don't dare to die except as Muslims.
Death will come whether you are obeying or disobeying Allah. You better be in obedience when your death comes. You better not doing something in disobedience when your death arrives. You better not get caught red-handed in the middle of a sin when the angel of death visits you. The state in which you die is a good indication of what Allah has in store for you. May Allah make us among those who protect himself from displeasing Him.
Time is running out. All our life amounts to inhales and exhales and it will never come back. Every single breath is a step closer towards death. We are marching forward, heading towards our Master. Whether we accept this or not, whether we are oblivious or not, whether we face forward or backward, we are still heading forward with eyes open or close. Don't close your eyes to this reality.
May Allah grant us a state of Islam throughout our lives. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
This life is a struggle, but it is nothing compared to the after life.
Death for a Muslim is the beginning of the next journey. It is the first stop to eternity. All future stops will be determined by your death.
The next stop will be the life in the grave -- it's either a torment or blessing. If a person died as a believer, then a gate to Paradise will be opened for him, and he will feel its rest and provision and blessings. If he died as an unbeliever, then a gate to Hell will be opened for him, and his grave will constrict until his ribs intermingle, and his grave will be like one of the pits of Hell. He will feel its heat and torment.
The next stop will be Judgment Day when everyone will find their final abode -- Paradise or Hell. There is no other stop after this.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ ﴿١٠٢[Qur'an, AleImran 3:102]
O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]. (102)
When Allah Almighty says to have taqwa of Allah (fear of Allah) as He deserves to have, it is a personal judgment call for you and me. If you can tell yourself "I am doing everything I can to please Allah," knowing fully well that Allah knows what on the tongues and in the hearts, then that's fine, but if not, then keep trying and push yourself to a higher standard of Islam, but don't dare to die except as Muslims.
Death will come whether you are obeying or disobeying Allah. You better be in obedience when your death comes. You better not doing something in disobedience when your death arrives. You better not get caught red-handed in the middle of a sin when the angel of death visits you. The state in which you die is a good indication of what Allah has in store for you. May Allah make us among those who protect himself from displeasing Him.
Time is running out. All our life amounts to inhales and exhales and it will never come back. Every single breath is a step closer towards death. We are marching forward, heading towards our Master. Whether we accept this or not, whether we are oblivious or not, whether we face forward or backward, we are still heading forward with eyes open or close. Don't close your eyes to this reality.
May Allah grant us a state of Islam throughout our lives. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Friday, August 22, 2014
Let's Recite Surah Kahf Today -- A Moment of Peace and Tranquility
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
In a world full of turmoil, we could all use a moment of tranquility by reciting Surah Kahf now.
“A man was reciting Surat Al-Kahf and his horse was tied with two ropes beside him. A cloud came down and spread over that man, and it kept on coming closer and closer to him till his horse started jumping (as if afraid of something). When it was morning, the man came to the Prophet, and told him of that experience. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said, “That was As-Sakina (tranquility) which descended because of (the recitation of) the Qur’an.”” [Bukhari]
Before we look for the virtues of reciting Surah Kahf's every Friday, we should recite it because the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam asked us to do. He only asked us to do what he did himself. It was also the sunnah of the Companions, who were all too eager to follow in the footsteps of the beloved Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wassallam.
Try to memorize this Surah starting with the first ten verses.
“If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of the Surah al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal.” [Muslim]
Though memorization of some surahs is just plain obvious (like Surah Al-Fatiha for the validation of your prayer), but Surah Kahf’s memorization has been specifically talked about.
Since Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassalaam was so concerned about us following his advice is the least we can do.
Most of us think of memorization as an extra deed, but the following hadith clarifies how hollow your soul is when you have nothing of the Qur'an in your heart.
"He who does not memorize any part from the Qur’an he is like the ruined house." [At-Tirmidhi]
To take a verse to heart is to know it by heart. Memorization provides us with knowledge of a qualitatively and physiologically different variety — you take the verse inside you and you know it at a deeper level than if you had simply read it off some device. What you have in your heart is easier to access and apply to your life in spontaneous situations. You won’t have to open a copy of it or turn on your device for that.
Qur'an holds so much wisdom in it that keeping it in your heart will make you a wise person as well.
Obviously, memorization doesn’t only mean to save it in your heart but also to absorb it deep within. So much so that Qur'an could be seen on you. People could tell, just by looking at you, that you have memorized the Qur'an or a part of it.
"The character of Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam was the Quran," as narrated by Aisha radhiAllahu anha.
The more you memorize, the higher your rank with Allah.
"Recite and rise up, and be increased in reward with every Ayah." [Tirmidhi]
رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
... Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance. [Qur'an Al-Kahf 18:10]
May Allah make us of those who truly love the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassalllam, those who will follow his sunnah, those who will be raised up with him on Day of Judgment, those who will drink from his blessed hands and those who He will admit with him into Paradise.
Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
In a world full of turmoil, we could all use a moment of tranquility by reciting Surah Kahf now.
“A man was reciting Surat Al-Kahf and his horse was tied with two ropes beside him. A cloud came down and spread over that man, and it kept on coming closer and closer to him till his horse started jumping (as if afraid of something). When it was morning, the man came to the Prophet, and told him of that experience. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said, “That was As-Sakina (tranquility) which descended because of (the recitation of) the Qur’an.”” [Bukhari]
Before we look for the virtues of reciting Surah Kahf's every Friday, we should recite it because the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam asked us to do. He only asked us to do what he did himself. It was also the sunnah of the Companions, who were all too eager to follow in the footsteps of the beloved Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wassallam.
قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّـهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحْبِبْكُمُ ٱللَّـهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّـهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿٣١[Qur'an, AleImran 3:31]
Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (31)
Try to memorize this Surah starting with the first ten verses.
“If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of the Surah al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal.” [Muslim]
Though memorization of some surahs is just plain obvious (like Surah Al-Fatiha for the validation of your prayer), but Surah Kahf’s memorization has been specifically talked about.
Since Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassalaam was so concerned about us following his advice is the least we can do.
فَلَعَلَّكَ بَـٰخِعٌ نَّفْسَكَ عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَـٰرِهِمْ إِن لَّمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَـٰذَا ٱلْحَدِيثِ أَسَفًا ﴿٦[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:6]
Then perhaps you would kill yourself through grief over them, [O Muhammad], if they do not believe in this message, [and] out of sorrow. (6)
Most of us think of memorization as an extra deed, but the following hadith clarifies how hollow your soul is when you have nothing of the Qur'an in your heart.
"He who does not memorize any part from the Qur’an he is like the ruined house." [At-Tirmidhi]
To take a verse to heart is to know it by heart. Memorization provides us with knowledge of a qualitatively and physiologically different variety — you take the verse inside you and you know it at a deeper level than if you had simply read it off some device. What you have in your heart is easier to access and apply to your life in spontaneous situations. You won’t have to open a copy of it or turn on your device for that.
Qur'an holds so much wisdom in it that keeping it in your heart will make you a wise person as well.
Obviously, memorization doesn’t only mean to save it in your heart but also to absorb it deep within. So much so that Qur'an could be seen on you. People could tell, just by looking at you, that you have memorized the Qur'an or a part of it.
"The character of Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam was the Quran," as narrated by Aisha radhiAllahu anha.
The more you memorize, the higher your rank with Allah.
"Recite and rise up, and be increased in reward with every Ayah." [Tirmidhi]
رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
... Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance. [Qur'an Al-Kahf 18:10]
May Allah make us of those who truly love the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassalllam, those who will follow his sunnah, those who will be raised up with him on Day of Judgment, those who will drink from his blessed hands and those who He will admit with him into Paradise.
Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Never Despair
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
We can be overwhelmed when we look at what's happening around us and around the world. The more you watch the news the more likely you can be depressed. As Muslims, we are more likely to be depressed when we watch the news unless we look at the light that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has gifted us with. That light is His beloved Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace.
The Qur'an manifests guidance and it clarifies guidance. The light embodies that guidance and he shows us how we can live that guidance. The light in itself is luminous and it illuminates the way for all who seek guidance. He defines Allah's message so perfectly, "I am only sent to perfect noble character (human potential)" because he saw the good in people.
If we look at the life of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam and how he responded to crisis, it gives us clarity on how we should respond to the circumstance we are in. His role was not to be a critic or a religious commentator, but to be someone who is building and nurturing the good and responding in the manner that pleases the Creator and how to make things better.
When we look at any crisis, whether it relates to our own life crisis or others, we need to put things in perspective. That perspective has an aspect that relates to Allah and another aspect that relates to Allah's creation. Look at the crisis with the eye of faith. Nothing that happens is independent of Allah.
Allah created us and everything. He is Al-Hayy Al-Qayyum, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence.
The second aspect is that this world is the world of responsibility. Others have responsibility and we have responsibility -- we hold others accountable for what they are responsible for and we hold ourselves accountable for what we are responsible for -- which is to conduct ourselves in the manner acceptable to Allah, pleasing to Allah or beloved to Allah. These are the three levels of a believer. You want to be acceptable to Allah, pleasing to Allah or beloved to Allah. This is what life is all about.
We need to look at things the right way. Nothing happens in existence except by Allah decreeing it and in it destiny is unfolding. Yet human beings are responsible and we hold people responsible for their choices and we demand justice and and right conduct from them. At the same time we demand right response from ourselves.
When we put things in this perspective, we can never despair because hope and fear relates to faith. We do not hope from creation but we hope from the Creator. The Prophetic attitude is one of extreme hope, clarity and confidence because his hope was never in his strength, his abilities and his resources (his people, his alliances, etc) but in Allah. He did not fear anyone except Allah.
Don't feel sorrow. Don't despair. Getting frustrated doesn't make something still begin to move. Groaning and complaining is not the Sunnah, rather it goes against faith because one of the pillars of iman (faith) is that you believe in destiny as it unfolds, and that both good and bad are from Allah.
We have no objection to the way things are as they relate to Allah. It is all a test. Allah is the One who created both life and death as trial. You look at situation and ask yourself "What is my responsibility, individually and collectively?"
Stop watching the news. If you are concern, seek to gather some bricks and start building. Come together with your community to raise awareness and have a clear strategy. If you can't do something on your own, assist those who are doing it.
Instead of being a spectator to life, be in the footsteps of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam. Grab the light that has come to us from Allah.
May Allah guide the ummah and enable us to make things better for ourselves and others and enable us to always pursue the good for others as grateful servants of Allah. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
We can be overwhelmed when we look at what's happening around us and around the world. The more you watch the news the more likely you can be depressed. As Muslims, we are more likely to be depressed when we watch the news unless we look at the light that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has gifted us with. That light is His beloved Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace.
يَـٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ قَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولُنَا يُبَيِّنُ لَكُمْ كَثِيرًا مِّمَّا كُنتُمْ تُخْفُونَ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَيَعْفُوا۟ عَن كَثِيرٍ ۚ قَدْ جَآءَكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّـهِ نُورٌ وَكِتَـٰبٌ مُّبِينٌ ﴿١٥[Qur'an, Al-Mai'dah 5:16]
O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wassallam) explaining to you much of that which you used to hide from the Scripture and pass over (i.e. leaving out without explaining) much. Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wassallam) and a clear Book (this Qur'an). (15) Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism) (16)
The Qur'an manifests guidance and it clarifies guidance. The light embodies that guidance and he shows us how we can live that guidance. The light in itself is luminous and it illuminates the way for all who seek guidance. He defines Allah's message so perfectly, "I am only sent to perfect noble character (human potential)" because he saw the good in people.
If we look at the life of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam and how he responded to crisis, it gives us clarity on how we should respond to the circumstance we are in. His role was not to be a critic or a religious commentator, but to be someone who is building and nurturing the good and responding in the manner that pleases the Creator and how to make things better.
When we look at any crisis, whether it relates to our own life crisis or others, we need to put things in perspective. That perspective has an aspect that relates to Allah and another aspect that relates to Allah's creation. Look at the crisis with the eye of faith. Nothing that happens is independent of Allah.
Allah created us and everything. He is Al-Hayy Al-Qayyum, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence.
قُلْ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ ٱللَّـهِ ۖ فَمَالِ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ ٱلْقَوْمِ لَا يَكَادُونَ يَفْقَهُونَ حَدِيثًا ﴿٧٨ ...[Qur'an, An=Nisa' 4:78]
... Say, "All [things] are from Allah." So what is [the matter] with those people that they can hardly understand any statement? (78)
وَٱللَّـهُ خَلَقَكُمْ وَمَا تَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٩٦[Qur'an, As-Saffat 37:96]
While Allah created you and that which you do?" (96)
قُلِ ٱللَّـهُ خَـٰلِقُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَهُوَ ٱلْوَٰحِدُ ٱلْقَهَّـٰرُ ﴿١٦ ...[Qur'an, Ar-R'ad 13:16]
Say, "Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Prevailing." (16)
... ٱللَّـهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُۥ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:255]
Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth...
The second aspect is that this world is the world of responsibility. Others have responsibility and we have responsibility -- we hold others accountable for what they are responsible for and we hold ourselves accountable for what we are responsible for -- which is to conduct ourselves in the manner acceptable to Allah, pleasing to Allah or beloved to Allah. These are the three levels of a believer. You want to be acceptable to Allah, pleasing to Allah or beloved to Allah. This is what life is all about.
We need to look at things the right way. Nothing happens in existence except by Allah decreeing it and in it destiny is unfolding. Yet human beings are responsible and we hold people responsible for their choices and we demand justice and and right conduct from them. At the same time we demand right response from ourselves.
When we put things in this perspective, we can never despair because hope and fear relates to faith. We do not hope from creation but we hope from the Creator. The Prophetic attitude is one of extreme hope, clarity and confidence because his hope was never in his strength, his abilities and his resources (his people, his alliances, etc) but in Allah. He did not fear anyone except Allah.
Don't feel sorrow. Don't despair. Getting frustrated doesn't make something still begin to move. Groaning and complaining is not the Sunnah, rather it goes against faith because one of the pillars of iman (faith) is that you believe in destiny as it unfolds, and that both good and bad are from Allah.
We have no objection to the way things are as they relate to Allah. It is all a test. Allah is the One who created both life and death as trial. You look at situation and ask yourself "What is my responsibility, individually and collectively?"
Stop watching the news. If you are concern, seek to gather some bricks and start building. Come together with your community to raise awareness and have a clear strategy. If you can't do something on your own, assist those who are doing it.
Instead of being a spectator to life, be in the footsteps of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam. Grab the light that has come to us from Allah.
May Allah guide the ummah and enable us to make things better for ourselves and others and enable us to always pursue the good for others as grateful servants of Allah. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Don't Be A Donkey
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
We know that all praise and gratitude belongs to Allah alone (Alhamdulillah) and we know that Allah is the Lord of the Worlds (Rabb Al-'Alamin) and we know that Allah is the Most Merciful (Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim). This knowledge should lead us to action -- worship Allah. The result of knowledge is slavehood. Allah is the Master and we are His slaves. A slave does what his master wants him to do, not what the slave wants to do. But how many a time we hear or see people doing things in opposition to what God wants, as if this world belong to them, as if they are not going to die, as if when they die, everything will be good for them even though they have disobeyed God in this life.
The previous Divine Book, Torah, described the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, almost with the same qualities as are described in the Qur'an, which required that as soon as the Jews saw the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, they should have recognized him and believed in him. But the material position and possessions blinded them to the teachings of Torah. Despite their knowledge of Torah, they acted as practical ignoramus. Allah described such block-headed behavior with the example of a donkey loaded with weighty tomes. The donkey carries its loads, but it is neither aware of its subject-matter, nor does it benefit by it.
Commentators have stated that the example given by the verse for Jews applies to any religious scholar who does not act upon his knowledge.
A Persian poet has put it thus:
He is neither a scholar, nor a knowledgeable person.
He is but an animal of four legs, carrying the load of some books
May Allah guide us and our families on the straight path, increase us in beneficial knowledge and make us act upon the knowledge, and make us of those who revive the Sunnah of His beloved Messenger, sallallahu alayhi wassallam. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
We know that all praise and gratitude belongs to Allah alone (Alhamdulillah) and we know that Allah is the Lord of the Worlds (Rabb Al-'Alamin) and we know that Allah is the Most Merciful (Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim). This knowledge should lead us to action -- worship Allah. The result of knowledge is slavehood. Allah is the Master and we are His slaves. A slave does what his master wants him to do, not what the slave wants to do. But how many a time we hear or see people doing things in opposition to what God wants, as if this world belong to them, as if they are not going to die, as if when they die, everything will be good for them even though they have disobeyed God in this life.
The previous Divine Book, Torah, described the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, almost with the same qualities as are described in the Qur'an, which required that as soon as the Jews saw the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, they should have recognized him and believed in him. But the material position and possessions blinded them to the teachings of Torah. Despite their knowledge of Torah, they acted as practical ignoramus. Allah described such block-headed behavior with the example of a donkey loaded with weighty tomes. The donkey carries its loads, but it is neither aware of its subject-matter, nor does it benefit by it.
مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُوا۟ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَحْمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلْحِمَارِ يَحْمِلُ أَسْفَارًۢا ۚ بِئْسَ مَثَلُ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّـهِ ۚ وَٱللَّـهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ﴿٥[Qur'an Al-Jumu'a 62:5]
The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people. (5)
Commentators have stated that the example given by the verse for Jews applies to any religious scholar who does not act upon his knowledge.
A Persian poet has put it thus:
He is neither a scholar, nor a knowledgeable person.
He is but an animal of four legs, carrying the load of some books
May Allah guide us and our families on the straight path, increase us in beneficial knowledge and make us act upon the knowledge, and make us of those who revive the Sunnah of His beloved Messenger, sallallahu alayhi wassallam. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Precious Guidance
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Allah taught us to ask for guidance over and over again. That is because we are desperate for Allah's guidance. When you have guidance from Allah, all of a sudden you are transformed and become successful. So the number one thing you should ask Allah for, is guidance.
Guidance from Allah is very precious so much so that Allah obligates us to ask for it in every prayer and in every cycles of every prayer.
Guidance is not the same as knowledge. It does not increase with knowledge. In fact, knowledge can backfire -- your behavior is bad, your prayers are empty, you become proud. There are examples of this kind of people in the Qur'an:
Don't make knowledge become a fashion. Knowledge is supposed to humble you. When a tree bears fruit, its branches come down. When you have knowledge you will come down. You will make sajda (prostration) more. If you are not like this, beg Allah for guidance, beg Allah for transformation.
May Allah guide us, our families, our teachers and the entire ummah. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
Allah taught us to ask for guidance over and over again. That is because we are desperate for Allah's guidance. When you have guidance from Allah, all of a sudden you are transformed and become successful. So the number one thing you should ask Allah for, is guidance.
Guidance from Allah is very precious so much so that Allah obligates us to ask for it in every prayer and in every cycles of every prayer.
ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ ﴿٦[Qur'an, Al Fatihah 1:6]
Guide us to the straight path - (6)
Guidance is not the same as knowledge. It does not increase with knowledge. In fact, knowledge can backfire -- your behavior is bad, your prayers are empty, you become proud. There are examples of this kind of people in the Qur'an:
مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُوا۟ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَحْمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلْحِمَارِ يَحْمِلُ أَسْفَارًۢا ۚ بِئْسَ مَثَلُ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّـهِ ۚ وَٱللَّـهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ﴿٥[Qur'an Al-Jumu'a 62:5]
The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people. (5)
Don't make knowledge become a fashion. Knowledge is supposed to humble you. When a tree bears fruit, its branches come down. When you have knowledge you will come down. You will make sajda (prostration) more. If you are not like this, beg Allah for guidance, beg Allah for transformation.
May Allah guide us, our families, our teachers and the entire ummah. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
What Their Breasts Conceal Is Greater
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
We are surrounded by people who can hurt you, whether they are non-Muslims or Muslims with hypocritical behavior. And when they are your close friends or relatives, it can take you off guard. It shouldn't surprise you if they turn enemies. Indeed, they can be your worst enemies. All this is what the Muslims can see for themselves, but the venom that lies hidden in their hearts is far too fatal.
It has been enjoined upon Muslims that they should not take persons other than those from their own community as confidants and advisers, in a way that leads one into spilling the sensitive secrets of one's own government, community or state.
We have been told that:
Why would an intelligent person take such people as his confidant? The mentality of disbelievers has been further clarified:
How can Muslims remain protected against the hypocrites and the deadly hostility of opponents? For this, a simple and effective prescription is sabr (patience, endurance) and taqwa (fear of Allah).
The Qur'an has prescribed sabr and taqwa as an effective measure against all hardships. Sabr and taqwa contain within themselves a successful rule for all aspects of individual and collective life as well as public, government and military affairs. The promise of Divine help has been made conditional upon sabr and taqwa [Qur'an, AleImran 3:125] and prosperity and success have been made dependent on sabr and taqwa [Qur'an, AleImran 3:200; Yusuf 12:120].
No doubt, under the shade of its universal mercy, Islam has given unusual instructions to Muslims in order that they treat non-Muslims with compassion, goodwill, kindness and tolerance. A Muslim cannot be permitted to go beyond a certain limit when developing or promoting relations (unilateral, bilateral or multi-lateral) with those who disbelieve in or practice hostility against the Law of Islam.
Our Lord, burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
We are surrounded by people who can hurt you, whether they are non-Muslims or Muslims with hypocritical behavior. And when they are your close friends or relatives, it can take you off guard. It shouldn't surprise you if they turn enemies. Indeed, they can be your worst enemies. All this is what the Muslims can see for themselves, but the venom that lies hidden in their hearts is far too fatal.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا بِطَانَةً مِّن دُونِكُمْ لَا يَأْلُونَكُمْ خَبَالًا وَدُّوا مَا عَنِتُّمْ قَدْ بَدَتِ الْبَغْضَاءُ مِنْ أَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَمَا تُخْفِي صُدُورُهُمْ أَكْبَرُ ۚ قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ ﴿١١٨[Qur'an, AleImran 3:118]
O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you [any] ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have certainly made clear to you the signs, if you will use reason. (118)
It has been enjoined upon Muslims that they should not take persons other than those from their own community as confidants and advisers, in a way that leads one into spilling the sensitive secrets of one's own government, community or state.
We have been told that:
هَا أَنتُمْ أُولَاءِ تُحِبُّونَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِبُّونَكُمْ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْكِتَابِ كُلِّهِ وَإِذَا لَقُوكُمْ قَالُوا آمَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْا عَضُّوا عَلَيْكُمُ الْأَنَامِلَ مِنَ الْغَيْظِ ۚ قُلْ مُوتُوا بِغَيْظِكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ ﴿١١٩[Qur'an, AleImran 3:119]
Here you are loving them but they are not loving you, while you believe in the Scripture - all of it. And when they meet you, they say, "We believe." But when they are alone, they bite their fingertips at you in rage. Say, "Die in your rage. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts." (119)
Why would an intelligent person take such people as his confidant? The mentality of disbelievers has been further clarified:
إِن تَمْسَسْكُمْ حَسَنَةٌ تَسُؤْهُمْ وَإِن تُصِبْكُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَفْرَحُوا بِهَا ۖ وَإِن تَصْبِرُوا وَتَتَّقُوا لَا يَضُرُّكُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْئًا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ ﴿١٢٠[Qur'an, AleImran 3:120]
If good touches you, it distresses them; but if harm strikes you, they rejoice at it. And if you are patient and fear Allah, their plot will not harm you at all. Indeed, Allah is encompassing of what they do. (120)
How can Muslims remain protected against the hypocrites and the deadly hostility of opponents? For this, a simple and effective prescription is sabr (patience, endurance) and taqwa (fear of Allah).
The Qur'an has prescribed sabr and taqwa as an effective measure against all hardships. Sabr and taqwa contain within themselves a successful rule for all aspects of individual and collective life as well as public, government and military affairs. The promise of Divine help has been made conditional upon sabr and taqwa [Qur'an, AleImran 3:125] and prosperity and success have been made dependent on sabr and taqwa [Qur'an, AleImran 3:200; Yusuf 12:120].
No doubt, under the shade of its universal mercy, Islam has given unusual instructions to Muslims in order that they treat non-Muslims with compassion, goodwill, kindness and tolerance. A Muslim cannot be permitted to go beyond a certain limit when developing or promoting relations (unilateral, bilateral or multi-lateral) with those who disbelieve in or practice hostility against the Law of Islam.
Our Lord, burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
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