The power of the Muslims

The bedrock of the power of the early Muslims — Sahaabah, Taabieen and Tab-e-Taabieen — was Roohaaniyat or their lofty status of spiritual elevation and divine proximity. The power of the early Ummah, which ushered them to the hilltops of the world never was materialism or economic and military power. o­n the contrary, they were always inferior in the atter fields. Economically, numerically and militarily, the Sahaabah were always inferior.

Despite this inferiority, they became the dominant political power of their times. The bastion of their power is not a secret nor a mystery.

THEIR LEADER

The Sahaabah had accepted Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as their leader, and they offered him total obedience in every sphere of their lives. Since they had appointed Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as their leader, Allah Ta’ala made them the rulers of the earth. In direct opposition to their tareeqah (way), the Muslims of later ages and of the present age, have appointed the western kuffaar as their leaders, hence Allah Ta’ala has appointed them as our rulers.

HADHRAT MUSAA

When Allah Ta’ala appointed Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam) as the Nabi, and to warn the emperor Fir’oun to desist from oppression and to set free Bani Israaeel whom he had enslaved, he was forlorn and fearful. o­ne man was sent alone, without an army, without political power — a veritable pauper in worldly terms. Fir’oun was proverbial for his cruelty and persecution of Bani Israaeel.

SLAUGHTER

Fir’oun had ordered the massacre of all the male babies of Bani Israaeel. Every infant boy was forcibly taken from its mother and slaughtered mercilessly. Besides this, Fir’oun had committed great oppression and injustices against Bani Israaeel. The answer for opponents was always death. 

It was to such a brutal tyrant that Allah Ta’ala sent o­ne man who totally lacked in worldly power of any kind. In fact, so weak and inadequate did Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam) feel himself to be, that he implored Allah Ta’ala to appoint his brother, Hadhrat Haroon (alayhis salaam) as his deputy so that he could gain moral strength from his support.

 

FIR’OUN’S COURT

When Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam) arrived in Fir’oun’s court of splendour with his brother, Hadhrat Haaroon (alayhis salaam), he boldly proclaimed Allah’s Tauheed and delivered the divine command to emancipate Bani Israaeel. 

Fir’oun already had a charge of murder against Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam) who had been sentenced to death some years ago. But now in his presence right in his court, surrounded by Fir’oun’s soldiers and noblemen, Fir’oun was overwhelmed by awe for Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam). What prevented him and his army from apprehending Nabi Musaa (alayhis salaam) and killing him? But Fir’oun dared not do anything of this sort. He was overcome with an inexplicable fear which this o­ne man instilled in his heart, This was the Roohaaniyat which Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam) wielded. The emperor and the men with the military might were rendered impotent.

THREATS

Although Fir’oun, in order to display his imaginary power, issued threats, he could not follow up such threats with action. He threatened Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam) : "If you worship a god other than me, I shall most certainly cast you among the prisoners." But Nabi Musaa (alayhis salaam) fiercely proclaimed that your Creator is "the Rabb of the east and the west and of whatever is in between, if indeed you (O Fir’oun and your people) have any intelligence (to understand this reality)."

REINFORCEMENTS

When Fir’oun was rendered helpless by the spiritual power of Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam), he turned to his cabinet and appealed to them to assemble all the expert sorcerers of Egypt to defeat the spiritual power of Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam). All of them together could not harm Musaa (alayhis salaam) who left the court of Fir’oun safely. The story is long.

However, in the end, all the sorcerers of Fir’oun were defeated by the Roohaaniyat of Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam) in the presence of Fir’oun, his cabinet, his military and tho usands of spectators. The manifestation of Roohaaniyat constrained all the sorcerers to proclaim the Tauheed of Allah, and to fall into prostration. Along with them, thousands accepted the Deen in open defiance of Fir’oun and his military.

SHOWDOWN

But the proud and arrogant emperor could not accept the humiliation he suffered and Hadhrat Musaa’s triumph over all the sorcerers of Egypt. The inevitable showdown had thus to come. Although Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam) had no army, not even a rag-tag militia, Fir’oun was apprehensive of whatever power Musaa (alayhis salaam) had. Hadhrat Musaa’s followers, Bani Israaeel, were the slaves of the Egyptians. They were not soldiers. They were weaklings and totally unarmed. 

Inspite of Hadhrat Musaa’s and Bani Israaeel’s worldly insignificance and weakness, Fir’oun deemed it prudent to muster a large army to o­nce and for all settle the issue with Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam). Thus the Qur’aan says: "Then Fir’oun sent (his) men in all the cities (of Egypt) to assemble (his army)." Meanwhile Fir’oun, addressing his commanders and cabinet, said: "Most certainly they are an insignificant group." He assured his army of sure victory over the insignificant unarmed group of Bani Israaeel led by Nabi Musaa (alayhis salaam). But Allah Ta’ala had plans for the destruction of Fir’oun and his empire.Thus, says Allah Ta’ala in H i s Q u r ’ a a n :

"We then brought them (Fir’oun and his huge army) out from their

orchards and fountains, and from their treasures and palatial palaces."

Allah Ta’ala utterly destroyed Fir’oun along with his army. The whole lot of kuffaar were ignominiously drowned in the Red Sea. And, Allah Ta’ala declaring the victory for Musaa (alayhis salaam), said:

"In this way did We grant Bani Israaeel control (and power) over the land (of Fir’oun)."

"We saved Musaa and those who followed him. Then We drowned all the others

(Fir’oun and his army). Most a s s u r e d l y , in this (manifestation of spiritual

might) is a sign (for people of Imaan and intelligence)."

THE OPPRESSED

Like the present day Ummah has become the scum of the earth, so too were Bani Israaeel considered to be. About this ‘scum’ who were made the rulers of the earth o­n the basis of Hadhrat Musaa’s Roohaaniyat, the Qur’aan Majeed says: 

"And remember when you were an insignificant group oppressed in the land (of Egypt).

You feared that the people (Fir’oun and his armies) would snatch you (and destroy you).

Then Allah gave you refuge and aided you with His help, and He bestowed wholesome

rizq to you so that you may be grateful (for His bounties)."

THE SOLUTION

When Bani Israaeel repeatedly complained to Musaa (alayhis salaam) of their hardships and the persecution of Fir’oun, he admonished them: 

"O my People! Seek forgiveness from your Rabb and turn to Him (in obedience).

He will then send upon you from the skies abundant beneficial rain, and He will

add power to your strength. Therefore, do not turn your backs as transgressors."

The solution prescribed by the Nabi was Istighfaar, Taubah and Inaabat. They were spiritually and morally weak, hence any worldly plan of action was doomed to failure, just as all the worldly plans of present-day Muslims end in total failure and anarchy. The solution was o­nly the cultivation of Roohaaniyat. 

Explaining further the solution, Nabi Musaa (alayhis salaam) said to his people:

"Seek aid from Allah and have patience. Verily, the earth belongs to Allah. He will

grant its sovereignty to whomever He desires among His servants. And (remember

that) the ultimate result of victory is o­nly for the Muttaqeen (the people of Taqwa)

...Soon will Allah destroy your enemies and make you the political masters in the

earth. Then, He will watch how you acquit yourselves."

The solution for the present decadent and disgraceful condition of the Ummah is nothing but the very same solution which Hadhrat Musaa (alayhis salaam) had offered to Bani Israaeel. 

When the desired degree of Roohaaniyat has been attained by the Ummah, Allah Ta’ala will create the circumstances for the defeat of the enemies and for the victory of Muslims. There is absolutely no other solution for this Ummah. All methods which Muslims have adopted in this age for their extrication from their morass of political slavery are doomed to failure. 

The same Rabbul Aalameen Who had granted the Sahaabah their wonderful victory at Badr is here today for us. Nucleur technology and nuclear might cannot thwart the Plan of Allah Azza Wa Jal.

http://www.themajlis.net/

Riayadus Saliheen

Riayadus Saliheen you can read it online : http://www.islamicstudies.info/riyad.php

Do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?

It was narrated that in the days that the Prophet Musa (alayhi asalaam) wandered with Bani Israel (Children of Israel) in the desert, an intense drought befell them. Together, they raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed rain to come. Then, to the astonishment of Musa (alayhi asalaam) and all those watching, the few scattered clouds that were in the sky vanished, the heat poured down, and the drought intensified.

It was revealed to Musa that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israel who had disobeyed Allah (SWT) for more than forty years of his life.

“Let him separate himself from the congregation,” Allah (SWT) told Musa. “Only then shall I shower you all with rain.”

Prophet Musa then called out to the throngs of humanity, “There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah (SWT) for forty years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued from the drought.”

That man waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one. The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity.

He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks he said, “O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!”

As Musa and the people of Bani Israel waited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. Musa asked Allah (SWT), “O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward.”

And Allah (SWT) replied, “O Musa, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel with water.”

Prophet Moses, wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked, “Show him to me O Allah!”

Allah (SWT) replied, “O Musa, I hid his sins for forty years, do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?”

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “My entire nation is safe, except al-Mujahirin (those who boast of their sins). Among the Mujaharah is that a man commits an (evil) act, and wakes up in the morning while Allah has kept his (sin) a secret, he says: ‘O Fulan! Last night I did this and that.’ He goes to sleep while Allah has kept his (sin) a secret but he wakes up in the morning and uncovers what Allah has kept a secret!” [Saheeh al-Bukhari]

The Soul is a Grinding Stone

"So let my Enemies say what they will for my Sins are many, and perhaps because of their backbiting and slander My sins will be lightened and instead fall upon their shoulders " Shaykh Muqbil Ibn Hadi Al-Wadi'ee (rahimullah)

Ibn al Qayyim رحمه الله said:

It is well known that man has not been given to power to kill his thoughts nor the strength to severe them. They invade him just as his breathing invades his body.

However the strength of Imân and intellect helps him to accept his best thoughts , to be pleased with them, to experience peace and tranquility from them. It also helps him to repulse his most evil thoughts and dislike and recoil from them.

Allâh created the soul similar to a grinding stone that goes round and round – one that does not stop; and always in need of something to grind. If seeds are placed therein it will grind them. If stones are placed therein it will still grind them.

So the thoughts that revolve in the soul are like a seed that is placed in a grinding stone. That grinding stone is never left idle. Something or the other has to be placed inside it. So from amongst the people are those whose grinding stone grinds seeds which comes out as flour – which he and others derive benefit from.

But most of them grind soil, stones, straw and so forth – so when the time of making the dough and baking comes; he sees the reality of what he ground.

[al-Fawaa’id - Page 31 and 173-174]

Their Share is in The Aakhirah

It is narrated that Allah Ta’ala revealed to Hadhrat Moosa (alayhis salaam): "O Moosa! There are some of My servants, if they ask of Me the entire Jannat, I will give it to them, and if they ask Me anything from this world, I will not give it to them, not because they are contemptible to Me, but because I desire to store up the treasures of bounties for them in the Aakhirah. I save them from the world like a shepherd protects his flock from a wolf." The world, Rasulullah-sallallahu alayhi wasallam- said, is carrion.

THE KEY

Ibn Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) narrated that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that everything has a key. The key of Jannat is to love the true and patient Fuqaraa and Masaakeen. o­n the Day of Qiyaamah, they will be the companions of Allah Ta’ala. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) supplicated: "O Allah! Keep me alive as a Miskeen; let me die a Miskeen and raise me up ( in Qiyaamah) in the assembly of the Masaakeen."

This supplication of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is more than ample confirmation for the lofty rank and importance of the Fuqaraa and Masaakeen. In this dua, Nabi-e-Kareem (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not ask for the Masaakeen to be raised up in his assembly. Rather, he supplicated to be raised up in their group. This form of his Dua significantly highlights the rank of the fuqaraa.

Toleration

Hadhrat Ka'b Ahbaar (rahmatullah alayh) said:

"A husband who tolerates the indiscretion of his wife will gain the reward (similar to the reward) of Nabi Ayyoob (alayhis salaam), and a wife who patiently bears the injustice of her husband will gain the reward of Hadhrat Aasiyya (rahmatullah alayha)."

(Hadhrat Aasiyya was the Muslim wife of Fir'oun. Allah Ta'ala speaks highly of her in the Qur'aan Majeed.)

Toleration of the wife's indiscretion is a noble attitude. It is a great virtue which is lacking in most husband's.

Tolerating the wife's indiscretion should not be understood to mean acceptance of her acts of transgression against the Shariah which bring about the Anger of Allah Ta'ala. Her indiscretion with regard to the husband's fancies and desires should be tolerated, not her violations and of the Shariah.

Luqman's Advice

Counselling his son, Hadhrat Luqmaan (alayhis salaam) said:

"O my son! I have carried steel and stones, but nothing is heavier than (the Amaanat of) Deen.

I have experienced comfort and pleasure, but nothing is more pleasurable than safety.

I have tasted bitterness of all kinds, but nothing is more bitter than dependence o­n others."

Where to find Safety

Hadhrat Sufyaan Thauri (rahmatullahi alayh) said:

"I heard from Hadhrat Ja`far Saadiq (rahmatullahi alayh) that safety has almost disappeared so much so that searching for it has become obscure. If there is safety in anything, it is in anonymity. If it is not in anonymity then it is in solitude, but this is not equal to anonymity. If it is not in solitude then it is in silence, but this is not equal to solitude. If it is not in silence, then it is in the discourses of the pious people of bygone times. A fortunate man is he who finds solitude in his heart."

Dua is to abandon sins. Dua is the tongue of love for the Beloved. Dua is the sinner’s communion with Allah Ta’ala. Dua is to face Allah Ta’ala with the tongue of shame. -- MASHAAIKH

4 Poisons Of The Heart

1. Unnecessary Talking

Umar Ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "A person who talks too much is a person who often makes mistakes, and someone who often makes mistakes, often has wrong actions. The Fire has a priority over such a frequent sinner."

2. Unrestrained Glances

It has been related that the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallum once said words to the effect: "The glance is a poisoned arrow of shaytan. Whoever lowers his gaze for Allah, He will bestow upon him a refreshing sweetness which he will find in his heart on the day that he meets Him."

3. Too Much Food

Al-Miqdam ibn Ma'd Yakrib said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah say: "The son of Adam fills no vessel more displeasing to Allah than his stomach. A few morsels should be enough for him to preserve his strength. If he must fill it, then he should allow a third for his food, a third for his drink and leave a third empty for easy breathing."

4. Keeping Bad Company

Allah's Apostle said: "The example of a good companion (who sits with you) in comparison with a bad one, is I like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith's bellows (or furnace); from the first you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell while the bellows would either burn your clothes or your house, or you get a bad nasty smell thereof."

[Extract from the book "Purification of the Soul" By Ibn ul Qayyum al Jawziyya, Imam Abul Hameed al Ghazali and Ibn Rajab al Hanbali.]

Five Things & Five Matters

Ibn Abee Haatim (d.328H) - rahimahullaah - said:

"I entered Damascus and came upon the students of hadeeth, and I passed by the circle of Qaasim al-Joo'ee (d.248H). I found a group sitting around him and he was speaking. Their appearance amazed me; and I heard him saying: "Seize the benefit of five things from the people of your time: when you are present, you are not known; when you are absent, you are not missed; when you are seen, your advice is not sought; when you say something, your saying is not accepted; and when you have some knowledge, you are not given anything for it. I also advise you with five matters: when you are treated unjustly, do not behave unjustly; when you are praised, do not become happy; when you are criticised, do not become upset; when you are not believed, do not become angry; and if people act deceitfully towards you,do not act deceitfully towards them." Ibn Abee Haatim said: So I took that as my benefit from Damascus."

Related by Ibn al-Jawzee in Sifatus-Safwaa (2/200).

Three evil states

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) declared with great emphasis that in three types of persons will develop three evil conditions. He emphasised this by saying that he guarantees the development of these evil conditions in these people.

(1) A man who plunges headlong in worldly pursuits will be overtaken by such severe financial straits after which he will not again experience wealth.

(2) o­ne who has greed will be overtaken by such worldly involvement which will leave him with no leisure whatsoever.

(3) o­ne who is miserly with worldly wealth will be overtaken by such worry which will not allow him to experience a moment of happiness.

http://www.themajlis.net/

The ungrateful nature of man

“Man does not get tired of asking for good; but if an evil touches him, then he gives up all hope and is lost in despair. And truly, if We give him a taste of mercy from Us, after some adversity has touched him, he is sure to say: ‘This is due to my (merit); I think not that the Hour will be established. But if I am brought back to my Lord, surely there will be for me the best with Him.’ Then, We verily will show to the disbelievers what they have done, and We shall make them taste a severe torment. And when We show favor to man, he turns away and becomes arrogant; but when evil touches him, then he has recourse to long supplications.” * (Qur’an, 41:49-51)*

Ibn Kathir writes in his commentary on the above verses: Allah tells us that man never gets tired of asking his Lord for good things, such as wealth, physical health, etc., but if evil touches him – trials and difficulties or poverty – “then he gives up all hope and is lost in despair.” He thinks that he will never experience anything good again.

If something good happens to him or some provision comes to him after a period of difficulty, man says, ‘this is because of me, because I deserve this from my Lord.’

The verse “I think not that the Hour will be established” means that he does not believe the Day of Judgment will come. So when he is given some blessing, he becomes careless, arrogant and ungrateful. Allah says: “Nay! Verily, man does transgress. Because he considers himself self-sufficient.” *(Qur’an, 96:6)*

The verse “But if I am brought back to my Lord, surely there will be for me the best with Him” shows man’s feelings that if there were a Hereafter after all, then my Lord will be generous and kind to me just as He was in this world. So he expects Allah to do him favors in spite of his bad deeds and lack of firm faith. Allah then says: “Then, We verily will show to the disbelievers what they have done, and We shall make them taste a severe torment.” Allah threatens punishment and vengeance to those whose conduct and belief is like that.

The verse “And when We show favor to man, he turns away and becomes arrogant” means that man turns away from doing acts of obedience and is too proud to obey the commands of Allah. This is like the verse: “But Pharaoh turned away along with his hosts.” *(Qur’an, 51:39)*

Allah continues to say about man that “when evil touches him,” which means difficulties, “then he has recourse to long supplications.”

Man asks at length for one thing. Long supplications are those which are long in words, but short in meaning. The opposite is concise speech, which is brief but full of meaning.

Allah also says: “And when harm touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side, or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on as if he had never invoked Us for a harm that touched him!) *(Qur’an, 10:12)*

received by an email

The four categories of Kufr

There are four kinds of kufr, viz. Kufr Jahl, Kufr Juhood, Kufr Shakk and Kufr Ta’weel. The o­ne guilty of any of these types of kufr is described as a kaafir in the Shariah.

KUFR JAHL:

This means kufr occasioned by ignorance. Islam or the teachings of Islam are denied o­n the basis of ignorance. The rejector believes that the claim of Islam is false. This was the type of kufr of Abu Jahl and his compatriots.

KUFR JUHOOD:

This means deliberate kufr. The denial of Islam or its teachings is occasioned deliberately, inspite of realising its truth. This type of kufr is the result of rebellion and obstinacy. This was the type of kufr of the Ahl-e-Kitaab (the Jews and Christians). This is also the kufr of Iblees (shaitaan).

KUFR SHAKK:

This means kufr occasioned by doubt. The denier doubts the truth of Islam.

KUFR TA’WEEL:

This means kufr by way of interpretation. The kufr is not committed by outright rejection, but is rendered by means of interpretation. A belief or teaching of Islam is distorted or given an interpretation or meaning other than what was the meaning ascribed to it by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Of the four types of kufr, the last viz. Kufr Ta’weel is the most common nowadays among those who were born Muslim. Corrupt interpretation is widely employed by Muslims to distort the true beliefs and teachings of Islam. By such baatil ta’weel (baseless and corrupt interpretation), Qur’aanic verses and Ahaadith are given meanings which conflict with their true and original meanings explained by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). By means of this type of kufr, numerous born Muslims have become kaafirs.


“In mankind are such men who dispute in the aayaat of Allah without having any knowledge, and they follow every rebellious shaitaan.” (Qur’aan)

The Weak

"The weak, the forlorn and the poor should not grieve. o­n the contrary, they should be happy. Parents usually care more for their handicapped and weaker children. Similarly, Allah's special Gaze of Rahmat is focussed o­n the weak and oppressed o­nes."

(Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi)

Consensus of 700 Ulama

Hadhrat Shaqeeq Balkhi (rahmatullah alayh) said that 700 Ulama were asked:

"Who is an intelligent man? Who is a wise man? Who is a wealthy man? Who is a durwaish (holy man)? Who is a miser? All of them unanimously replied:

`He who does not befriend the world is an intelligent man. He who is not trapped in the deception of the world is a wise man. He who is contented with his taqdeer (what Allah has ordained for him) is a wealthy man. He who does not beg is a holy man. He who withholds Allah's wealth from His creation is a miser."

Simple Roohaani prescription

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST enemies - human and jinn enemies, recite Surah Ikhlaas, Surah Falaq and Surah Naas thrice, every morning and evening.

Recite the last Ruku' of Surah Baqarah every night before going to bed. After every Salaat recite Aayatul Kursi. Endeavour to inculcate Allah's remembrance by reciting 'Allaahu' and 'Laa ilahaa il-lal-laahu' throughout the day in all walks and conditions.

Remember that the efficacy of these prescriptions is commensurate with the degree of obedience and taqwa. The greater the taqwa, the more will be the beneficial effect of these forms of Thikr. However, everyone, regardless of his lack of taqwa should practise these athkaar (plural of thikr). Some benefit will most assuredly be acquired.

http://themajlis.net/

If Almighty Means Love, Why Earthquakes And Sufferings ?

when i was reading through some online articles about Earthquakes, a person has raised q question similar to above. so the scholars simply replied for that question mentioning the following quranic ayah ;

“Or do you think that you will enter Heaven without being tested like those who were tested before you? They endured suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Prophet and those of faith who were with him cried: ‘When will the help of Allah come?’ Ah! Truly, Allah’s help is always near!” [Holy Quran 2:214]

further they are explaining as below:

The Test.

By earthquakes, Allah Almighty tests the faith, patience, cooperation, helpfulness, and brotherhood of His servants. A believer can be tested with adversity and prosperity.

Suffering is a test for us, a test of our patience. Peace and prosperity is also a test, a test of our gratitude to Allah.

The test may be mild and light or hard and exacting. Sickness, fear, hunger, poverty, death, loss of power or control, losing a battle, failing an examination, failing a marriage, failing a business, losing a job or a friend…etc. are just few examples of testing with adversity.

Testing may also be in the form of blessings, wealth, health, knowledge, children, family, security, peace…etc. What to do with these blessings is a great test. The test may also be given, by testing us by one another. The true believers submit to God in all cases and under all circumstances.

We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast. [2:155]

You should know that your money and your children are a test, and that GOD possesses a great recompense. [8:28]

You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and form idol worshippers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith. [3:186]

This is a tragedy but it’s also a wake up call.

Allah wants us to really feel and experience our desperate need for Him. He wants us to persevere, patiently. He wants us to repose our complete trust in His mercy, so that we can set ourselves apart from those who disbelieve, those who stand against faith.

Earthquakes are, in fact, signs from Allah Most High.

A Muslim has to reflect on Allah’s creation and always be mindful of His signs. As for the recent earthquakes and disasters, they are not necessarily a type of punishment. Allah Almighty may warn His servants against committing sins and violating His laws.

It Wasn’t God, It Was Scientists

Look at all the scientific experiments being done on earth. Huge holes are dug to the core of the earth. Testing of nuclear experiments are done. The result - calamities and natural disasters.

Scientists who boost of being conquered the world, couldn’t predict the disaster in advance - which could have averted the intensity of the disaster.

Earthquakes Reiterates the Need for Day of Judgement and Afterlife

Earthquakes are a manifestation that this world is not the end. In a world where dreams are left unfulfilled. Buildings brought down in a split second. Earthquakes and other natural disasters teach humanity a great lesson - there needs to be a life where there is no sorrow. A life where only happiness exists. A life where all our dreams are fulfilled. For a believer, earthquakes reiterates the need for an afterlife.

What should the Believers do?

Say, “Nothing happens to us, except what GOD has decreed for us. He is our Lord and Master. In GOD the believers shall trust.” [9:51]

“When an affliction befalls them, they say, “We belong to God, and to Him we are returning.” [2:156]

In face of adversity or hardship, the true believers are expected to submit. We are being tested to see if we are truly submitters or not, whether we submit to God during the bad times and the good times or not. God gave us the correct solution in His book, the Quran. Submitting to God, means to accept whatever God has given us or taken away from us, to steadfastly persevere and to wait for God’s victory. In practical terms, let us put it in steps;

Whenever an adversity or hardship afflict a believer, he/she should:

(1) Should not panic. God does test the believers and if He is punishing us, it is to get our attention to correct something wrong we did. He is helping us out instead of leaving us in the dark. Since we asked for our freedom, He gave it to us and it is up to us to correct any wrong doing on our own, He only points things to us and we freely chose.

(2) Check to see if he/she has got off the right path. Is he/she still worshipping God alone and following His book. Correct your path and stay with God alone, if you were not.

(3) Submit to God, by accepting what happened to you without objecting.

“We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast. When an affliction befalls them, they say, “We belong to GOD, and to Him we are returning.” These have deserved blessings from their Lord and mercy. These are the guided ones.” [2:155-157]

(4) Implore God to remove the hardship or adversity. God wants us to implore Him. Do not rush an answer. God runs everything.

“Your Lord says, “Ask Me, and I will respond to you. Surely, those who are too arrogant to worship Me will enter Hell Fire, forcibly.” [40:60]

(5) Steadfastly persevere - this is the greatest trait of the true believers. God promised those who steadfastly persevere great recompense.

“O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere.” [ 2:153]

(6) Believe that God’s promise is the truth and that victory belongs to the believers, but you have to pass your test. Victory is in the way. God’s victory is near.

“We have sent messengers before you to their people, with profound signs. Subsequently, we punished those who transgressed. It is our duty that we grant victory to the believers.” [30:47]

(7) There are two kinds of victories according to the Quran, victory in this life and the bigger and most important victory in the Hereafter. God has promised the believers both victories. Some of these victories may be in disguise and not apparent to other people. Other victories are obvious and clear.

The true believer can identify many victories in his/her life even during the most difficult times or the time of testing. Of the many victories that the believers will see in this life, finding the right path and accepting God alone is the most important one. The believers accept whichever victory or testing comes their way, and always strive to achieve the eternal victory in the Hereafter.

With the help of God and the assurance in the Quran, the true believers will make the best out of their test or punishment and wait for God’s victory. They are absolutely sure that God’s Victory is near and that God’s victory is their reward.

Earthquakes - Zilzal

What does Islam say about Earthquakes?

Islam deems these scientific observations as external views which ultimately lead to the search of the internal causes of how forces and matter actually originated are controlled and the identity of the controller. The search for the internal cause leaves science and man with many answers/theories unproven and many questions un-answered. In the end you have theories, signs and faith. Islam provides the answer where by drawing our attention to His revelation and the Ahadith (Traditions) of the most perfect human created, our Prophet Muhammed May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him.

They killed the she-camel and defied their Lord’s command and they said, “O Salih! Bring to us that punishment which you promise us if you are from amongst the Messengers”. The earthquake seized them and they became faced down laid in their houses. (Surah 7:77-78)

The earthquake seized them and they became prostrate on their knees in their homes. Those who rejected Shuayb (alayhis’ salam) seemed as though they never lived in those homes and those who rejected Shuayb (alayhis’ salam) they were the losers. (Surah 7:91-92)

In ahadith it is stated:

“Anas May Allah be pleased with him says, “I went into the presence of Aishah May Allah be pleased with our mother whilst someone else was seated with her. The person asked, ‘O Mother of the believers, relate to us regarding earthquakes (as to their cause)’ She turned her face away. I (Anas) asked her, ‘Relate to us regarding earthquakes, O Mother of the believers!’ She said, “O Anas, if I were to inform you thereof, you will live a sorrowful life and you will die in this state of grief and you will be raised on the Day of Judgement whilst this fear is in your heart.” I said, “O Mother, relate to me.” She then said, “When a woman removes her clothes in a house other than her husbands (an indication towards adultery), she tears the veil between her and Allah. When she applies perfume to please a male other than her husband, this will be a source of fire and a blemish for her. When the people then begin to commit adultery, consume alcohol and use musical instruments, Allah becomes enraged in the heavens and orders the Earth to shake them. If they repent and refrain, then it is good for them, otherwise Allah will cause it to fall upon them.” I asked, “Is this their punishment?” She said, “It is rather a mercy, means of blessings and admonishment for the believers, and a punishment, display of anger and torment for the unbelievers.”

Isn’t this narration a wake up call for us Muslims? Aren’t the reasons crystal clear in the above narration? Can any Muslim deny that drinking, music and adultery are not common issues in communities today?

How many times have we heard the unlawfulness of these things, but our ears are gradually turning deaf because our hearts are not prepared to accept Islamic advice.

Our turning away from Allah simply results in Allah’s anger, and this is why Muslims suffer many calamities. You must remember that Allah warns his people and he gives enough time for his servants to repent, but if they still don’t take heed, then Allah only shows a slight spark of his anger which results into cities and countries left helpless when struck by disasters.

hese calamities will not be labelled punishments sent by Allah, but only a warning and a test for other Muslims to wake up to the reality. Remember, Allah punishes the disbelievers and he tests the believers.

What does Science say about Earthquakes?

Earthquakes are caused by the motion of tectonic plates – Individual sections that make up the Earth’s crust like panels on a football. Immense strain accumulates along fault lines where adjacent plates meet. When the rock separating the plates give way, sudden ground shaking movements occur.

The Earth’s crust on which we live is made up of 12 individual plates. Below the sea, they can measure 3 to 6 miles thick, and under land this increases to 20 – 44 miles. Radiation from Earth’s core heats the surface below the crust to temperatures over 5000’c. This makes hot liquid rise displacing cooler liquid which makes the plates we live on move constantly. Of course, they creep along very slowly – roughly the same speed your finger nails grow. Even at this sub snail-pace, the effects can be devastating. The combined annual force of earthquakes is equal to 100,000 times the power of the atomic bomb.

Oh enough of the science; I know what you are thinking at this moment, but I just wanted to draw your attention towards the scientific cause of an earthquake and what Islam has to say about its causes.

EARTHQUAKES’ Message and Heavy Burdens

1- When the earth is severely quaked.
2- And the earth throws out its heavy burdens.
3- And man enquires, “What has come over it?”
4- On that day, it will tell its information.

99-The Earthquake, 1-4

The Arabic word “zilzal” means “earthquake.” The above verses are quoted from the sura The Earthquake. These verses are believed to refer justifiably to the earthquake expected to occur in the end of the world; however, we should take due notice of its wider sense, depicting earthquakes in general. The fourth verse announces that men will be informed on that day. A terrible disaster like an earthquake associates in one’s mind destruction in the first place causing material damage and bodily injury, leading to a general terror and panic. This announcement must have astounded the public.

To establish a link between earthquakes and knowledge of certain facts seemed inconceivable to people up until the last century. Today we have a great many data in our possession regarding the ground beneath our feet, thanks to earthquakes. The shortest radius we could draw from where we might be to the center of the earth is longer than 6000 km, a distance we can never cover. Yes, an earthquake provides information about that portion of the earth inaccessible to us. (During the earthquake to take place at the end of the world, it is possible that men will be further enlightened on subjects beyond His prediction. We certainly do not assert that the verse’s meaning is limited to our interpretation.)

BURDENS OF EARTH

The second verse of the sura Earthquake is interesting in that it refers to the burdens of the earth. Years have gone by and men have failed to understand what those burdens might be. The widely accepted interpretation was that the sura referred to the earthquake that was going to take place at the end of the world when the dead would be resurrected and treasures hidden underground would rise to the surface. No one could have guessed that the ground beneath was formed of dense and heavy matter that would rise to the surface. References to earthquakes in the Quran contribute to our better appreciation of them. Let us not forget that people believed at the time that the earth rested on the horns of an ox or on a fish whose tail, when it moved, produced earthquakes (The commentary of Ibn Kethir is an example). The fact that the Quran made no reference to such false beliefs is another indication of its miraculous character.

The more we know about the contents of the Quran and about the universe, the more we appreciate God’s artistry and the perfection of his religion.

http://www.quranmiracles.com/articles.asp?id=7

IBRAHIM KHAWWAAS

Hadhrat Ibrahim Khawwaas (rahmatullah alayh) was overcome by excessive thirst along a journey in the wilderness. As a result of the extreme thirst he became unconscious. Somebody suddenly appeared and sprinkled water o­n his face. When his eyes opened he saw a very handsome and pious-looking young man standing by him with a horse. The young man gave Hadhrat Khawwaas (rahmatullah alayh) water to drink. He then instructed Hadhrat Khawwaas to accompany him. After a few minutes the horse-rider said: "Look ahead! What do you see?" Hadhrat Ibrahim Khawwaas said in surprise: "This is Madinah." The man said: "Get down. Convey my Salaam to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and say that your brother Khidr sends his salaams." He then disappeared.

http://www.themajlis.net/