بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Tufayl bin 'Amr Al Dawsi was the one who initially closed his ears to the Message but later open the hearts of other people to the Truth. He is not known to fight in any battles at the time of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) but rather he focused on uplifting his people, assuring their welfare, and guide them to the right path. He was a given the title, The possessor of lights -- because the light that emitted from him when he became Muslim and the light that he brought to his people who initially disobeyed and refused to follow him.
Narrated by Abu Hurairah:
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْيَمَانِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الزِّنَادِ، أَنَّ عَبْدَ الرَّحْمَنِ، قَالَ قَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه قَدِمَ طُفَيْلُ بْنُ عَمْرٍو الدَّوْسِيُّ وَأَصْحَابُهُ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، إِنَّ دَوْسًا عَصَتْ وَأَبَتْ، فَادْعُ اللَّهَ عَلَيْهَا. فَقِيلَ هَلَكَتْ دَوْسٌ. قَالَ " اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِ دَوْسًا وَائْتِ بِهِمْ ".
Tufayl bin `Amr Al Dawsi and his companions came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and said, "O Allah's Messenger! The people of the tribe of Daus disobeyed and refused to follow you; so invoke Allah against them." The people said, "The tribe of Daus is ruined." The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "O Allah! Give guidance to the people of Daus, and let them embrace Islam."
[Bukhari]
The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked him to go back to his tribe and be kind and nice to them. Two years later he came to Madinah to visit the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and brought with him 80 families from his tribe who had embraced Islam.
The example of Tufayl bin 'Amr Al Dawsi teaches us never to be too judgmental nor hasty towards people who may not see what you see immediately.
فَبَشِّرْ عِبَادِ ﴿١٧ ...
ٱلَّذِينَ يَسْتَمِعُونَ ٱلْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُۥٓ ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ هَدَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۖ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمْ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿١٨﴾ أَفَمَنْ حَقَّ عَلَيْهِ كَلِمَةُ ٱلْعَذَابِ أَفَأَنتَ تُنقِذُ مَن فِى ٱلنَّارِ ﴿١٩﴾ لَـٰكِنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوْا۟ رَبَّهُمْ لَهُمْ غُرَفٌ مِّن فَوْقِهَا غُرَفٌ مَّبْنِيَّةٌ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ ۖ وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ لَا يُخْلِفُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ ﴿٢٠
... So give good tidings to My servants (17) Who listen to speech and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allah has guided, and those are people of understanding. (18) Then, is one who has deserved the decree of punishment [to be guided]? Then, can you save one who is in the Fire? (19) But those who have feared their Lord - for them are chambers, above them chambers built high, beneath which rivers flow. [This is] the promise of Allah. Allah does not fail in [His] promise. (20) [Quran, Az-Zumar 39:17-20]
May Allah make us of those who hear and obey His Speech. May Allah guide us, our children, our families and the Ummah. May Allah make us keys to unlock good and to lock evil. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Protect Yourselves And Your Families From A Fire
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Allah warns us to protect ourselves and our families from the Hellfire.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَـٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ ﴿٦﴾ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَا تَعْتَذِرُوا۟ ٱلْيَوْمَ ۖ إِنَّمَا تُجْزَوْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٧
O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded. (6) O you who have disbelieved, make no excuses that Day. You will only be recompensed for what you used to do.(7) [Quran, At-Tahrim 66:6-7]
As angry as you maybe at your family, if they are in a building on fire, would you not want to get them out? Would that anger disappear in a state of emergency? In a state of emergency all prejudices disappear. Hellfire, as Allah describes, is a state of emergency. It's fuel is people and stones. There are more people in Hellfire that are actually keeping it burning. On top of that there are angels that are tough and intense in delivering punishment. They do whatever they are commanded.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمْ وَيُدْخِلَكُمْ جَنَّـٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ يَوْمَ لَا يُخْزِى ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِىَّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَهُۥ ۖ نُورُهُمْ يَسْعَىٰ بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَبِأَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَآ ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ﴿٨
O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance (tawbah). Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow [on] the Day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him. Their light will proceed before them and on their right; they will say, "Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things competent." [Quran, At-Tahrim 66:8]
Notice Ayat 6 and Ayat 8, Allah addresses the believers but in between (Ayat 7), Allah addresses the disbelievers. Why? They are not really a different group of people. That same person is a believer in dunya (worldly life) but failed to save himself from Hellfire. Now this person is in hell. They are not going to be addressed as believer. They are going to be addressed as disbeliever and being told don't make escuses that Day.
You were already given what to believe (Ayat 6)--you have to believe there is a danger of Fire. You have to protect yourself and your family from Fire. You have to be proactive in doing so. If you didn't, at least you are a disbeliever in that warning. A believer will listen to this Ayat with attention and shock. If you don't get your act together in this life, you will be addressed as disbelievers in Hell. Then repent to Allah with sincere repentance (Ayat 8). Someone who really makes repentance, Allah takes all his bad deeds and converts them to good deeds. Allah is calling on the believers to make one solid tawbah and do it right. Mean it, not a phase tawbah.
The love we have for our families should be so strong that we don't want each other pain in akhirah. Make plans on how to keep our families and our children safe. The believers have the urge to protect their children in dunya and akhirah.
May Allah help us change the course of life for ourselves and our families towards His Path, and enable us to make a sincere tawbah.
رَبَّنَآ أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَآ ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things competent. [Quran, At-Tahrim 66:8]
Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Allah warns us to protect ourselves and our families from the Hellfire.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَـٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ ﴿٦﴾ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَا تَعْتَذِرُوا۟ ٱلْيَوْمَ ۖ إِنَّمَا تُجْزَوْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ ﴿٧
O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded. (6) O you who have disbelieved, make no excuses that Day. You will only be recompensed for what you used to do.(7) [Quran, At-Tahrim 66:6-7]
As angry as you maybe at your family, if they are in a building on fire, would you not want to get them out? Would that anger disappear in a state of emergency? In a state of emergency all prejudices disappear. Hellfire, as Allah describes, is a state of emergency. It's fuel is people and stones. There are more people in Hellfire that are actually keeping it burning. On top of that there are angels that are tough and intense in delivering punishment. They do whatever they are commanded.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمْ وَيُدْخِلَكُمْ جَنَّـٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ يَوْمَ لَا يُخْزِى ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِىَّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَهُۥ ۖ نُورُهُمْ يَسْعَىٰ بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَبِأَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَآ ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ﴿٨
O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance (tawbah). Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow [on] the Day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him. Their light will proceed before them and on their right; they will say, "Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things competent." [Quran, At-Tahrim 66:8]
Notice Ayat 6 and Ayat 8, Allah addresses the believers but in between (Ayat 7), Allah addresses the disbelievers. Why? They are not really a different group of people. That same person is a believer in dunya (worldly life) but failed to save himself from Hellfire. Now this person is in hell. They are not going to be addressed as believer. They are going to be addressed as disbeliever and being told don't make escuses that Day.
You were already given what to believe (Ayat 6)--you have to believe there is a danger of Fire. You have to protect yourself and your family from Fire. You have to be proactive in doing so. If you didn't, at least you are a disbeliever in that warning. A believer will listen to this Ayat with attention and shock. If you don't get your act together in this life, you will be addressed as disbelievers in Hell. Then repent to Allah with sincere repentance (Ayat 8). Someone who really makes repentance, Allah takes all his bad deeds and converts them to good deeds. Allah is calling on the believers to make one solid tawbah and do it right. Mean it, not a phase tawbah.
The love we have for our families should be so strong that we don't want each other pain in akhirah. Make plans on how to keep our families and our children safe. The believers have the urge to protect their children in dunya and akhirah.
May Allah help us change the course of life for ourselves and our families towards His Path, and enable us to make a sincere tawbah.
رَبَّنَآ أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَآ ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things competent. [Quran, At-Tahrim 66:8]
Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Monday, June 25, 2018
A Treasure in Calamity
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Tests will come to those who do good and to those who do bad. But to those people, an opportunity is being offered.
مَآ أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَمَن يُؤْمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهُۥ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ ﴿١١
No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah - He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things. (11) [Quran, At-Taghabun 64:11]
When calamity strikes, that's when most people lose their faith. If you can maintain faith during calamity, Allah guides you heart. The greatest treasure a human being can enjoy on this earth is Allah's guidance.
Allah is not oblivious to your pain. Read Surah Yusuf. The Surah is full with sufferings, so many sad occassions. Despite that Yusuf and Ya'qub maintained their faith and didn't lose their faith and Allah guided their hearts.
How do you maintain your faith during calamity? Obey Allah even more and obey the Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace).
وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّيْتُمْ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَىٰ رَسُولِنَا ٱلْبَلَـٰغُ ٱلْمُبِينُ ﴿١٢
And obey Allah and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away - then upon Our Messenger is only [the duty of] clear notification. (12) [Quran, Taghabun 64:12]
May Allah save 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.
My Allah grant us patience and increase our iman.
Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Tests will come to those who do good and to those who do bad. But to those people, an opportunity is being offered.
مَآ أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَمَن يُؤْمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهُۥ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ ﴿١١
No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah - He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things. (11) [Quran, At-Taghabun 64:11]
When calamity strikes, that's when most people lose their faith. If you can maintain faith during calamity, Allah guides you heart. The greatest treasure a human being can enjoy on this earth is Allah's guidance.
Allah is not oblivious to your pain. Read Surah Yusuf. The Surah is full with sufferings, so many sad occassions. Despite that Yusuf and Ya'qub maintained their faith and didn't lose their faith and Allah guided their hearts.
How do you maintain your faith during calamity? Obey Allah even more and obey the Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace).
وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّيْتُمْ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَىٰ رَسُولِنَا ٱلْبَلَـٰغُ ٱلْمُبِينُ ﴿١٢
And obey Allah and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away - then upon Our Messenger is only [the duty of] clear notification. (12) [Quran, Taghabun 64:12]
May Allah save 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.
My Allah grant us patience and increase our iman.
Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Monday, June 18, 2018
See Beyond The Smoke Screen
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Allah Most High guarantees three things in life:
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۖ فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ ٱلنَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ ۗ وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلْغُرُورِ ﴿١٨٥
Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion. (185) [Quran, AleImran 3:185]
First guarantee -- you are going to die
Second guarantee -- before death comes to you, you will be deceived.
When someone cons you, cheats you, taking advantage of the fact that you were not paying attention, this is a kind of "ghurur". One of the names of shaytan is al-gharur. Allah says worldly life is nothing but a means that deceives you because you are not paying attention. If you really paid attention, then it won't be able to get hold of you. But you get distracted by it, immersed in it, you start thinking it itself is success, it's an indication that you are a "ghaafir."
Third guarantee -- you are definitely, definitely, definitely, over and over again -- لَتُبْلَوُنَّ -- will be tested, go through exhausting tests, in your children, in your own life, in your money, and a lot of painful words from people of the Book.
لَتُبْلَوُنَّ فِىٓ أَمْوَٰلِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ وَلَتَسْمَعُنَّ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوٓا۟ أَذًى كَثِيرًا ۚ وَإِن تَصْبِرُوا۟ وَتَتَّقُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ ٱلْأُمُورِ ﴿١٨٦
You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination. (186) [Quran, AleImran 3:186]
We have to hold ourselves back, we can't be reactionary. We have to have cool, calm responses. Person of azima is used for high resolve. They think high, don't think small. Allah says if you can mantain taqwa (Godfearingness) and sabr (patience), this is from the most noble and greatest of deeds. You really know how to think high, not caught up in petty stuff. You know how to think big. This is what the ummah needs-- see beyond through the smoke screen, see that clearly, see what high goals this religion of Islam has.
May Allah make us people of taqwa and sabr and high resolve. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Allah Most High guarantees three things in life:
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۖ فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ ٱلنَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ ۗ وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلْغُرُورِ ﴿١٨٥
Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion. (185) [Quran, AleImran 3:185]
First guarantee -- you are going to die
Second guarantee -- before death comes to you, you will be deceived.
When someone cons you, cheats you, taking advantage of the fact that you were not paying attention, this is a kind of "ghurur". One of the names of shaytan is al-gharur. Allah says worldly life is nothing but a means that deceives you because you are not paying attention. If you really paid attention, then it won't be able to get hold of you. But you get distracted by it, immersed in it, you start thinking it itself is success, it's an indication that you are a "ghaafir."
Third guarantee -- you are definitely, definitely, definitely, over and over again -- لَتُبْلَوُنَّ -- will be tested, go through exhausting tests, in your children, in your own life, in your money, and a lot of painful words from people of the Book.
لَتُبْلَوُنَّ فِىٓ أَمْوَٰلِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ وَلَتَسْمَعُنَّ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوٓا۟ أَذًى كَثِيرًا ۚ وَإِن تَصْبِرُوا۟ وَتَتَّقُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ ٱلْأُمُورِ ﴿١٨٦
You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination. (186) [Quran, AleImran 3:186]
We have to hold ourselves back, we can't be reactionary. We have to have cool, calm responses. Person of azima is used for high resolve. They think high, don't think small. Allah says if you can mantain taqwa (Godfearingness) and sabr (patience), this is from the most noble and greatest of deeds. You really know how to think high, not caught up in petty stuff. You know how to think big. This is what the ummah needs-- see beyond through the smoke screen, see that clearly, see what high goals this religion of Islam has.
May Allah make us people of taqwa and sabr and high resolve. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Instilling The Love of Allah In Your Children
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
A lot of times children are taught the external deeds...fast, pray, hijab, etc. and not much emphasis on the internal. It is very important to combine the external deeds with the spiritual aspect.
Teach your children at a young age who is Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Let them learn the Names and Attributes of Allah, the purpose of life, the existence of the Hereafter, the Paradise and the Hellfire. Teach them the seerah of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace), the stories in the Quran and the lessons that that can be extracted from those stories.
If you want your children too love Allah you must lead by example. Children learn from their parents like no one else. They are influeneced by your words and your actions, more than your words. You should create an environment in the home of loving Allah, connecting your children to the meanings of Quran, implementing the Quran, motivating them with love, hope, mercy and compassion, showing them the Prophetic manners in your dealings with your parents, your neighbor, and other people. Ultimately we want our children to have love and consciousness of Allah wherever they are. If our children fast, pray or wear hijab out of fear because the parents presence, what happens when parents are not around.
If you instill the love of Allah and consciousness of Allah in the hearts from a young age and do not wait until later, you will find, inshaa Allah, this will be with them wherever they go.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَـٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ ﴿٦
O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded. (6) O you who have disbelieved, make no excuses that Day. You will only be recompensed for what you used to do. (7)[Quran At-Tahrim 66:6-7]
As parents, we strive, we seek knowledge, we do our best, we make du'a, we forebear, and exercise beautiful patience. How our children turn out to be is in the hands of Allah. If they turn out wonderful, that is the destiny of Allah and we thank Allah. If they turn out bad, that too is the destiny of Allah and we are patient. We don't despair.
But we must do our part and we struggle and keep struggling. We don't deafen our ears to the teachings of Islam and we don't blind our eyes to the disobedience of our children and their bad or immoral actions. If we do, we can't get comfort to our eyes (qurrata a'ayun) from our children, but fuel of the Fire.
Your children are chained to you. If they go down, they will drag you down with them.
وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ لَمْ يَخِرُّوا۟ عَلَيْهَا صُمًّا وَعُمْيَانًا ﴿٧٣﴾ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا ﴿٧٤
And those who, when reminded of the verses of their Lord, do not fall upon them deaf and blind. (73) And those who say, "Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous." (74)[Quran, Al-Furqan 25:73-74]
We should be avid farmers of this world and constantly sow the seeds. If you plant the seeds of guidance in the hearts of your children, do you not think Allah is generous enough to allow those seeds to bear good fruit?
May Allah help us raise our children well, bless them, and make them among the righteous and a joy to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and save us and our families from Hellfire. May Allah guide us and enable us to lead by example. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
A lot of times children are taught the external deeds...fast, pray, hijab, etc. and not much emphasis on the internal. It is very important to combine the external deeds with the spiritual aspect.
Teach your children at a young age who is Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Let them learn the Names and Attributes of Allah, the purpose of life, the existence of the Hereafter, the Paradise and the Hellfire. Teach them the seerah of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace), the stories in the Quran and the lessons that that can be extracted from those stories.
If you want your children too love Allah you must lead by example. Children learn from their parents like no one else. They are influeneced by your words and your actions, more than your words. You should create an environment in the home of loving Allah, connecting your children to the meanings of Quran, implementing the Quran, motivating them with love, hope, mercy and compassion, showing them the Prophetic manners in your dealings with your parents, your neighbor, and other people. Ultimately we want our children to have love and consciousness of Allah wherever they are. If our children fast, pray or wear hijab out of fear because the parents presence, what happens when parents are not around.
If you instill the love of Allah and consciousness of Allah in the hearts from a young age and do not wait until later, you will find, inshaa Allah, this will be with them wherever they go.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَـٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ ﴿٦
O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded. (6) O you who have disbelieved, make no excuses that Day. You will only be recompensed for what you used to do. (7)[Quran At-Tahrim 66:6-7]
As parents, we strive, we seek knowledge, we do our best, we make du'a, we forebear, and exercise beautiful patience. How our children turn out to be is in the hands of Allah. If they turn out wonderful, that is the destiny of Allah and we thank Allah. If they turn out bad, that too is the destiny of Allah and we are patient. We don't despair.
But we must do our part and we struggle and keep struggling. We don't deafen our ears to the teachings of Islam and we don't blind our eyes to the disobedience of our children and their bad or immoral actions. If we do, we can't get comfort to our eyes (qurrata a'ayun) from our children, but fuel of the Fire.
Your children are chained to you. If they go down, they will drag you down with them.
وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ لَمْ يَخِرُّوا۟ عَلَيْهَا صُمًّا وَعُمْيَانًا ﴿٧٣﴾ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا ﴿٧٤
And those who, when reminded of the verses of their Lord, do not fall upon them deaf and blind. (73) And those who say, "Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous." (74)[Quran, Al-Furqan 25:73-74]
We should be avid farmers of this world and constantly sow the seeds. If you plant the seeds of guidance in the hearts of your children, do you not think Allah is generous enough to allow those seeds to bear good fruit?
May Allah help us raise our children well, bless them, and make them among the righteous and a joy to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and save us and our families from Hellfire. May Allah guide us and enable us to lead by example. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Ramadhan 24 -- Going Strong in the Last Ten Days of Ramadhan
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
The month of Ramadhan, in which the Qur'an came down, is guidance for people. This month opens the door, not just for the Muslims, but for all humanity, to get closer to Allah than any other time. It is not just the Quran is guidance, it is the month of Ramadhan itself, is guidance.
... شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion...
[Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:185]
If Allah is opening guidance to all human being, even the ones who are most far away and have completely lost sight of Allah, then what is to speak of Muslims? If there is one thing we want out of life that we keep asking Allah for, in every single cycle of our daily prayers, is guidance.
We have to refresh our intentions that this is not just a month that we are spending in worship of Allah, but this is a re-commitment of whether or not we want to live by Allah's guidance, whether we want Allah in our life or not.
What is left of Ramadhan, let's make it a strong beginning for the rest of our lives. This month is one of those opportunities in our lives, when all our sins can get wipe out and we can have a fresh start. We don't know if we are going to reach the next Ramadhan, so take this opportunity to make a new commitment to Allah and reconnect with the Guidance.
The amount of worship of the salaf doubled in the last ten nights, meaning the amount of Qur'an, dhikr and nawafil are doubled. Try to find time to double your Qur'an recitation, dhikr and nawafil in these last nights of Ramadhan. The reward of worship in Ramadhan is already multiplied exponentially and imagine the reward and blessings in these last days.
It is said that one SubhanAllah in Ramadhan is equal to 1000 times. If you missed your portion of dhikr at night (tahajjud etc), make sure you do it between Fajr and Dhuhr and inshaa Allah, Allah will write it down as if you did it at night. This is the mercy of Allah. Have good opinion of Allah for this the greatest ibadah.
اللَّهُمَّ إنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allaahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbu al’afwa fa’fu ‘annee
“O Allah You are One who forgives and You love forgiveness so forgive me.”
This was the du’a the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) taught Aisha (radhiAllahu ‘anha) to say in Laylat'ul Qadr.
May Allah increase us in worship and enable us to finish this Ramadhan strong. May Allah accept our fasting, charity and prayers. May Allah forgive all our sins and bring us closer to Him. May Allah save us from the Hellfire and grant us the highest Paradise.
Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
The month of Ramadhan, in which the Qur'an came down, is guidance for people. This month opens the door, not just for the Muslims, but for all humanity, to get closer to Allah than any other time. It is not just the Quran is guidance, it is the month of Ramadhan itself, is guidance.
... شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion...
[Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:185]
If Allah is opening guidance to all human being, even the ones who are most far away and have completely lost sight of Allah, then what is to speak of Muslims? If there is one thing we want out of life that we keep asking Allah for, in every single cycle of our daily prayers, is guidance.
We have to refresh our intentions that this is not just a month that we are spending in worship of Allah, but this is a re-commitment of whether or not we want to live by Allah's guidance, whether we want Allah in our life or not.
What is left of Ramadhan, let's make it a strong beginning for the rest of our lives. This month is one of those opportunities in our lives, when all our sins can get wipe out and we can have a fresh start. We don't know if we are going to reach the next Ramadhan, so take this opportunity to make a new commitment to Allah and reconnect with the Guidance.
The amount of worship of the salaf doubled in the last ten nights, meaning the amount of Qur'an, dhikr and nawafil are doubled. Try to find time to double your Qur'an recitation, dhikr and nawafil in these last nights of Ramadhan. The reward of worship in Ramadhan is already multiplied exponentially and imagine the reward and blessings in these last days.
It is said that one SubhanAllah in Ramadhan is equal to 1000 times. If you missed your portion of dhikr at night (tahajjud etc), make sure you do it between Fajr and Dhuhr and inshaa Allah, Allah will write it down as if you did it at night. This is the mercy of Allah. Have good opinion of Allah for this the greatest ibadah.
اللَّهُمَّ إنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allaahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbu al’afwa fa’fu ‘annee
“O Allah You are One who forgives and You love forgiveness so forgive me.”
This was the du’a the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) taught Aisha (radhiAllahu ‘anha) to say in Laylat'ul Qadr.
May Allah increase us in worship and enable us to finish this Ramadhan strong. May Allah accept our fasting, charity and prayers. May Allah forgive all our sins and bring us closer to Him. May Allah save us from the Hellfire and grant us the highest Paradise.
Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Making The Most of Ramadhan In The Last Ten Days
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Many us started off Ramadhan with high goals, to make it better than the last year. But for whatever reason we fail to live up to our expectations, which leaves us regretful.
But Alhamdulillah, our Lord is immensely merciful and highly compassionate, for He has given us a number of opportunities like the last ten days.
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ ﴿١﴾ وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ ﴿٢﴾ لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ ﴿٣﴾ تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ ﴿٤﴾ سَلَـٰمٌ هِىَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ ﴿٥
Allah says ‘’ Indeed, we sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn’’ [Quran, Al Qadr 97:1-5]
Let us not waste this golden opportunity.
1. Say NO to socializing: Not at least this time.
2. Resolution
Make a resolution between you and Allah to leave at least one bad habit or a sin that may push you away from Allah. Instead, replace it with a good habit which you find easy, practical and which will drive you closer to Allah, Insha Allah.
3. Dua: Recite this special dua a lot
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He (ﷺ) replied, “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, you are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).”Book 9, Hadith 205 [At-Tirmidhi]
4. Ask for forgiveness
Narrated by Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadhan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Bukhari]
5. Charity
Spend money in the way of Allah each day for the rest of the 10 days, without fail. Also, try and associate at least two more people with this activity so that your rewards are multiplied, Insha’Allah.
6. Read and understand Qur’an
Read and understand some portion of Quran daily.
7. Tafseer
Read Tafseer about Laylatul Qadr, ponder and share the knowledge with family and friends.
8. I’tikaaf
Narrated by ‘Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to practice I’tikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice Itikaf after him.” [Bukhari]
May Allah help us to find Laylatul Qadr and may we come out of this Ramadhan pure, clean and forgiven. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Many us started off Ramadhan with high goals, to make it better than the last year. But for whatever reason we fail to live up to our expectations, which leaves us regretful.
But Alhamdulillah, our Lord is immensely merciful and highly compassionate, for He has given us a number of opportunities like the last ten days.
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ ﴿١﴾ وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ ﴿٢﴾ لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ ﴿٣﴾ تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ ﴿٤﴾ سَلَـٰمٌ هِىَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ ﴿٥
Allah says ‘’ Indeed, we sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn’’ [Quran, Al Qadr 97:1-5]
Let us not waste this golden opportunity.
1. Say NO to socializing: Not at least this time.
2. Resolution
Make a resolution between you and Allah to leave at least one bad habit or a sin that may push you away from Allah. Instead, replace it with a good habit which you find easy, practical and which will drive you closer to Allah, Insha Allah.
3. Dua: Recite this special dua a lot
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He (ﷺ) replied, “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, you are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).”Book 9, Hadith 205 [At-Tirmidhi]
4. Ask for forgiveness
Narrated by Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadhan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Bukhari]
5. Charity
Spend money in the way of Allah each day for the rest of the 10 days, without fail. Also, try and associate at least two more people with this activity so that your rewards are multiplied, Insha’Allah.
6. Read and understand Qur’an
Read and understand some portion of Quran daily.
7. Tafseer
Read Tafseer about Laylatul Qadr, ponder and share the knowledge with family and friends.
8. I’tikaaf
Narrated by ‘Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to practice I’tikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice Itikaf after him.” [Bukhari]
May Allah help us to find Laylatul Qadr and may we come out of this Ramadhan pure, clean and forgiven. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Living Life With A Clear Purpose
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
In Surah Al Mulk, Allah reminds us of the purpose of life and tells us what will happen to someone who does not follow the Straight Path.
وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْ كُنَّا نَسْمَعُ أَوْ نَعْقِلُ مَا كُنَّا فِىٓ أَصْحَـٰبِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ ﴿١٠﴾ فَٱعْتَرَفُوا۟ بِذَنۢبِهِمْ فَسُحْقًا لِّأَصْحَـٰبِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ ﴿١١
And they will say, "If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze." (10) And they will admit their sin, so [it is] alienation for the companions of the Blaze. (11) [Quran, Al Mulk 67:10-11]
أَفَمَن يَمْشِى مُكِبًّا عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِۦٓ أَهْدَىٰٓ أَمَّن يَمْشِى سَوِيًّا عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ ﴿٢٢
Then is one who walks fallen on his face better guided or one who walks erect on a straight path? (22) [Qur'an, Al Mulk 67;22]
Allah chooses the word مُكِبًّا (mukibban) which is a step higher than كبا kabban to describe someone who is forcing himself to keep his face on the ground.
مُكِبًّا عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِ
mukib already mean upside down on his face
mukibban ala wajhihi, a phrase, means he keep his face down
Imagine human being that is sniffing the ground and looking down and walking.
In the beginning of the Surah, Allah tells us to look on the sky.
ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَـٰوَٰتٍ طِبَاقًا ۖ مَّا تَرَىٰ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ مِن تَفَـٰوُتٍ ۖ فَٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ هَلْ تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٍ ﴿٣﴾ ثُمَّ ٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ كَرَّتَيْنِ يَنقَلِبْ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْبَصَرُ خَاسِئًا وَهُوَ حَسِيرٌ ﴿٤
[And] who created seven heavens in layers. You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So return [your] vision [to the sky]; do you see any breaks? (3) Then return [your] vision twice again. [Your] vision will return to you humbled while it is fatigued. (4) [Quran, Al Mulk 67:3-4]
When you stand up straight you can look up. If you are looking down all the time you see earth.
When a dog is hungry, you see the dog sniffing looking down. You see similar behavior with other animals, looking down. The only time the animals look up is when there is danger. When they don't feel danger, they look down. When all of sudden they hear something, they look up.
There are some human beings who live a life of animals. The only time they truly look up, in the spiritual sense, is when the danger of the hereafter (akhirah) comes, but then Allah won't let them look down. In Surah Yaasin, Allah says, their heads are held back and their eyes are held open.
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا فِىٓ أَعْنَـٰقِهِمْ أَغْلَـٰلًا فَهِىَ إِلَى ٱلْأَذْقَانِ فَهُم مُّقْمَحُونَ ﴿٨﴾ وَجَعَلْنَا مِنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ سَدًّا وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ سَدًّا فَأَغْشَيْنَـٰهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ ﴿٩
Indeed, We have put shackles on their necks, and they are to their chins, so they are with heads [kept] aloft. (8) And We have put before them a barrier and behind them a barrier and covered them, so they do not see. (9) [Quran, Yaasin 36:8-9]
In Surah Mulk, Allah talks about a person whose head is down. That means the only aspiration, goals, engagement, or activities that this person has is having to do with dirt, i.e. with this world--pleasure, status, wealth, apetitte. He lives his life facing the earth constantly.
Is this person is more guided as compared with the one who stands up straight, balanced? Someone looking down, they don't even know what danger and what lies ahead. The ones who keep straight, not only they know what lies ahead of them, they have a good picture of what lies ahead. When you are driving, you have a clear view of what lies ahead when the road is straight. If you go on a winding road you don't know what's around the bend. When the road is even and is straigt you can see way down. This is the life of someone who has a clear purpose--they know they are heading somewhere. Someone with head on the ground, they don't know where they are going.
We have to have a clear picture of what we are trying to accomplish, not just goals for the akhirah but also for the dunya--what are we going to do for Islam while we are here.
Surah Mulk is one of the oft recited Surahs and it is recommended to recite this Surah every night before sleep. This will keep a fresh reminder of where we are heading.
هُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَٱمْشُوا۟ فِى مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا۟ مِن رِّزْقِهِۦ ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ ٱلنُّشُورُ ﴿١٥
It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection. [Quran, Al Mulk 67:15]
May Allah guide us, our loved ones and the ummah on the straight path. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
In Surah Al Mulk, Allah reminds us of the purpose of life and tells us what will happen to someone who does not follow the Straight Path.
وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْ كُنَّا نَسْمَعُ أَوْ نَعْقِلُ مَا كُنَّا فِىٓ أَصْحَـٰبِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ ﴿١٠﴾ فَٱعْتَرَفُوا۟ بِذَنۢبِهِمْ فَسُحْقًا لِّأَصْحَـٰبِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ ﴿١١
And they will say, "If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze." (10) And they will admit their sin, so [it is] alienation for the companions of the Blaze. (11) [Quran, Al Mulk 67:10-11]
أَفَمَن يَمْشِى مُكِبًّا عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِۦٓ أَهْدَىٰٓ أَمَّن يَمْشِى سَوِيًّا عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ ﴿٢٢
Then is one who walks fallen on his face better guided or one who walks erect on a straight path? (22) [Qur'an, Al Mulk 67;22]
Allah chooses the word مُكِبًّا (mukibban) which is a step higher than كبا kabban to describe someone who is forcing himself to keep his face on the ground.
مُكِبًّا عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِ
mukib already mean upside down on his face
mukibban ala wajhihi, a phrase, means he keep his face down
Imagine human being that is sniffing the ground and looking down and walking.
In the beginning of the Surah, Allah tells us to look on the sky.
ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَـٰوَٰتٍ طِبَاقًا ۖ مَّا تَرَىٰ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ مِن تَفَـٰوُتٍ ۖ فَٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ هَلْ تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٍ ﴿٣﴾ ثُمَّ ٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ كَرَّتَيْنِ يَنقَلِبْ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْبَصَرُ خَاسِئًا وَهُوَ حَسِيرٌ ﴿٤
[And] who created seven heavens in layers. You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So return [your] vision [to the sky]; do you see any breaks? (3) Then return [your] vision twice again. [Your] vision will return to you humbled while it is fatigued. (4) [Quran, Al Mulk 67:3-4]
When you stand up straight you can look up. If you are looking down all the time you see earth.
When a dog is hungry, you see the dog sniffing looking down. You see similar behavior with other animals, looking down. The only time the animals look up is when there is danger. When they don't feel danger, they look down. When all of sudden they hear something, they look up.
There are some human beings who live a life of animals. The only time they truly look up, in the spiritual sense, is when the danger of the hereafter (akhirah) comes, but then Allah won't let them look down. In Surah Yaasin, Allah says, their heads are held back and their eyes are held open.
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا فِىٓ أَعْنَـٰقِهِمْ أَغْلَـٰلًا فَهِىَ إِلَى ٱلْأَذْقَانِ فَهُم مُّقْمَحُونَ ﴿٨﴾ وَجَعَلْنَا مِنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ سَدًّا وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ سَدًّا فَأَغْشَيْنَـٰهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ ﴿٩
Indeed, We have put shackles on their necks, and they are to their chins, so they are with heads [kept] aloft. (8) And We have put before them a barrier and behind them a barrier and covered them, so they do not see. (9) [Quran, Yaasin 36:8-9]
In Surah Mulk, Allah talks about a person whose head is down. That means the only aspiration, goals, engagement, or activities that this person has is having to do with dirt, i.e. with this world--pleasure, status, wealth, apetitte. He lives his life facing the earth constantly.
Is this person is more guided as compared with the one who stands up straight, balanced? Someone looking down, they don't even know what danger and what lies ahead. The ones who keep straight, not only they know what lies ahead of them, they have a good picture of what lies ahead. When you are driving, you have a clear view of what lies ahead when the road is straight. If you go on a winding road you don't know what's around the bend. When the road is even and is straigt you can see way down. This is the life of someone who has a clear purpose--they know they are heading somewhere. Someone with head on the ground, they don't know where they are going.
We have to have a clear picture of what we are trying to accomplish, not just goals for the akhirah but also for the dunya--what are we going to do for Islam while we are here.
Surah Mulk is one of the oft recited Surahs and it is recommended to recite this Surah every night before sleep. This will keep a fresh reminder of where we are heading.
هُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَٱمْشُوا۟ فِى مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا۟ مِن رِّزْقِهِۦ ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ ٱلنُّشُورُ ﴿١٥
It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection. [Quran, Al Mulk 67:15]
May Allah guide us, our loved ones and the ummah on the straight path. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Monday, June 4, 2018
Marriage Is Not For Everyone
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
One of the biggest concerns in getting married is to protect your shame (haya'). Who is better suited to help us do that? Women that come from descent families, who have the training in haya' and have that sense of shame.
But just because you think you are old enough to get married, or you have a beard, or you have graduated from college, you can't get married. Marriage doesn't work that way. You pursue it only if you are in some financial position to start a family. It is not get your lust out. If everything is taken care of by your parents, if you have a spoonfed life, you have no maturity to fend for yourself even for one day, then marriage is not for you. You have to be ready to take care of a household and able to fulfill your responsibility towards your parents before you can get married. Just because you have urges, that does not mean you are ready to get married.
We should have a real conversation with our children about marriage. We have to be cognizant of the fact that temptations are more accessible than ever before. We have to be able to deal with that, help our children face it, stand up and resist it, and make sure they are are matured enough before they get married. The solution is not marriage. Don't think that just because you get married, fahsha (immorality) is no longer a problem for you. It is a bigger problem than that.
...وَٱلْمُحْصَنَـٰتُ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ إِلَّا مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ ۖ كِتَـٰبَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ وَأُحِلَّ لَكُم مَّا وَرَآءَ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَن تَبْتَغُوا۟ بِأَمْوَٰلِكُم مُّحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَـٰفِحِينَ ۚ ...
And [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allah upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. [Quran, An-Nisa 4:24]
We are living in an impulsive society. When you get a craving or an urge for something, it get fulfilled immediately. You get used to that. But when you become married, you are married to a human being, not to a device. Just because you have a certain feelings, that doesn't mean your spouse does. So what happened is that a lot of families go into chaos because the man is addicted to getting his desires fulfilled immediately. This is destructive for families. We are supposed to be a people of sabr (patience), which qualify us as believers. One of the salient qualities in a life of a believer is sabr, holding back. We have to control ourselves and hold ourselves back from immediate access to everything. Otherwise, you will have a messed up family life. You may not realize it now but you will discover that later in your life and you will bear the brunt of it.
وَأَن تَصْبِرُوا۟ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿٢٥...
...but to be patient is better for you. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. [Quran, An-Nisa 4:25]
يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَكُمْ وَيَهْدِيَكُمْ سُنَنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَيَتُوبَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ ﴿٢٦
Allah wants to make clear to you [the lawful from the unlawful] and guide you to the [good] practices of those before you and to accept your repentance. And Allah is Knowing and Wise. [Quran, An-Nisa 5:26]
Ramadhan is a month to really train ourselves patience, to transform ourselves to be better people, to our parents, our children, our spouses, our families and those around us.
May Allah make us from among the people of sabr. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
One of the biggest concerns in getting married is to protect your shame (haya'). Who is better suited to help us do that? Women that come from descent families, who have the training in haya' and have that sense of shame.
But just because you think you are old enough to get married, or you have a beard, or you have graduated from college, you can't get married. Marriage doesn't work that way. You pursue it only if you are in some financial position to start a family. It is not get your lust out. If everything is taken care of by your parents, if you have a spoonfed life, you have no maturity to fend for yourself even for one day, then marriage is not for you. You have to be ready to take care of a household and able to fulfill your responsibility towards your parents before you can get married. Just because you have urges, that does not mean you are ready to get married.
We should have a real conversation with our children about marriage. We have to be cognizant of the fact that temptations are more accessible than ever before. We have to be able to deal with that, help our children face it, stand up and resist it, and make sure they are are matured enough before they get married. The solution is not marriage. Don't think that just because you get married, fahsha (immorality) is no longer a problem for you. It is a bigger problem than that.
...وَٱلْمُحْصَنَـٰتُ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ إِلَّا مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ ۖ كِتَـٰبَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ وَأُحِلَّ لَكُم مَّا وَرَآءَ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَن تَبْتَغُوا۟ بِأَمْوَٰلِكُم مُّحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَـٰفِحِينَ ۚ ...
And [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allah upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. [Quran, An-Nisa 4:24]
We are living in an impulsive society. When you get a craving or an urge for something, it get fulfilled immediately. You get used to that. But when you become married, you are married to a human being, not to a device. Just because you have a certain feelings, that doesn't mean your spouse does. So what happened is that a lot of families go into chaos because the man is addicted to getting his desires fulfilled immediately. This is destructive for families. We are supposed to be a people of sabr (patience), which qualify us as believers. One of the salient qualities in a life of a believer is sabr, holding back. We have to control ourselves and hold ourselves back from immediate access to everything. Otherwise, you will have a messed up family life. You may not realize it now but you will discover that later in your life and you will bear the brunt of it.
وَأَن تَصْبِرُوا۟ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿٢٥...
...but to be patient is better for you. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. [Quran, An-Nisa 4:25]
يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَكُمْ وَيَهْدِيَكُمْ سُنَنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَيَتُوبَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ ﴿٢٦
Allah wants to make clear to you [the lawful from the unlawful] and guide you to the [good] practices of those before you and to accept your repentance. And Allah is Knowing and Wise. [Quran, An-Nisa 5:26]
Ramadhan is a month to really train ourselves patience, to transform ourselves to be better people, to our parents, our children, our spouses, our families and those around us.
May Allah make us from among the people of sabr. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Fulfill Your Word
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
We are peope of our word. If we are not that, then we are nothing.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَوْفُوا۟ بِٱلْعُقُودِ
O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. [Quran, Al-Maida 5:1]
When you have to do act of submission to Allah you might miss out on some opportunity but you don't lose anything because Allah will give something extra from His special favor.
فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزِيدُهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِۦ ۖ وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَنكَفُوا۟ وَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فَيُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا وَلَا يَجِدُونَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِيًّا وَلَا نَصِيرًا ﴿١٧٣
And as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards and grant them extra from His bounty...[Quran, An-Nisa 4:173]
May Allah make us people of our word. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
We are peope of our word. If we are not that, then we are nothing.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَوْفُوا۟ بِٱلْعُقُودِ
O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. [Quran, Al-Maida 5:1]
When you have to do act of submission to Allah you might miss out on some opportunity but you don't lose anything because Allah will give something extra from His special favor.
فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزِيدُهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِۦ ۖ وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَنكَفُوا۟ وَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فَيُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا وَلَا يَجِدُونَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِيًّا وَلَا نَصِيرًا ﴿١٧٣
And as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards and grant them extra from His bounty...[Quran, An-Nisa 4:173]
May Allah make us people of our word. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
Friday, June 1, 2018
Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- The Greatest Losers
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Allah Most High informs us in Surah Al-Kahf about the greatest losers. Those are the people who do good but for worldly reasons. Materialism or the love of 'adornments on the earth' can make even acts of worship done for worldly gains, recognition, respect, power and money.
أَفَحَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَن يَتَّخِذُوا۟ عِبَادِى مِن دُونِىٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ ۚ إِنَّآ أَعْتَدْنَا جَهَنَّمَ لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ نُزُلًا ﴿١٠٢﴾ قُلْ هَلْ نُنَبِّئُكُم بِٱلْأَخْسَرِينَ أَعْمَـٰلًا ﴿١٠٣﴾ ٱلَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعْيُهُمْ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعًا ﴿١٠٤
Say, [O Muhammad], "Shall we [believers] inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? (103) [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work." (104)
[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:103-104]
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ﴿٧
Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed. (7)
[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:7]
Sincere intention is indispensable prerequisite for the acceptance of a good deed. Renew your intentions often as intention that once good and sincere may become rusty.
May Allah make us of those who are sincere and accept our fasting, prayers and good deeds. May Allah grant us the company of the righteous and sincere. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Allah Most High informs us in Surah Al-Kahf about the greatest losers. Those are the people who do good but for worldly reasons. Materialism or the love of 'adornments on the earth' can make even acts of worship done for worldly gains, recognition, respect, power and money.
أَفَحَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَن يَتَّخِذُوا۟ عِبَادِى مِن دُونِىٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ ۚ إِنَّآ أَعْتَدْنَا جَهَنَّمَ لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ نُزُلًا ﴿١٠٢﴾ قُلْ هَلْ نُنَبِّئُكُم بِٱلْأَخْسَرِينَ أَعْمَـٰلًا ﴿١٠٣﴾ ٱلَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعْيُهُمْ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعًا ﴿١٠٤
Say, [O Muhammad], "Shall we [believers] inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? (103) [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work." (104)
[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:103-104]
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ﴿٧
Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed. (7)
[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:7]
Sincere intention is indispensable prerequisite for the acceptance of a good deed. Renew your intentions often as intention that once good and sincere may become rusty.
May Allah make us of those who are sincere and accept our fasting, prayers and good deeds. May Allah grant us the company of the righteous and sincere. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.
Wassalaam
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