Natural Disasters

“If you see anything like that, hasten to remember Him, call on Him and seek His forgiveness…” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Almighty says: "And We sent not the signs except to warn." (Al-Isra’ 17:59)

"We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur’an) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?" (Fussilat 41:53)

"Say: He has power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, and make you to taste the violence of one another." (Al-An`am 6:65)

"And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much." (Ash-Shura 42: 30)

"Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself." (An-Nisaa’ 4:79)

"So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Hasib (a violent wind with showers of stones), and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah (torment — extremely loud noise ), and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow, and of them were some whom We drowned. It was not Allah, Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves." (Al-`Ankabut 29: 40)

"And if the people of the towns had believed and had piety, certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heavens and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes)." (Al-A`raf 7:96)

15 Tips to Earning Rewards from Allah

1- Avoid Things that Allah has forbidden, including the great sins as well as continually performing the lesser sins, and perform what Allah orders us to perform:

The prophet peace be upon him said: "Allah has recorded the good deeds and the evil deeds. Then he made them clear: He who has intended a good deed and does not do it, Allah writes it down with Him as a performed good deed; but if he intends it and does perform it; Allah records for him from ten good deeds to seven hundred times that or more than that. If he intends to do an evil deed and does not do it, then Allah writes it down as a good deed; but if he intends an evil deed and performs it, Allah records it as one evil deed" (Sahih Al-Jami)

2- Reciting the Quran and pondering over it's meanings:

The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever recites one word from the Book of Allah will be rewarded for a good deed and ten more like it; and I don't say that Alif Lam Mim is a word but Alif is a word and Lam is a word and Mim is a word" (Alif Lam Mim is 3 Arabic Characters.)

3- Guiding people to righteous deeds:

The prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever guides one to a good thing will get the same reward as the person who performs the deed" (Sahih Al-Jami)

4- Enjoining good and eradicating evil:

Allah revealed in the Quran, {Those of the children of Israel who went astray were cursed by the tongue of David, and of Jesus, son of Mary. That was because they rebelled and used to transgress. They restrained not one another from the wickedness they did. Verily, evil was that they used to do} (Al-Maida:78)

This is one of the obligatory duties that many people fail to perform today. Due to this reason, sins are being committed openly and without shame and no one is saying anything about them. The prophet peace be upon him said, "If the people see an evil deed and they do not change it, then Allah may inflict them all with a punishment".
Allah says in the Quran: "And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another, they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong .. "

5- Supplications to Allah:

It's the best act of worship as the Prophet peace be upon him said, "The most virtuous act of worship is supplication" (Sahih Al-Jami). It's very important to be certain that Allah will answer your supplication, the Prophet peace be upon him said: "There is no Muslim on this earth who supplicates to Allah except that Allah will give him what he asked or He will remove some evil from him, as long as he does not supplicate for something evil or as long as he does not supplicate for cutting of the ties of kinship and as long as he does not become impatient and say, 'I supplicated and supplicated and I was not responded to'"

6- Marrying religious women:

The prophet peace be upon him said, "A woman is married for her religion, wealth or beauty; marry the religious women and you will prosper". He also said, "A thankful heart, a tongue that remembers Allah and a pious wife that helps you in your worldly and religious matters, is better than what the people are amassing" (Sahih Al-Jami)

7- Bringing up pious children and training them to have good Islamic character:

The prophet peace be upon him said, "A man will be raised some degrees in Paradise and he will say, 'For what reason am I receiving this ?' He will be told, 'Because of your son asking forgiveness for you'"

8- Having good manners and character:

The prophet peace be upon him said, "The most beloved of you to me and the closest of you to me in the Hereafter are those of you who have the best manners; the most hated of you to me and farthest from me in the Hereafter are those of you who have the worst manners, those who speak and do not even care about what they are saying" (Sahih Al-Jami), and he also said, "The person of good manners will get the same reward as the person who prays during the night and fasts during the day" (Sahih Al-Jami).

9- Performing many voluntary prayers:

This is particularly beneficial during the last third of the night in which the gates of the heavens are opened and the supplications are responded to. The prophet peace be upon him said, "Allah waits until one half or two-thirds of the night has passed and He says, 'My slaves, shall ask from no one except Me. Whoever asks from Me, I shall respond to him. Whoever asks Me for something, I will give it to him. Whoever asks for my forgiveness, I shall forgive him. And this continues until the dawn" (Sahih Al-Jami).

Similarly, performing the Sunnan prayers, is also a way of gaining Allah's pleasure and reward. These Sunnan prayers are two rakats before the dawn obligatory prayer, four before the noon obligatory prayer and four after it, two after the sunset prayer and two after the night prayer and the witr prayer.

10- Being obedient and respectful to one's parents:

This is one of the greatest ways to attain Allah's pleasure and reward. Allah mentions worshipping Him together with obeying one's parents. Allah says in the Quran, "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none save Him, and that you show kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain to old age with you, say not 'File' unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word. And lower unto them the wing of submission through mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was little'" (Al-Isra)

11- Jihad in the way of Allah:

A hadith of the Prophet peace be upon him says, "Being on guard in the way of Allah for one month is better than perpetual fasting for a year. Whoever dies while guarding in the way of Allah will be safe from the great frightening. And he will be provided his provisions, and smell the scent from paradise, and receive the reward of the one who guards until Allah resurrects him" (Sahih Al-Jami)

12- Remembering Allah at all times:

The prophet peace be upon him stated that Allah said, "I am as My slave thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself. I make mention of him to Myself and if me makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it." (Al-Bukhari) .


13- Speaking the truth and not fearing punishment of anyone:

The prophet peace be upon him, "The leader of the martyrs is Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib and a person who faces an unjust ruler and advises him to do good and he is killed because of his speech" (Sahih Al-Jami)

14- Giving charity and spending in the way of Allah:

Allah says in the Quran, "Those who spend their wealth by night and day, privately and publicity, verily their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve" (Al-Baqara 274).

And Allah also says, "And spend of that which We have provided you before death comes to one of you and he says, 'My Lord if only You would reprieve me for a little while, then I would give alms and be among the righteous.' But Allah reprieves no soul when its term comes, and Allah is aware of what you do" (Al-Munafiqoon) .

15- Learning the beneficial knowledge:

One should learn that knowledge that will benefit him in the Hereafter and act by it in order to be a good example for others. The authentic knowledge is the one that is based on Quran and Sunnah.

Do good in what remains, then...

Al-Fudhayl ibn Iyyâdh said to a man, “How many (years) have come upon you?”He replied, “Sixty years.” He said, “Therefore, for sixty years you have been going to your Lord and you are about to reach (Him).”So the man said, “To Allâh we belong and to Him we are returning!” So al-Fudhayl asked, “Do you know the meaning of that (statement)? You are saying, ‘I belong to Allâh as a servant and I am going to return to Him.’ So whoever knows that he belongs to Allâh as a servant and that he will return to him, then he should know that he will be stopped. And whoever knows that he will be stopped, then he should know that he will be questioned. And whoever knows that he will be questioned, then let him prepare an answer for the question.” The man asked, “So what should I do?” He said, “It is easy.” The man again asked, “What is it?” al-Fudhayl said, “Do good in what remains, then what has passed shall be forgiven. Yet, if you do evil in what remains, then you will be taken to account for what has passed as well as for what remains.”

Five types of fear

Uzmaan Ibn Affan said:

The believer has five types of fear.

The first is that Allah may take his faith away from him

The second is that the recording angels may write down something that may expose him on the Day of Resurrection

The third is that the shaytan may cause his deeds to become invalid

The fourth is that the Angel of Death may come to him without warning

The fifth is that this world may tempt him and distract him from the Hereafter.

Take care of.....

From the Wise Sayings of Luqman (AW)

“If you’re in prayer, take care of your heart;

If you’re eating, take care of your throat;

If you’re in another man’s house, take care of your eyes;

If you are among people, take care of your tongue.

Remember two matters and forget two matters:

Remember Allah (SWT) and death;

Forget any good that you have done to another and any evil that was done to you by another.”

The Story of Moses and Al-Khidr

Moses is Informed of a Wise Man

One day, Moses delivered such an impressive sermon that all who heard it were deeply moved. Someone in the congregation asked: "0 Messenger of Allah, is there another man on earth more learned than you?" Moses replied: "No!", believing so, as Allah had given him the power of miracles and honored him with the Torah.

However, Allah revealed to Moses that no man could know all there is to know, nor would one messenger alone be the custodian of all knowledge. There would always be another who knew what others did not. Moses asked Allah: "0 Allah, where is this man? I would like to meet him and learn from him." He also asked for a sign to this person's identity.

Allah instructed him to take a live fish in a water-filled vessel. Where the fish disappeared, he would find the man he sought. Moses set out on his journey, accompanied by a young man who carried the vessel with the fish. They reached a place where two rivers met and decided to rest there. Instantly, Moses fell asleep.

Moses Finds Al-Khidr

While he was asleep, his companion saw the fish wriggle out of the vessel into the river and swim away. However, he forgot to relate this incident to Moses. When he awoke, they continued their journey until they were exhausted and hungry. Moses asked for his morning meal. Only then did his companion recall that the fish they had brought with them had gotten away. Hearing this, Moses exclaimed: 'This is exactly what we are seeking!" They hurriedly retraced their steps to the place where the rivers met and where the fish had jumped out. There they found a man, his face partly covered with a hood. His bearing showed he was a saintly man. He was Al-Khidr, the guide.

Moses Finds Al-Khidr - Qur'anic

Allah the Almighty narrated: And (remember) when Moses said to his boy-servant: "I will not give up (traveling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in traveling."

But when they reached the junction of the two seas, they forgot their fish, and it took its way throught the sea as in a tunnel. So when they had passed further on (beyond that fixed place), Moses said to his boy-servant: "Bring us our morning meal; truly, we have suffered much fatigue in this, our journey."

He said: "Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the ock? I indeed forgot the fish, none but Satan made me forget to remember it. It took its course into the sea in a strange (way)!"

(Moses) said: "That is what we have been seeking." So they went back retracing their footsteps.

Then they found one of Our slaves, unto whom We had bestowed mercy from Us, and whom We had taught knowledge from Us. Surah 18: 60-65

Moses Speaks to Al-Khidr

Moses said to him (Khidr) "May I follow you so that you teach me something of that knowledge (guidance and true path) which you have been taught (by Allah)?"

He (Khidr) said: "Verily! You will not be able to have patience with me! And how can you have patience about a thing which you know not?"

Moses said: "If Allah will, you will find me patient, and I will not disobey you in aught."

He (Khidr) said: "Then, if you follow me, ask me not about anything till I myself mention it to you.

So they both proceeded, till, when they were in the ship, he (Khidr) scuttled it. Moses said: "Have you scuttled it in order to drown its people? Verily, you have done Imra - a Munkar (evil, bad, dreadful) thing."

He (Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you, that you would not be able to have patience with me?"

(Moses) said: "Call me not to account for what I forgot, and be not hard upon me for my affair (with you)."

Then they both proceeded, till they met a boy, he (Khidr) killed him. Moses said: "Have you killed an innocent person who had killed none? Verily, you have done Nukra a great Munkar (prohibited, evil, dreadful) thing!"

(Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?"

(Moses) said: "If I ask you anything after this, keep me not in your company, you have received an excuse from me."

Then they both proceeded, till, when they came to the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to entertain them. Then they found therein a wall about to collapse and he (Khidr) set it up straight. (Moses) said: "If you had wished, surely you could have taken wages for it!"

(Khidr) said: "This is the parting between me and you. I will tell you the interpretation of (those) things over which you were unable to hold patience.

'As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working in the sea. So I wished to make a defective damage in it, as there was a king after them who seized every ship by force.

"And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief. So we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in righteousness and near to mercy.

"And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the town; and there was under it a treasure belonging to them; and their father was a righteous man, and your Lord intended that they should attain their age of full strength and take out their treasure as a mercy from your Lord. And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of those (things) over which you could not hold patience. Surah 18: 60-82

Moses Seeks Al-Khidr - Hadith

The story of Moses and Al-Khidr is also told in a hadith. Said Ibn Jubair said: "I said to Ibn Abbas, 'Nauf Al-Bukah claims that Moses, the companion of Al-Khidr, was not Moses (the prophet) of the children of Israel, but some other Moses.' Ibn Abbas said: 'Allah's enemy (i.e. Nauf) has told a lie. Ubai Ibn Kab told us that the Prophet said: Once Moses stood up and addressed Bani Israel. He was asked who was the most learned man amongst the people. He said: "I." Allah admonished him as he did not attribute absolute knowledge to Him (Allah). So, Allah said to him: 'Yes, at the junction of the two seas there is a slave of Mine who is more learned than you." Moses said: "0 my Lord! How can I meet him?" Allah said: "Take a fish and put it in a large basket and you will find him at the place where you will lose the fish."

Moses took a fish and put it in a basket and proceeded along with his (servant) boy, Joshua (Yusha Ibn Nun), till they reached the rock where they laid their heads (i.e. lay down). Moses slept, and the fish, moving out of the basket, fell into the sea. It took its way into the sea (straight) as in a tunnel. Allah stopped the flow of water over the fish and it became like an arch (the Prophet pointed out this arch with his hands). They traveled the rest of the night, and the next day Moses said to his boy (servant): "Give us our food, for indeed, we have suffered much fatigue in this journey of ours." Moses did not feel tired till he crossed that place which Allah had ordered him to seek after. His boy (servant) said to him: "Do you know that when we were sitting near that rock, I forgot the fish, and none but Satan caused me to forget to tell (you) about it, and it took its course into the sea in an amazing way?" So there was a path for the fish and that astonished them. Moses said: 'That was what we were seeking after."

So both of them retraced their footsteps till they reached the rock. There they saw a man lying covered with a garment.

Moses Talks to Al-Khidr

Moses greeted him, and he replied saying: "How do people greet each other in your land?" Moses said: "I am Moses."

The man asked: "Moses of Bani Israel?" Moses said: 'Yes, I have come to you so that you may teach me from those things which Allah has taught you." He said: "0 Moses! I have some of the knowledge of Allah which Allah has taught me and which you do not know, while you have some of the knowledge of Allah which Allah has taught you and which I do not know." Moses asked: "May I follow you?" He said: "But you will not be able to remain patient with me, for how can you be patient about things which you will not be able to understand?" Moses said: 'You will find me, if Allah so will, truly patient, and I will not disobey you in aught."

So both of them set out walking along the sea-shore. A boat passed by them, and they asked the crew of the boat to take them on board. The crew recognized Al-Khidr, so they took them on board without fare. When they were on board the boat, a sparrow came and stood on the edge of the boat and dipped its beak once or twice into the sea. Al-Khidr said to Moses: "0 Moses! My knowledge and your knowledge have not decreased Allah's knowledge except as much as this sparrow has decreased the water of the sea with its beak." Then suddenly Al-Khidr took an adze and pulled up a plank, and Moses did not notice it till he had pulled up a plank with the adze. Moses said to him: "What have you done? They took us on board charging us nothing; yet you have intentionally made a hole in their boat so as to drown its passengers. Verily, you have done a dreadful thing." AlKhidr replied: "Did I not tell you that you would not be able to remain patient with me?" Moses replied: "Do not blame me for what I have forgotten, and do not be hard upon me for my fault." So the first excuse of Moses was that he had forgotten.

When they had left the sea, they passed by a boy playing with other boys. Al-Khidr took hold of the boy's head and plucked it with his hand like this. (Sufyan, the sub-narrator gestured with his fingertips as if he were plucking some fruit.) Moses said to him: "Have you killed an innocent person who has not killed any person? You have really done a horrible thing." Al-Khidr said: "Did I not tell you that you could not remain patient with me?" Moses said: "If I ask you about anything after this, don't accompany me. You have received an excuse from me."

Then both of them went on till they came to some people of a village, and they asked its inhabitants for food but they refused to entertain them as guests. Then they saw therein a wall which was just going to collapse and Al Khidr repaired it just by touching it with his hands. (Sufyan, the subnarrator, gestured with his hands, illustrating how Al-Khidr passed his hands over the wall upwards.) Moses said: "These are the people whom we have called on, but they neither gave us food, nor entertained us as guests, yet you have repaired their wall. If you had wished, you could have taken wages for it."

Al-Khidr said: "This is the parting between you and me, and I shall tell you the explanation of those things on which you could not remain patient."

The Prophet added: "We wish that Moses could have remained patient by virtue of which Allah might have told us more about their story." (Sufyan, the sub-narrator, said that the Prophet said: "May Allah bestow His Mercy on Moses! If he had remained patient, we would have been told further about their case.")'

Ten Things You Will Never Benefit From

There are ten things you will never find benefit in:

The First: Knowledge which is void of action.

The Second: Actions which are void of sincerity to Allah, and void of exemplification of the Sunnah. (Note: These two conditions constitute the act being accepted by Allah i.e. Ikhlaas and Ittiba`a)

The Third: Wealth which is not spent in the way of Allah, so the one who exhausted all of his energy amassing it will not benefit from it in this life, nor will he see the fruits of it in the hereafter.

The Fourth: A heart which is void of the love of Allah and the ardent desire to meet him.

The Fifth: A body which is void of obedience to Allah.

The Sixth: A love for other than Allah which is void of any boundaries. (i.e. unconditional)

The Seventh: Time which is void of benefit and the individual does not take advantage of it to do actions which would bring him closer to Allah.

The Eighth: A thought which goes through the individuals mind and will bring him no benefit.

The Ninth: Doing a favor for someone who, that favor will not bring him closer to Allah nor will it benefit him in the affairs of his livelihood.

The Tenth: Fear and hope of someone whose forelock is in the hands of Allah, like a captive in the company of his master, who can bring no benefit or harm to himself or others, nor can he give life to the dead nor does he have any power over resurrection.

The worse and most detrimental of these ten is two:

1. The Heart
2. The Time

Firstly the heart, because it`s corruption stems from giving precedence to this transient life over the hereafter, and time because it makes the individual feel like he will live forever (which enables him to be even more negligent about his obligation to Allah)

The most amazing thing is when someone is presented with a situation and he turns all of his attention towards Allah to fulfill his needs, and never takes the time to ask Allah for the remedy he is need of to bring his heart back to life from the death of ignorance and negligence, and the cure he is in dire need of for his disease of Shahawaat (following his lowly desires) and Shubuhaat (doubts and misconceptions). Indeed if the heart dies, he will never be conscious of the sins which he commits and his disobedience to Allah.

Shaykhul Islaam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

Qur'an & Hadith on Du'a

"Truly, Allah loves those who repent, and He loves those who cleanse themselves."

[Al-Baqarah 2:222]

"There is nothing more dear to Allah Ta’ala than a servant making dua to him."

[at Tirmidhi]

"The person who does not ask from Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala becomes angry with him."

[at Tirmidhi, Ahmad]

"The dua of a Muslim for his brother (in Islam) in his absence is readily accepted, an angel is appointed to his side, whenever he makes a beneficial dua for his brother the appointed angel says "aameen and may you also be blessed with the same".

[Sahih Muslim]

"Dua is the essence of Ibadah (worship)."

[at Tirmdhi, Ahmad]

"If you ask, ask Allah and if you seek help, seek help from Allah."

[at Tirmdhi, Ahmad]

"O my servants, were the first of you and last of you, the human of you and jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request from me, and were I to give everyone what they requested, that would not decrease what I have anymore than a needle decreases the sea if put into it."

[Sahih Muslim]

"When a person dies, all his actions come to an end with the exception of three:1) Sadaqa Jaariyaa recurring charity>,2) Knowledge from which benefit continues to be reaped,3) And the prayers of his pious children for him."

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

""The invocation of any one of you is granted [by Allah] as long as he does not show impatience by saying "I have invoked Allah but my request has not been answered."

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim]

"And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks Allah's forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

[surah an-Nisa; 4:110]

"And declare the freedom of your Rubb from imperfection beginning with His praise, and ask His forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives."

[surah 110:3]

"Any muslim who supplicates to Allah in a Du'a which contains no sin breaking of kinship, Allah will give him one of three things: either his Du`a will be immediately answered or, it will be saved for him in the hereafter, or it will turn away an equivalent amount of evil (from him)" The companions said "so we will ask for more" he replied, "Allah is more [generous]."

[at-Tirmidhi, Ahmad]

"Ask forgiveness for your sin and also for the believing men and women"

[Surah 47:19]

"The Prophet, salAllahu alaiyhi wasalam, said to him while Ibn-Abbas was riding behind him on the same mount;"young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]:Be mindful of Allah and you will find him in front of you. If you ask, ask only Allah and if you seek help, seek help only from Allah. And know that if all the nations were to gather together to benefit you, they would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and if they gather together to harm you, they would harm you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages are dry."

[at-Tirmidhi]

"Ask and you will be given, ask you will be given"

[at-Tirmidhi]

"And when my servants ask you concerning me, [tell them] I am indeed near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls."

[surah al Baqarah; 2:187]

"And your lord said, invoke me and I will respond to your invocation."

[Surah 40:60]

"Invoke your lord with humility and in secrecy, for God loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds."

[Surah 7:55]

"So invoke Allah making your worship pure for him."

[Surah 40:14]

"Invoke Him only, making your religion sincere to him."

[Surah 7: 29]

"the Prophet, salAllahu alayhi wasalam, was asked "which Du'a is more heard (by Allah)?" The Prophet, salAllahu alayhi wasalam, said, "The Du'a during the last part of the night and after the Fard prayers."

[at-Tirmidhi, 3421]

"Abu Hurayrah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah, salAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said,"When someone of you prays, let him not say, 'O Allah forgive me if that is Your wish.' But let him be firm in conviction and cherish a great hope and Allah does not consider anything too great which He is able to grant."

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

"Aisha radhiallaahu anha said, "No believer makes Dua and it is wasted. Either it is granted here in this world or deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he does not get frustrated."

"Or, Who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (making) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) God besides Him? Little it is that ye heed!."

[an-Naml: 62]

"For any one among you, if the door of acceptance of du`a is opened, then the doors of His Mercy are also opened. The best du`a Allah likes is the one in which the caller asks for the goodness of this world and the goodness of the next world."

[at-Tirmidhi, al-Hakim]

"Du'a is a weapon of a believer, a pillar of religion, and a light of the heavens and the earth."

[al-Hakim]

"Nothing prevents predestination except Du'a, and nothing stretches the age except righteousness."

[at-Tirmidhi]

"Do not feel hopeless with Du'a, since nobody is to be annihilated with Du'a."

[ibn Hiban]

"Abu Darda' (radiAllahu anhu) reported:I heard the Messenger of Allah, salAllahu alayhi wasalam, saying, "Whenever a Muslim supplicates for his (Muslim) brother in his absence, the angels say: `May the same be for you too."

[Muslim, 1494]

"Abu Darda' (RadiAllahu anhu) reported:The Messenger of Allah, SalAllahu alayhi wasalam, said,"The supplication of a Muslim for his (Muslim) brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Everytime he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: `A meen! May it be for you, too."

[Muslim, 1495]

"And ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women"

[Surah 47:19]

"I heard Allah's Apostle saying." By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."

[Sahih al-Bukhari, 8:319]

"Narrated abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anha)Allah's Apostle said, "For every prophet there is one (special invocation (that will not be rejected) with which he appeals (to Allah), and I want to keep such an invocation for interceding for my followers in the Hereafter."

[Sahih al-Bukhari, 8:317e]

An-Numan bin Bashir (radiAllahu anhum) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said:"Verily, Supplication is worship."

[al-Arba'a (the four), at-Tirmidhi]

abu Hurairah(radiAllahu anhum) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said:"Nothing is more honorable (most liked) before Allah (Ta'ala) than Supplication."

[at-Tirmidhi, ibn Hibban and al-Hakim]

"Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before us."

[surah 21:90]

"Dhan-Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him. But he cried through the darkness (saying): La ilaha illa Anta (none has the, right to be worshiped but You) Glorified be You, Truly, I have been of the wrongdoers."

[surah 21:87]

Anas (radiAllahu anhum) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said:"A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected."

[an-Nasai and ibn Hibban]

abu Hurairah(radiAllahu anhum) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said:"There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (Ta'ala), then Allah (Ta'ala) will definitely meet his demand." And he (the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) pointed out the shortness of that time with his hands."

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

abu Hurairah(radiAllahu anhum) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said:"The nearest a slave can be to his Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (Ta'ala) much."

[Sahih Muslim]

abu Ummamah (radiAllahu anhum) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) was asked:"O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard (by Allah (Ta'ala), he said the end of the night and at the end of the obligatory Salat (prayer)."

[at-Tirmidhi]

"Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (Ta'ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler)."

[al Bayhaqi]

"Is not He Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generation after generation. Is there any god with Allah? Little is that you remember."

[surah 27:62]

Think....Think....

When you were 8 years old, your dad handed you an ice cream.You thanked him by dripping it all over your lap.
When you were 9 years old, he paid for piano lessons. Youthanked him by never even bothering to practice.

When you were 10 years old he drove you all day, from soccerto gymnastic to one birthday party after another. You thanked himby jumping out of the car and never looking back.

When you were 11 years old, he took you and your friends to the movies. You thanked him by asking to sit in a different row.

When you were 12 years old, he warned you not to watchcertain TV shows. You thanked him by waiting until he left thehouse.

When you were 13, he suggested a haircut that was becoming. You thanked him by telling him he had no taste.

When you were 14, he paid for a month away at summer camp.You thanked him by forgetting to write a single letter.

When you were 15, he came home from work, looking for a hug.You thanked him by having your bedroom door locked.

When you were 16, he taught you how to drive his car. You thanked him by taking it every chance you could.

When you were 17, he was expecting an important call. Youthanked him by being on the phone all night.

When you were 18, he cried at your high school graduation. You thanked him by staying out partying until dawn.

When you were 19, he paid for your college tuition, drove you tocampus carried your bags. You thanked him by saying good-bye outsidethe dorm so you wouldn't be embarrassed in front of your friends.

When you were 25, he helped to pay for your wedding, and he criedand told you how deeply he loved you. You thanked him by moving halfwayacross the country.

When you were 50, he fell ill and needed you to take care of him.You thanked him by reading about the burden parents become to theirchildren.

And then, one day, he quietly died. And everything you never did,came crashing down like thunder on YOUR HEART.

If you love your dad, convey this message to your loved ones...

Ten Things That God Won't Ask

1... God won't ask what kind of car you drove;
He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.

2... God won't ask the square footage of your house,
He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

3...God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet,
He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

4... God won't ask what your highest salary was,
He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

5...God won't ask what your job title was,
He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

6...God won't ask how many friends you had,
He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend

7...God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived,
He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

8...God won't ask about the color of your skin,
He'll ask about the content of your character.

9...God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation,
He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.

10...God won't ask how many people you forwarded this to,
He'll ask if you were ashamed to pass it on to your friends.

8 Habits of Highly Effective Muslims!

Hadhrat Haatim asam (R.A.) was a famous Ulama and noble student of Hadhrat Shaqeeq Balkhi ( R.A.). Once his Shaikh Shaqeeq (R.A.) inquired from him, 'Haatim, how long have you been with me?' 'Thirty three years', replied Haatim (R.A.); the Shaikh then inquired, 'How much have you learnt from me in this period?' Haatim ( R.A.) replied, 'I have learnt eight Masaa'il (Islamic rules).'

'Inanaa, Lillaahi Wa Innaailaihi Raajioon. My life has been wasted on you.' Haatim (R.A.) replied, 'Sir, I have learnt eight Mas'alaas (Islamic rules) only. I cannot tell you a lie. Hadhrat Shaqeeq (R.A.) said, 'Tell what are these Mas'alaas?' Haatim ( R.A.) replied:

1. 'I have seen everyone loves something or another - His wife, his children, his wealth, his friends, etc, but I have seen that when a person is lowered into the grave, then all the objects of his love are separated from him. Therefore, I started loving good deeds instead, so that when I am lowered into my grave, my beloved will accompany me, and not be separated from me even after death.' Hadhrat Shaqeeq (R.A.) said, 'You have done well.'

2. 'I have read the words of Allah Ta'aalaa in the Holy Qur'an. The Holy Qur'an states, 'And as for him who fears to stand before his Lord (for the account) and restrained (held back) himself from low desires, verily the Garden (Jannat) that will be his home.' (Chapt. 79 :Vr. 40-41 ) I believe in the truth of Allah Ta'aalaa's words and therefore stopped my nafs (love of ones self) from desires, so much so, that it became steadfast in the obedience of Allah Ta'aalaa.'

3. I have seen that whosoever loves and values a thing of this world, keeps it safely. I have read the words of Allah Ta'aalaa.. The Holy Qur'an says: 'That which is with you passes away and that which is with Allah is lasting.' (Chapt. 16 Vr. 96) Because of this verse anything of value that reached me I advanced it to Allah Ta'aalaa, so that it could be secured forever.

4. Viewing the world I have seen some people, turning towards their wealth as a manner of honour and greatness, others turning towards lineage (parentage) yet others do things that become a source of vanity and pride. In the view of the words of Allah Ta'aalaa the Holy Qur'an says: 'Verily the noblest amongst you in the sight of Allah Ta'aalaa is the one who is the most mindful of his duties.' (Chapt. 49 :Vr. 13) I became mindful of the commands of Allah Ta'aalaa so that I may be honoured in his sight.

5. I have seen people taunting (insulting), finding fault and abusing each other. This is motivated (started) by jealousy which they have for one another. The Holy Qur'an says: 'It's we who have apportioned (divided) among them their livelihood in the life of the world and we have raised some of them over others in rank, so that some of them may take others in service.' (Chapt. 43. Vr. 32Q) 'If all the people are of equal rank then why will one not work and why should one be employed. This will upset the order of the world.' Due to this verse I have left jealousy. I became independent of the entire creation. I became aware of the fact that the distribution of provision lies solely in the control of Allah Ta'aalaa. He gives any amount to whomsoever he wishes, therefore I had left animosity (envy). I have understood that man's prosperity is not relative solely to his effort, instead it is a gift from the Master of the universe, hence I do not get angry.

6. I have observed that practically everyone has quarrels and harbors enmity. Having pondered, I saw that Allah Ta'aalaa has commanded in the verse. The Holy Qur'an says, 'Surely, the Satan is your enemy, so treat him as an enemy. (Do not make him your friend).' (Chapt. 35 Vr. 6) Thus, I have chosen him as my enemy I try my best to stay away from him, because Allah Ta'aalaa declared him as an enemy.

7. I have seen everyone striving for their daily bread, due to this they disgrace themselves in front of others and take unlawful things. Then I read the verse of Allah Ta'aalaa: 'And there is no moving creatures on earth but its sustenance dependant on Allah.' ( Chapt.11 Vr. 6) I saw that I am also amongst those walking on the earth whose provision is the responsibility of Allah Ta'aalaa. I have utilised my time in those activities which Allah Ta'aalaa has ordained, and gained time by not undertaking the responsibility of Allah.

8. I have seen the people depending on the creation, some on their properties others on their business, whereas others depend on their health and their strength. These people in spite of being part of the creation yet show total dependence on the creation. I have read the verse of Allah Ta'aalaa: 'And whosoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him.' (Chapt. 65 Vr. 3) Thus, I have put my reliance and confidence in Allah. 'I have found that all kinds of good actions fall within these eight masaa'il, therefore whoever practices these masaa'il has put into practice the contents of all four divine scriptures,' said Hadhrat Shaqeeq ( R.A.).

The 77 Branches of Faith

by Imam Ashraf Ali al-TahanawiThe Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said “There are over 70 branches of faith. The highest is to bear witness that ‘There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ (la ilaha illallahu muhammadur rasulullah). The lowest is the removal of harm from the road. Modesty is also of faith." We will therefore mention these qualities.

30 QUALITIES ARE CONNECTED TO THE HEART

1. Belief in Allah

2. To believe that everything other than Allah was non-existent. Thereafter, Allah Most High created these things and subsequently they came into existence.

3. To believe in the existence of angels.

4. To believe that all the heavenly books that were sent to the different prophets are true. However, apart from the Quran, all other books are not valid anymore.

5. To believe that all the prophets are true. However, we are commanded to follow the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) alone.

6. To believe that Allah Most High as knowledge of everything from before-hand and that only that which He sanctions or wishes will occur.

7. To believe that Resurrection will definitely occur.

8. To believe in the existence of Heaven.

9. To believe in the existence of Hell.

10. To have love for Allah Most High.

11. To have love for the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace)

12. To love or hate someone solely because of Allah.

13. To execute all actions with the intention of religion alone.

14. To regret and express remorse when a sin is committed.

15. To fear Allah Most High.

16. To hope for the mercy of Allah Most High.

17. To be modest.

18.To express gratitude over a bounty or favour.

19. To fulfill promises.

20. To exercise patience.

21. To consider yourself lower than others.

22. To have mercy on the creation.

23. To be pleased with whatever you experience from Allah Most High.

24. To place your trust in Allah Most High.

25. Not to boast or brag over any quality that you posses.

26. Not to have malice or hatred towards anybody.

27. Not to be envious of anyone.

28. Not to become angry.

29. Not to wish harm for anyone.

30. Not to have love for the world.

7 QUALITIES ARE CONNECTED TO THE TONGUE

31. To recite the testimony of faith (kalimah) with the tongue.

32. To recite the Quran.

33. To acquire knowledge.

34. To pass on Knowledge.

35. To make dua.

36. To make the zikr of Allah Most High.

37. To abstain from the following: lies, backbiting, vulgar words, cursing, singing that is contrary to the Shariah.

40 QUALITIES ARE CONNECTED TO THE ENTIRE BODY

38. To make wudu, ghusl, and keep one's clothing clean.

39. To be steadfast in offering salaat.

40. To pay zakaat and sadaqatul fitr.

41. To fast.

42. To perform the Hajj.

43. To make i'tikaaf.

44. To move away or migrate from that place which is harmful for one's deen.

45. To fulfill the vows that have been made to Allah.

46. To fulfill the oaths that are not sinful.

47. To pay the kaffarah for unfulfilled oaths.

48. To cover those parts of the body that are fard to cover.

49. To perform the ritual slaughter.

50. To enshroud and bury the deceased.

51. To fulfill your debts.

52. To abstain from prohibited things when undertaking monetary transactions.

53. Not to conceal something true which you may have witnessed.

54. To get married when the nafs desires to do so.

55. To fulfill the rights of those who are under you.

56. To provide comfort to one's parents.

57. To rear children in the proper manner.

58. Not to sever relations with one's friends and relatives.

59. To obey one's master.

60. To be just.

61. Not to initiate any way that is contrary to that of the generality of the Muslims.

62. To obey the ruler, provided what he orders is not contrary to the Shariah.

63. To make peace between two warring groups or individuals.

64. To assist in noble tasks.

65. To command the good and prohibit the evil.

66. If it is the government. it should mete out punishments according to the Shariah.

67. To fight the enemies of deen whenever such an occasion presents itself.

68. To fulfill one's trusts (amana).

69. To give loans to those who are in need .

70. To see to the needs of one's neighbour.

71. To ensure that one's income is pure.

72. To spend according to the Shariah.

73. To reply to one who has greeted you.

74. To say Yarhamukallah (‘Allah have mercy on you’) when anyone says Alhamdulillah (‘All praise is Allah’s’) after sneezing.

75. Not to cause harm to anyone unjustly.

76. To abstain from games and amusements contrary to the Shariah.

77. To remove pebbles, stones, thorns, sticks, and the like from the road. Allah Knows Best

Beware of thoughts

“Ward off passing thoughts, for if you do not, they will become ideas.

Ward off ideas, for if you do not, they will become desires.

Fight the desires, for if you do not, they will become intentions.

If you do not resist them, they will become actions.

If you do not repel them with their opposites, they will become habits,

and it will be difficult to get rid of them.”

From Al-Fawâ’id of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

26 tips for the believers

1. Give Allah what's right -- not what's left.

2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- Allah's way leads to endless hope.

3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.

4. He who kneels before Allah can stand before anyone.

5. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma --but never let him be the period.

6. Don't put a question mark where Allah puts a period.

7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the mosque for a face-lift.

8. When praying, don't give Allah instructions -- just report for duty.

9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to the mosque.

10. We don't change Allah's message -- His message changes us.

11. The mosque is prayer-conditioned.

12. When Allah ordains, He sustains.

13. WARNING: Exposure to Allah may prevent burning.

14. Plan ahead -- it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

15. Most people want to serve Allah, but only in an advisory position.

16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Quran.

17. Exercise daily -- walk with Allah.

18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.

19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.

20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.

21. He who angers you controls you.

22. Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.

23. Give Satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.

24. Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them and He'll clean them.

25. Allah doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

26. Read the Quran -- It will bring the affection and love out of you for both Allah and His creations.