An Interview With Shaytan (The Cursed One) By Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Once, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was walking out with his companions from the back-side of Jannatul Baqi (Medina). As he was stepping out, he saw a very old man with a colorful hat on his head, a colorful belt with diamonds around his waist, a bell in his left hand and a net in his right hand. This old man said, "As-Salaamu alaykum Ya Rasulu-llah" (O Prophet of Allah, may the peace of Allah be upon you) to our beloved Prophet (pbuh). The Prophet (pbuh) did not reply to his salaam. This old man knew very well why our Prophet (pbuh) did not return his salaam. After all, this old man was not like any other man, he was Shaytan, the cursed one. Then Shaytan said, "Salaamu-llahi Alaykum Ya Rasulu-llah" (Allah's peace be upon you Oh Prophet of Allah). Then our Prophet (pbuh) accepted his salaam. Now the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) understood that this was the cursed one, Shaytan, and they were all surprised to see the cursed one personally. Without any fruitful results, Shaytan attempted to misguide even the Prophets and Imams (AS). Shaytan, the cursed one, used meet with the Prophets (AS) to answer their questions. In fact, it was obligatory on him (the cursed Shaytan) to answer the questions of the Messengers of Allah.

Our beloved Prophet (pbuh), though he possessed full knowledge, asked Shaytan the following questions for the sake of his companions:

Our beloved Prophet (pbuh), Oh Shaytan, what is this hat?

Shaytan, the cursed one: "Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), My colorful hat is this world. I present this world with all transient materialistic goods, perishable benefits, and temporary enjoyments. Once a person gets caught by this colorful hat of mine, then that person stays in my control and forgets all about the Hereafter.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, what is this belt you are wearing with gold and diamonds around your waist?

Shaytan, the cursed one: "Oh Prophet (pbuh), this is my second weapon which keeps my back bone strong. Oh Prophet (pbuh), when believers do not fall into my trap by my hat then I use this weapon.

Prophet (pbuh): But what is it?

Shaytan, the cursed one: "Oh Prophet (pbuh), These are the materialistic unveiled women of this world. Through these women I deceive the believers.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, what is this bell you are holding in your left hand?

Shaytan, the cursed one: This is a bell through which I destroy the faith (Imaan) of the believers.

Prophet (pbuh): How do you do that?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Whenever I see believe arguing, getting into minor verbal antagonisms or disagreements with each other, then I ring this bell. As I ring this bell, these believers get into major verbal fights and start saying things to each other (such as backbiting, false accusations, or using bad language), due to which their own faith disappears from their hearts.

Prophet (pbuh): What is this net you are holding?

Shaytan, the cursed one: When I see the believers not getting trapped by any of my weapons, then I throw this net at them as my last weapon.

Prophet (pbuh): But what is this net?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), this is Riya! (performing good deeds only to show people). Whenever I see that your believers are performing all the good deeds and that they are not getting caught by my weapons, then I throw this net at them. By stepping into this net their good deeds, which the performed for Allah, become invalid. Because the believers gradually develop an ego in themselves while performing their Prayers, observing Fasts, performing Hajj, paying Zakat and Khums, and several other duties towards Allah. They perform all these and other good deeds; but after they get caught by my net, they show their good deeds to others and think that they have done a favor for Allah by performing such good deeds. They tell people when they perform night prayers. They tell people when they fast. They tell people when they go to Hajj. They give money in charity but only to show off or for their own personal interest. This is how they eventually feel superior to those people whom they know are not performing these good deeds. All these actions, which take place after they step into my net, makes their good deeds go to waste.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, tell me one more thing. Now that you have spent so much of your time in this life with your bad deeds, do you have any friends?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Although I visit all the houses and people in general, there are 11 types of people that are my best friends and companions. And there are 15 types of people that I hate the most. Oh Prophet (pbuh), keep in mind that a person who is my friend is an enemy of Allah, and a person who is my enemy is a friend of Allah.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, tell us why you stop my followers from offering their prayers? What benefit do you get out of it?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Whenever your follower recites prayers, my body gets feverish and it starts to shiver; and with a sick body I can not deceive your followers from obeying Allah.

Prophet (pbuh): Why do you stop my followers from observing their fasts during the month of Ramadan?

Shaytan, the cursed one: I can't deceive them during time they fast because I'm thrown into prison and I can't misguide them.

Prophet (pbuh): When my followers prepare to fight Allah's way, why do you stop them?

Shaytan, the cursed one: When they go to fight for Allah's sake, my hands are tied to my neck, and I can't deceive them by having my hands tied to my neck.

Prophet (pbuh): Why do you prevent my followers from performing Hajj?

Shaytan, the cursed one: When they go for Hajj, their movement of going towards Hajj ties my legs. And with my legs tied, I cannot misguide your followers from obeying Allah's commands.

Prophet (pbuh): Why do you prevent my followers from reciting the Holy Qur`an?

Shaytan, the cursed one: When they recite the Holy Qur`an, my existence turns into non-existence. And without having any existence, how can I deceive your followers from living according to the will of Allah?

Prophet (pbuh): Why do you prevent my followers from offering Du`a (supplication)?

Shaytan, the cursed one: When they recite Du`a I become deaf and dumb. How can I deceive your followers without having the ability to speak and the ability to listen.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, tell me why you prevent my followers from paying Sadaqah?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), when your followers pay Sadaqah (giving money in charity), it is as if I am being cut in two with a saw, and one piece is thrown to the East and the other piece to the West.

Prophet (pbuh): Why do you get such a strong blow when my followers pay Sadaqah? Why do you get cut into two pieces?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Whenever a person gives his money in charity, that person receives three benefits m Allah. The first benefit such a person receives is that Allah becomes his borrower. The second benefit is that Allah makes Heaven his inheritance (such that he will be called an owner of Heaven). And the third benefit is that Allah increases his wealth 700 times, which in turn this person uses the increased wealth for charity.

Prophet (pbuh): Now tell me when does a person who is my follower get under your total control?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), your follower gets under my total control when they perform three things. The first thing is that when your follower becomes stingy he gets under my total control. Stinginess is the root of all sin, which makes a person perform all types of other sins. The second thing is that when a person starts forgiving his own sins. This person performs deeds that are against the will of Allah. Then he does not remember them nor does he ask for forgiveness. At that time he comes under my absolute control. And the third thing is that when a person gambles.

Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), any person who performs these three deeds falls under my absolute control.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, you know that Allah has given my followers the strong weapon of repentance. Whenever my followers ask for true forgiveness with an intention of not repeating that sin, Allah forgives them. How do you deal with this problem?

Shaytan, the cursed one: I know Oh Prophet (pbuh), Allah has given them this strong weapon, but I have prepared myself to confront your followers with their strong weapon.

Prophet (pbuh): What method do you have through which you prevent my followers from asking for forgiveness?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), to deal with this problem I have created four different units. Each unit deals with a different age group of your followers. In each group I make your followers perform such deeds which makes their repentance invalid.

Prophet (pbuh): What are these units?

Shaytan, the cursed one: In the first unit I occupy your old men in four sins. I make them lie, I make them accuse someone of something which they have not done, I make them testify falsely and I make them perform prayers without having the complete knowledge of the laws of performing prayers. Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), your old men will be offering du`as and reciting obligatory prayers; but if you talk to them you will hear them talking bad about other people, falsely attributing bad deeds to other people without having any knowledge about those people, and reciting obligatory prayers without knowing all the laws of prayers. Your old men will not try to learn the laws of prayers because of their pride (ego). Whenever some young men from your Ummah try to explain the right way of performing Wudhu, your old men will get mad and say, "You have just entered Islam, and now you are trying to teach us how to perform Wudhu?"

Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), my second unit is that which takes care of your young men. I do not prevent them from reciting prayers, performing Hajj or anything else; except that I lure them into two things. First, I make them look at things that are forbidden for them; and secondly, I make them listen to those things that are forbidden for them.

Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), my third unit is that which deceives your old women. I entice them to backbite, to falsely accuse others, to destroy the character of men and women and to perform magic on the people.

Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), my fourth unit is not active because it is suppose to take care of the young women of your Ummah. Since all of your young girls are already my soldiers and I have a strong hold over them, I do not have a hard time deceiving them. However, sometimes I may find one girl in a thousand that is following your way of life and I will not be able to do anything to deceive her.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, tell me do you get upset when you see any of your soldiers fleeing from you and following Allah's commands?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), I do not get upset. I wait until that person performs any good deed, then I go to that person again and deceive him to believe that he has done a favor for Allah by performing that good deed.

Prophet (pbuh): You make that person feel that he has done a favor for Allah?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh). That person goes around after performing a good deed telling people what he has done. Such as, he recited prayers, observed fasts, paid so much money in charity, or helped someone in their time of need.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, how do you deceive those followers of mine who try their best not to be deceived by you?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Allah made one deed, which if your followers perform with the right intention and at the right time, then they can never be deceived me. And that deed is obligatory prayers. But to solve this problem, what I did was that with every one your followers I have assigned to them one of my soldiers, whose name is Mutawaqee. And his job is make your followers procrastinate and to preoccupy them in such activities due to which they will recite their prayers at the last minute. And when your follow recite their prayers at this time, they recite it in such a manner that their prayers are not acceptable to Allah.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, since you know so much about Islam and its followers, why don't you ask Allah for forgiveness?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), Allah does not want me to ask for forgiveness, so what can I do?

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, I heard that sometimes you feel as if someone has thrown a heavy stone on your head, which breaks your head into several pieces.

Shaytan, the cursed one: Oh Prophet of Allah (pbuh), yes it is true. Whenever your follower truly repents to Allah, I feel like that.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, I heard that sometimes you feel as if your body is being cut into several pieces.

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, when your followers go out to fight for the sake of Allah, I feel like that.

Prophet (pbuh): I heard that sometimes you feel a someone is slapping you.

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, when your followers recite the Qur`an with correct pronunciation.

Prophet (pbuh): When are you thrown to the lowest pit of hell?

Shaytan, the cursed one: When your followers perform good deeds towards their parents or relatives.

Prophet (pbuh): I heard that sometimes you feel a great pain in your whole body.

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, when your followers give charity without showing off.

Prophet (pbuh): I heard that sometimes you feel as if someone is whipping you.

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, when your follower sees a non Mehram (a girl with whom a man can marry) and then he immediately casts his eyes down.

Prophet (pbuh). Whom do you like the best among my followers?

Shaytan, the cursed one: that person who does business by deceiving people.

Prophet (pbuh). When do you get hurt the most?

Shaytan, the cursed one: When your followers remember Allah day and night.

Prophet (pbuh): Whom do you fear the most?

Shaytan, the cursed one: I fear those men who recite prayers in the first row of congregation (Jama`at).

Prophet (pbuh): Which people among my followers have you chosen to be your permanent soldiers?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Any of your followers who use any type of intoxicating beverages.

Prophet (pbuh): Which person makes you laugh?

Shaytan, the cursed one: That person who encourages others to commit sins.

Prophet (pbuh): With whom do you speak the most?

Shaytan, the cursed one: A person who lies the most.

Prophet (pbuh): Who is the most pleasing to you?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Any man who divorces an innocent women.

Prophet (pbuh): Do you have any more friends?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, that person who delays in offering his obligatory prayers.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, where do you stay the most?

Shaytan, the cursed one: A place where non Mehram men and women get together without any separation or observing Hijaab, that is my place of stay.

Prophet (pbuh): Where do you meet people?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Bazaars (shopping malls); I try to make buyers deceive sellers and sellers deceive buyers. I also encourage men to do their business with women and women to do their business with men. I persuade people to all types of sins in bazaars.

Prophet (pbuh): What do you read?

Shaytan, the cursed one: I read songs.

Prophet (pbuh): What is your way of calling people towards committing sins?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Music and songs; whenever your followers listen to music they come toward me.

Prophet (pbuh): What is your book?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Playing cards are my book.

Prophet (pbuh): Who is your helper?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Any person who contributes to the defeat of your Muslims.

Prophet (pbuh): What do you eat?

Shaytan, the cursed one: I eat everything that is obtained by forbidden earnings or by not paying khums.

Prophet (pbuh): What do you drink?

Shaytan, the cursed one: I drink alcohol.

Prophet (pbuh): What is your dessert?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Backbiting.

Prophet (pbuh). Do you have any desires?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Every false commitment is my desire.

Prophet (pbuh): Are you thankful for anything?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, I am thankful to those men and women who indulge in sins after asking Allah for forgiveness.

Prophet (pbuh): Do you relax?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, when your followers miss Fajr (morning) prayers.

Prophet (pbuh): Do you get any rewards from my followers?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, whenever your followers break their relationships with relatives or neighbors.

Prophet (pbuh): Do you have any companions?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, that person who has sex with his wife without saying "Bismi-llahir Rahmanir Raheem" and that person whose earnings are through un-Islamic means.

Prophet (pbuh): What deed of my follower makes you angry?

Shaytan, the cursed one: When a mother tries to make her son (or daughter) fast or offer prayers.

Prophet (pbuh): Are there any men among my followers whom you cannot possibly misguide?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, any man who does not intentionally look at a non-Mehram.

Prophet (pbuh): Are there any women among my followers whom you can't misguide?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes, that woman who observes Hijaab and who listens to her husband.

Prophet (pbuh): Shaytan, Out of the men and women you have described, do you have any special men women that you love the most?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Yes! Among women I love those women who do not observe Hijaab. And among men, those who are proud and those who are sinful Ulama (religious scholars).

Prophet (pbuh): Which men do you hate the most?

Shaytan, the cursed one: Four Men: The first are humble rich men. The second are Ulama who practice at they preach. The third are young men who ask for forgiveness. And the fourth are old men who fear Allah.

Prophet (pbuh): Are you alone or do you have any companions?

Shaytan, the cursed one. Yes, I have some companions who gather at the mosques in order to deceive its visitors. My companions make the visitors talk about things that give them bad deeds instead of good deeds. Other companions make your wise followers think of their bad deeds as few and their good deeds as many. And other companions, when they see someone giving money in charity or helping someone for the sake of Allah, they entice that person to tell others of his charity and good deeds.

Then Shaytan, the cursed one said, "O Prophet of Allah (pbuh),. I have talked to you in much detail. I would like to tell you that you are working towards taking people to heaven and I am working towards taking people to hell." After this, Shaytan, the cursed one gave Salaams to our beloved Prophet (pbuh) and disappeared.

http://home.earthlink.net/~halimcisse/warnings_shaytan.html

Qibla Locator

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/

Ikhlaas

Someone asked Yahya bin Muaaz (rahmatullah alayh):

"When does a man become a mukhlis (a man of sincerity)."

He replied:

"When his attitude becomes like that of an infant, neither caring for prise nor criticism."

Tala al Badr

Advice of Wisdom for Husbands

• Never hand your pay-packet to your wife.
• Never introduce your wife into your business
• Never inform her of the amount you earn
• Never inform her of what you spend o­n your parents and other needy relatives
• Never make it an obligation o­n you to take her out every weekend for a drive, etc.

A man should treat his wife kindly and justly. Spend o­n her lavishly within your means. Do not be miserly. Buy her gifts. Tolerate her indiscretion and nonsense. Assist her in the home. Do not impose your worldly desires o­n her. Do not regard her as your maid. Provide a maid for her if you can afford. But, never break the ‘NEVER’ rules enumerated above. Remember that most wives are extremely spiteful. From the very first day of their arrival they cherish an inveterate dislike for their in-laws. They conspire to dominate their husbands and will plot to sever his ties from his parents and other relatives. A man must not destroy his Imaan by abandoning his parents at the evil behest of his wife. A man will remain independent and will be able to freely engage in acts of Sadqah(charity) and Silah Rahmi (Kindness to relatives) as long as he does not introduce his wife into his business affairs. A wife craves the inordinate desire that her husband must spend every cent he earns o­n her and her children. Most wives abhor that their husbands spend o­n their needy relatives —parents, brothers, sisters, etc. Marriage does not and cannot extinguish the Huqooq which a man has to fulfil towards relatives and the community.

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

I'm Pious so I'm Safe From Shaytaan, Right?

Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal (rh) was a rock of Imaan (faith) and courage. He endured so much hardship, and he sacrificed so much for the sake of Islam that it is said that not even an elephant could not have endured his burdens. Once, whilst Imaam Ahmad (rh) was laying unconscious at his death bed, the people around him were saying: 'Laa ilaaha il lal laah (There is absolutely nothing worthy of worship at all in the heavens above nor the earth below, except Allah).' However, Imaam Ahmad (rh) repeatedly said: "No... Not yet! Not yet!" This concerned the people around him, so when Imaam Ahmad (rh) regained consciousness, his son asked him about his statement. Imaam Ahmad (rh) said: "Shaytaan (the devil) came to me and said: 'O Ahmad, you have escaped me with your faith intact!' So I replied: 'No.... Not yet! Not yet! I am not safe from you until my soul passes from this world!'

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)

Tawakkul and Rizq

If you had to adopt tawakkul (trust) o­n Allah in the proper meaning of tawakkul, then He will bestow rizq (sustenance) to you in the same way as the birds are being fed. They emerge (from their nests) in the morning hungry and they return in the evening satiated." (Hadith)

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/

Tasbeeh of the Malaaikah

A group of angels in the Heavens continuously recite:

"Glorious is Allah who has adorned men with beards and women with tresses."

http://www.themajlis.net/

The Fruits of Generosity

Hadhrat Sheikh Ali bin Muwaffiq (rahmatullah alayh) had performed more than fifty Hajj. He had asked Allah Ta`ala to bestow the thawaab of all his Hajj to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Hadhrat Abu Bakr, Hadhrat Umar, Hadhrat Uthmaan, Hadhrat Ali (radhiallahu anhum) and to his parents. He had o­nly o­ne Hajj remaining to his credit. This particular year, standing o­n the plain of Arafaat, he supplicated:

"O Allah! If there is anyone here whose Hajj has not been accepted, award my Hajj to him."

That night while sleeping at Muzdalifah, he saw Allah Ta`ala in a dream, proclaiming:

"O Ali bin Muwaffiq! By virtue of your generosity I have forgiven the People of Wuqoof (the Hujjaj) as well as four times their number. And, I shall accept the intercession of each o­ne of them o­n behalf of his family, friends and neighbours. I am The o­ne of Holiness and Forgiveness."

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/

Look at those who stand lower level than you

Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said:

"When one of you looks at one who stands at a higher level than you in regard to wealth and physical structure he should also see one who stands at a lower level than you in regard to these things (in which he stands) at a hi-her level (as compared to him)."

[Sahih Muslim : Book 42 "Kitab Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqa'iq", Number 7068]

Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:

"Look at those who stand at a lower level than you but don't look at those who stand at a higher level than you, for this would make the favours (conferred upon you by Allah) insignificant (in your eyes). Abu Mu'awiya said: Upon you."

[Sahih Muslim : Book 42 "Kitab Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqa'iq", Number 7070]

Three things follow the bier of a dead man

Mutarrif (Radi Allah Anhu) reported on the authority of his father: I came to Allah's Apostle (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam) as he was reciting: "Abundance diverts you" He said (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam):

"The son of Adam claims: My wealth, my wealth. And he (the Holy Prophet) said: O son of Adam. is there anything as your belonging except that which you consumed, which you utilized, or which you wore and then it was worn out or you gave as charity and sent it forward?"

[Sahih Muslim : Book 42 "Kitab Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqa'iq", Number 7061]

Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam) as saying:
"A servant says, My wealth. my wealth, but out of his wealth three things are only his: whatever he eats and makes use of or by means of which he dresses himself and it wears out or he gives as charity, and this is what he stored for himself (as a reward for the Hereafter), and what is beyond this (it is of no use to you) because you are to depart and leave it for other people. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of al-'Ala' b. 'Abd al-Rahman with the same chain of transmitters. "

[Sahih Muslim : Book 42 "Kitab Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqa'iq", Number 7063]

Anas b. Malik (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam) as saying:
"Three things follow the bier of a dead man. two of them come back and one is left with him: the members of his family. wealth and his-good deeds. The members of his family and wealth come back and the deeds alone are left with him."

[Sahih Muslim : Book 42 "Kitab Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqa'iq", Number 7064]

Five types of Martyrs

Narrated Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu): Allah's Apostle (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) said:

"While a man was going on a way, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that."

Then the Prophet (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) said, "Five are martyrs:

1. One who dies of plague,

2. One who dies of an abdominal disease,

3. One who dies of drowning,

4. One who is buried alive (and) dies

5. And One who is killed in Allah's cause."

The Prophet (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) further said, "If the people knew the reward for pronouncing the Adhan and for standing in the first row (in the congregational prayer) and found no other way to get it except by drawing lots they would do so. And if they knew the reward of offering the Zuhr prayer early (in its stated time), they would race for it. And they knew the reward for 'Isha' and Fajr prayers in congregation, they would attend them even if they were to crawl'."

[Sahih Bukhari : Volume 1, Book 11, Number 624]

Story of a Wrestler Junaid Baghdadi

Junaid Baghdadi earned his livelihood as a professional wrestler. As was the norm, the Leader of Baghdad announced one day, "Today, Junaid Baghdadi will demonstrate his skills as a wrestler, is there anyone to challenge him." An elderly man shakily stood up with his neck quivering and said, "I will enter the contest with him."

Whoever was witness to this scene could not contain themselves, they burst out howling with laughter, clapping their hands. The King was bound by the law. He could not stop someone who of his own free will entered the bout. The elderly man was given the permission to enter the ring. He was about sixty-five years old. When Junaid Baghdadi entered the ring, he was dumbfounded as was the King and all the spectators of the Kingdom who were present. The single thought that occupied their minds was, "How will this old man be able to fight?"

The old man addressed Junaid with these words, "Lend me your ears." He then whispered, "I know it is not possible for me to win this bout against you, but I am a Sayyid, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). My children are starving at home. Are you prepared to sacrifice your name, your honour and position for the love of Allah's Prophet and lose this bout to me? If you do this I will be able to collect the prize money and thereby have the means to feed my children and myself for an entire year. I will be able to settle all my debts and above all, the master of both the worlds will be pleased with you. Are you, Oh Junaid, not willing to sacrifice your honour for the sake of the children of Rasulullah (peace be upon him)?"

Junaid Baghdadi thought to himself, "Today, I have an excellent opportunity."

In a display of fervour Junaid Baghdadi executed a couple of maneuvers, demonstrating his finesse so that the King does not suspect any conspiracy. Junaid with a great display of antics did not use his strength and allowed himself to be dropped. The elderly man mounted his chest thus entitling him to the prize.

That night, Junaid Baghdadi had a dream of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who said, "Oh Junaid, you have sacrificed your honour, your nationally acclaimed fame, your name and position which was heralded throughout Baghdad in the expression of your love for my children who were starving. As of today, your name is recorded in the register of the Auliya (friends of Allah)."

Thereafter, this great wrestler learnt to defeat his nafs (desires) and became one of the most eminent Auliya of his time!

Source: From the book "Tajalliat-e-Jazb" by Shaikh Hakim Muhammad Akhtar.

Importance of Mother in Islam

And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) "Ugh" nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word. And make yourself submissively gentle to them with compassion, and say: O my Lord! Have compassion on them, as they brought me up (when I was) little." Noble Qur'an (17:23-24)

"Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents and believers on the day when the account is cast." Noble Qur'an (14:41)

"My Lord! Forgive me and my parents and him who enters my house believing, and the believing men and the believing women; and do not increase the unjust in aught but destruction!" Noble Qur'an (71:28)

"And We have enjoined on man doing of good to his parents; with trouble did his mother bear him and with trouble did she bring him forth; and the bearing of him and the weaning of him was thirty months; until when he attains his maturity and reaches forty years, he says: My Lord! grant me that I may give thanks for Thy favor which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good which pleases Thee and do good to me in respect of my offspring; surely I turn to Thee, and surely I am of those who submit." Noble Qur'an (46:15)


A little boy came up to his mother in the kitchen one evening while she was fixing supper, and he handed her a piece of paper that he had been writing on. After his mom dried her hands on an apron, she read it, and this is what it said:

For cutting the grass: $5.00

For cleaning up my room this week: $1.00

For going to the store for you: $.50

Baby-sitting my kid brother while you went shopping: $.25

Taking out the garbage: $1.00

For getting a good report card: $5.00

For cleaning up and raking the yard: $2.00

Total owed: $14.75

Well, his mother looked at him standing there, and the boy could see the memories flashing through her mind. She picked up the pen, turned over the paper he'd written on, and this is what she wrote:

For the nine months I carried you while you were growing inside me: No Charge.

For all the nights that I've sat up with you, doctored and prayed for you: No Charge.

For all the trying times, and all the tears that you've caused through the years: No Charge.

For all the nights filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead: No Charge.

For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your nose: No Charge.

When you add it up, the cost of my love is: No Charge.

When the boy finished reading what his mother had written, there were big tears in his eyes, and he looked straight up at his mother and said, "Mom, I sure do love you."

And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote: "PAID IN FULL".

Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) the King Prophet

For the guidance of mankind, Allah honoured four famous Prophets by revealing to them four Holy Books as under:

1) Taurat to Prophet Musa (Moses):

2) Zaboor (Psalms) To Prophet Dawood (David);

3) Injeel (Evangel) To Prophet Isa (Jesus);

4) Qur'an To Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (s).

The commandments of Allah are contained in these books. The first three books were for the earlier times. The Holy Qur'an is the last book of God and is for the guidance of entire mankind till the Day of Judgement.

Prophet Dawood eventually became King of his people. He had 19 sons. Each of them hoped to inherit the father's throne. Allah revealed to Prophet Dawood a few questions and their answers and commanded him to put the questions to each one of his sons. Whosoever answered those questions correctly, would inherit the throne of the father, Prophet Dawood.

One day Prophet Dawood called all his sons in the presence of the scholars and the chiefs of the tribes of his kingdom. He then put forward the following questions:

1) Which thing is closest (nearest) to man?

2) Which is the farthest thing?

3) Which two things are attached to each other?

4) Which is the most awe-creating thing?

5, Which two things remain unchanged?

6) Which two things are always different?

7) Which two things are opposed to each other?

8) What is the action the result of which is good?

9) What is that action the result of which is bad?

The sons of Prophet Dawood felt helpless and could not answer any of these questions. Then the youngest of the sons, Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) stood up and gave the following answers:

1. The nearest things to a man is the hereafter (Life and Death - as one may die any moment);

2. The farthest things is the time which has passed away (which is not to come again);

3. The two things that are attached to each other is man's body with the soul;

4. The most awe-creating is the man's body (dead) without soul;

5. The two things which remain the same are the sky and the earth;

6. The two things which are different are the day and night;

7. The two things which are opposed to each other are life and death;

8. The action - the end of which is good - is patience and forbearance at the time of anger;

9. The action - the end of which is bad is haste at the time of anger.

Prophet Dawood obviously, was very much impressed with these correct answers and appointed Prophet Sulaiman as his successor.

Thus it will be seen that it was the supreme knowledge and understanding that made Prophet Sulaiman succeed his father and become the Great King Prophet.

http://www.al-islam.org

The ant prays for Rain

Once there was a big famine in Palestine. It was during the time of the Prophet, Prophet Sulaiman (King Solomon). He came out with his people and proceeded to an open place in the desert to pray for the rains to come. Suddenly, he saw an ant standing on its two legs, raising its hands up towards the sky and saying, "Oh Allah! We are but very small among all Thy creatures. We cannot survive without Thy grace. Please bestow upon us Thy sustenance and do not punish us because of the sins of human beings. Please send down the rains so that trees can grow, farms become green and grains become available and we have our food to eat."

Prophet Sulaiman knew the language of all animals. He told his people, "Let us go home. The prayer of this ant is enough." It then rained heavily and all the land became green and productive.

The ant is an intelligent creature. During warm days it collects and stores grain inside the holes. It knows that during wet and cold months, it would not be able to go out to search for food. For fear that grain may start growing because of wetness, it splits it into two or more pieces. At times, during moonlit nights, it brings the split grains out of the stores for drying and preservation against decay. The holes under the ground are made very carefully and covered with shelter to prevent the rain water from getting inside the holes. The ant, unlike the other animals, can lift a burden twice its own weight. It is not a selfish creature. When an ant finds some store of food grains, it runs up to its group and takes its fellow ants to that place. It shows everyone of them its own find of the store. They always behave in this manner. They work and live in co-operation with each other.

This shows how the ant works for the group and how each of them fulfils the needs and livelihood of its fellow-beings. How shameful it is for a man, who has no regard for another man; who has no concern for his fellow human beings who could be starving because of want of food.

Once, while Prophet Sulaiman was travelling together with hosts of men, jinn and birds, they reached a valley of ants.

When the chief of these ants witnessed the pomp and the glory with which Prophet Sulaiman and his companions were approaching toward it. He warned all the ants to get into their holes lest they got trampled and crushed unknowingly by the approaching men and Jinn. Prophet Sulaiman smiled at this warning sounded by the ants' chief, and ordered his companions to wait till the ants went inside their holes. "None of us should hurt any ant while passing over their land", he said.

It is said that Prophet Sulaiman addressed the chief of the ants and said: "How could my people hurt you or your fellow ants when they are floating through air! Don't you know that I am a messenger of God and would never act unfairly?" The chief of the ants replied: "O Messenger of God! My cautioning the ants was not for any hurt that they would suffer but to prevent them getting astray and forgetting the glory of God after seeing your pomp and show."

There is a deep meaning in this event. It shows that even the most humble and smallest of creatures has been endowed with the necessary wisdom to live safely and avoid being hurt as far as possible. It also shows, how even a small ant does have the natural understanding of the true position of Allah. It imparts a lesson that one should not forget the true might and glory of Allah when one experiences a great power and dignity of any creature in this world.

Thus an Ant is one of the most wonderful small creatures in this world. Sura "Naml" (the Ant) in the Holy Qur'an is a chapter named after this creature. Over 1300 years ago, Imam Ali (a) was giving a sermon in Kufa, in which he was describing the beauties of creation in various forms of life. He was referring to small creatures and asking man to study how God made them so small yet so sturdy and strong. He described the ant in these words:

'Look at an ant. How tiny is its body and how delicate are its features! It is such a small creature that it often escapes the eye, and few people care to attach any importance to it among the living beings found on this earth. Look at it and study its ways of life; how it crawls, how it attacks its food; how it lifts a grain so many times heavier than its body, carries it to its hole; how it stores grains; and how in summer it gathers and stocks food for winter and rainy days.'

http://www.al-islam.org

The Hajj of Six Hundred Thousand

Hadhrat Abu Abdullah Jauhari (rahmatullahi alayh) narrates:

"Once I fell asleep o­n the Plain of Arafaat. In a dream I saw two Angels descending from heaven. The o­ne asked his companion: ‘How many people performed Hajj this year?’

The second Angel: ‘Six hundred thousand. But the Hajj of o­nly six was accepted.’

First Angel: ‘ What has Allah Ta`ala done with those whose Hajj has not been accepted?’

Second Angel: ‘Allah is Most Gracious. Through the virtue of the six, Allah Ta`ala accepted the Hajj of six hundred thousand. Allah bestows His Kindness to whomever He wishes.’"