Monday, February 22, 2010
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/
http://www.themajlis.net/
Saturday, February 13, 2010
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
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!'
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
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)
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)
(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."
"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."
Monday, February 1, 2010
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/
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/
"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."
"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."
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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:
“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.
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.
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 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
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/
http://www.themajlis.net/
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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]
"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]
"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]
"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]
Sunday, January 3, 2010
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.
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".
"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".
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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
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
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.’"
"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.’"
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Do Not Marry 7 Types of Women...
1. Al-Annaanah:
The woman who whines, moans and complains and ‘ties a band around her head’ all the time (i.e. complains of a headache or some illness but in reality she is not sick, rather she is faking).
2. Al-Mannaanah:
The woman who bestows favours, gifts, etc. upon her husband then (at that time or the future) says; “I did such and such for you or on your behalf or because of you.
3. Al-Hannaanah:
The women who yearns or craves for her former husband or children of the former husband.
4. Kay’atul-Qafaa:
The women who has a brand mark on the nape of her neck (i.e. has a bad reputation or doubts about her).
5. Al-Haddaaqah:
The women who cast her eyes at things (i.e. always looking at something to purchase, then desires it and requires her husband to buy it (No Matter What).
6. Al-Barraaqah:
The women who spends much of her day enhancing her face and beautifying it to such an extent that it will seem like it was manufactured.
7. Al-Shaddaaqah:
The woman who talks excessively..
‘A Concise Manual of Marriage’ by Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen
The woman who whines, moans and complains and ‘ties a band around her head’ all the time (i.e. complains of a headache or some illness but in reality she is not sick, rather she is faking).
2. Al-Mannaanah:
The woman who bestows favours, gifts, etc. upon her husband then (at that time or the future) says; “I did such and such for you or on your behalf or because of you.
3. Al-Hannaanah:
The women who yearns or craves for her former husband or children of the former husband.
4. Kay’atul-Qafaa:
The women who has a brand mark on the nape of her neck (i.e. has a bad reputation or doubts about her).
5. Al-Haddaaqah:
The women who cast her eyes at things (i.e. always looking at something to purchase, then desires it and requires her husband to buy it (No Matter What).
6. Al-Barraaqah:
The women who spends much of her day enhancing her face and beautifying it to such an extent that it will seem like it was manufactured.
7. Al-Shaddaaqah:
The woman who talks excessively..
‘A Concise Manual of Marriage’ by Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen
Monday, December 14, 2009
Shiekh Mishary bin Rashid Al Afasy
you can download the entire full quraan of Shiekh Mishary bin Rashid Al Afasy from following link in high quality mp3s.
http://www.mp3quran.net/eng/afs_english.html
http://www.mp3quran.net/en
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Why the rib?
Woman was made from the rib of man,
She was not created from his head to top him,
Nor form his feet to be stepped upon,
She was made from his side to be close to him,
From beneath his arm to be protected by him,
Near his heart to be loved by him.
Reasons for failure of creation
Shaqeeq Ibn Ibaraheem said: "The doors of success have been closed upon the creation because of six things:
- Their busying themselves with the blessings of Allah instead of thanking Allah for them;
- Their desire for knowledge while they abandon actions;
- The hastiness to sin and delaying repentance;
- The deception of having righteous companions and not taking them as examples;
- The turning away of the dunya from them while they chase it;
- The approach of the afterlife towards them while they turn away from it."
Stick to seven things
Abu Dharr(RA) said, “My companion (Rasoolillah(SAW)) ordered me with seven things:
1. He ordered me to love the poor and be close to them,
2. and He ordered me to look at those below me and not to look at those above me,
3. He ordered me to keep the ties of the womb even if others didn’t want to,
4. He ordered me not to ask anyone for anything,
5. He ordered me to speak the truth even if it was bitter,
6. He ordered me not to fear, for the sake of Allaah, the blame of the blamers,
7. He ordered me to frequently say “laa hawla walaa quwwata illa billaah” (there is no might or power except with Allaah), for it is from the treasure from the treasures of Paradise.
1. He ordered me to love the poor and be close to them,
2. and He ordered me to look at those below me and not to look at those above me,
3. He ordered me to keep the ties of the womb even if others didn’t want to,
4. He ordered me not to ask anyone for anything,
5. He ordered me to speak the truth even if it was bitter,
6. He ordered me not to fear, for the sake of Allaah, the blame of the blamers,
7. He ordered me to frequently say “laa hawla walaa quwwata illa billaah” (there is no might or power except with Allaah), for it is from the treasure from the treasures of Paradise.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sabrun Jamil - Beautiful Patience
Mujâhid said: “Beautiful patience is patience without any panic.” ‘Amr ibn Qays said: “Beautiful patience means to be content with adversity and to surrender to the will of Allâh.”
Yûnus ibn Yazîd said: I asked Rabî‘ah ibn Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmân: “What is the ultimate of patience?” He said: “To be outwardly the same at the time of affliction as one was the day before it struck.” (This does not mean that a person does not or should not feel pain or anguish; patience in this instance means that one refrains from panicking and complaining.)
"Whoever tries to be patient, Allah will make him patient. And nobody can be given a better and greater gift than patience."
(Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24, No. 548)
Omar ibn Al Khattab said: "Whatever hardship befalls a believing servant, Allah will make an opening for him after it, and one hardship will be overcome by two eases." (Malik Muwatta Book 21, No. 21.1.6)
Commenting on the meaning of Sabrun Jamîl, i.e, beautiful patience, in the verse : "So be patient with a good (i.e, beautiful) patience." (Quran Ma'aarij 70:5) Qays ibn al-Hajjâj said: “The person who is suffering from some affliction should behave in such a way that nobody is able to distinguish him from others (Ibn Qayyim)
Yûnus ibn Yazîd said: I asked Rabî‘ah ibn Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmân: “What is the ultimate of patience?” He said: “To be outwardly the same at the time of affliction as one was the day before it struck.” (This does not mean that a person does not or should not feel pain or anguish; patience in this instance means that one refrains from panicking and complaining.)
"Whoever tries to be patient, Allah will make him patient. And nobody can be given a better and greater gift than patience."
(Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24, No. 548)
Omar ibn Al Khattab said: "Whatever hardship befalls a believing servant, Allah will make an opening for him after it, and one hardship will be overcome by two eases." (Malik Muwatta Book 21, No. 21.1.6)
Commenting on the meaning of Sabrun Jamîl, i.e, beautiful patience, in the verse : "So be patient with a good (i.e, beautiful) patience." (Quran Ma'aarij 70:5) Qays ibn al-Hajjâj said: “The person who is suffering from some affliction should behave in such a way that nobody is able to distinguish him from others (Ibn Qayyim)
Timeless truths
1. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- Allah's way leads to an endless hope.
2. We don't change Allah's message -- His message changes us.
3. When Allah ordains, He sustains.
4. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.
5. He who angers you controls you.
2. We don't change Allah's message -- His message changes us.
3. When Allah ordains, He sustains.
4. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.
5. He who angers you controls you.
How do I stop sinning?
Ibraheem ibn Adham was approached by a man who wanted to stop his sins. He asked for advice that will help him realize the consequences of his actions. He was told:
If you want to disobey Allah, you can, in 5 cases:
1- If you want to disobey Allah, then don't eat from His rizq (provision.)
The man said: Then where am I to eat when every provision is from Allah?
Ibraheem said: O such a person! Is it honorable and good to disobey Allah, and eat from His provision?
The man said: give me the second one.
2- If you want to disobey Allah, then do not live on Allah's property.
The man said: Then where am I to live if not on Allah's property?
Ibraheem said: Is it good then, to eat from His provision, live on His property, and disobey Him?
The man said: Give me the third one.
3- If you want to disobey Allah, then disobey Him in a place where He will not see you.
The man said: How am I to do this when He not only sees what others see, but what is in the hearts?
Ibraheem said: o you such a person, how do you eat from His provision, live on His property, and disobey Him openly?
The man said: Give me the fourth one.
4- If you want to disobey Allah, when the Angel of Death comes to you, tell him to come back later, after you repent.
The man said: He will not accept this from me!
Ibraheem said: O you such a person, when you cannot delay death, how do you expect a savior?
The man said: Give me the fifth.
5- If you want to disobey Allah, then after death comes to you, on the Day of Judgement, when the Angels of Hell come to drag you into Hell, refuse to go with them.
The man said: They will not accept that from me!
Ibraheem said: Then how do you expect to be saved?
The man said: Enough! Enough! I seek forgiveness in Allah and make tawbaah! AstaghfirAllah wa i'tubuu ilayk!
He made sincere tawbaah, and left all his acts of disobedience, and he died in such a state.
If you want to disobey Allah, you can, in 5 cases:
1- If you want to disobey Allah, then don't eat from His rizq (provision.)
The man said: Then where am I to eat when every provision is from Allah?
Ibraheem said: O such a person! Is it honorable and good to disobey Allah, and eat from His provision?
The man said: give me the second one.
2- If you want to disobey Allah, then do not live on Allah's property.
The man said: Then where am I to live if not on Allah's property?
Ibraheem said: Is it good then, to eat from His provision, live on His property, and disobey Him?
The man said: Give me the third one.
3- If you want to disobey Allah, then disobey Him in a place where He will not see you.
The man said: How am I to do this when He not only sees what others see, but what is in the hearts?
Ibraheem said: o you such a person, how do you eat from His provision, live on His property, and disobey Him openly?
The man said: Give me the fourth one.
4- If you want to disobey Allah, when the Angel of Death comes to you, tell him to come back later, after you repent.
The man said: He will not accept this from me!
Ibraheem said: O you such a person, when you cannot delay death, how do you expect a savior?
The man said: Give me the fifth.
5- If you want to disobey Allah, then after death comes to you, on the Day of Judgement, when the Angels of Hell come to drag you into Hell, refuse to go with them.
The man said: They will not accept that from me!
Ibraheem said: Then how do you expect to be saved?
The man said: Enough! Enough! I seek forgiveness in Allah and make tawbaah! AstaghfirAllah wa i'tubuu ilayk!
He made sincere tawbaah, and left all his acts of disobedience, and he died in such a state.
Companion of the dead
Said `Ubaid bin `Umayr al-Laythi 'Not a single man dies without being called by the pit in which he is buried, which declares, "I am the house of gloom, and of loneliness and solitude! If you were obedient to God during your lifetime then today I shall be a source of mercy for you, but if you were rebellious then I am an act of vengence against you. The obedient who enter me shall come forth joyful, while the rebellious who enter me shall emerge in ruin".'
Said Yazid al-Ruqashi 'I have heard it said that when the deceased is set in his tomb his works amass around him and are given to speak by God, so that they say, "O bondsman, alone in his pit! Your family and friends are now separated from you, so that today we are your sole companions".'
(The Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife, Imam Al-Ghazali (rh)
Said Yazid al-Ruqashi 'I have heard it said that when the deceased is set in his tomb his works amass around him and are given to speak by God, so that they say, "O bondsman, alone in his pit! Your family and friends are now separated from you, so that today we are your sole companions".'
(The Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife, Imam Al-Ghazali (rh)
Five pieces of Advice
'Akrama bin Khalid narrated that 'Ali bin Abi Talib(RA) once said: "Learn five things from me, although, even if you were to ride on the speediest racing camels to attain them, your camels will fall exhausted before you can ever arrive at fully accomplishing them;
1) Let a servant implore no one beside his Lord;
2) let a servant fear nothing greater than the consequences of his own sin;
3) let an unlearned person not shy to inquire about what he does not understand; and finally,
4) let no scholar, when asked about something he does not know, shy to say, 'I do not know the answer to that question, surely Allah knows best.'
5) You also must know that patience to one's faith is like the head in relationship to one's body."
(Hilyatul Awliyaa, Imam Al-Asafahaani (rh))
1) Let a servant implore no one beside his Lord;
2) let a servant fear nothing greater than the consequences of his own sin;
3) let an unlearned person not shy to inquire about what he does not understand; and finally,
4) let no scholar, when asked about something he does not know, shy to say, 'I do not know the answer to that question, surely Allah knows best.'
5) You also must know that patience to one's faith is like the head in relationship to one's body."
(Hilyatul Awliyaa, Imam Al-Asafahaani (rh))
Friday, November 27, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Healing Belongs to Allah - Prophet Ayyub
this part is continuation of the previous post :
Almighty Allah also instructed: "Remember Our slave Ayyub, when he invoked His Lord saying: "Verily! Satan has touched me with distress (by losing my health) and torment (by losing my wealth)!" Allah said to him: "Strike the ground with your foot: This is a spring of water to wash in and cool and a refreshing drink." And We gave him back his family, and along with them the like thereof as a Mercy from Us, and a reminder for those who understand. (Ch 38:41-43)
Ayyub obeyed and almost immediately his good health was restored. Meanwhile, his faithful wife could not longer bear to be parted from her husband and returned to him to beg his forgiveness, desiring to serve him. On entering her house, she was amazed at the sudden change: Ayyub was again healthy! She embraced him and thanked Allah for His mercy.
Ayyub was not worried, for he had taken an oath to punish her with a hundred strokes if he had regained health but he had no desire to hurt her. He knew if he did not fulfill the oath, he would be guilty of breaking a promise to Allah. Therefore in His wisdom and mercy, Allah came to the assistance of His faithful servant and advised him: "take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith your wife, and break not your oath." Truly! We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance to Us!" (Ch 38:44)
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "While Ayyub (alaihissalam) was naked, taking a bath, a swarm of gold locusts fell on him, and he started collecting them in his garment. His Lord called him: "O Ayyub! Have I not made you too rich to need what you see?" He said: "Yes, My Lord! But I cannot shun Your Blessings." (Al Bukhari)
Almighty Allah also instructed: "Remember Our slave Ayyub, when he invoked His Lord saying: "Verily! Satan has touched me with distress (by losing my health) and torment (by losing my wealth)!" Allah said to him: "Strike the ground with your foot: This is a spring of water to wash in and cool and a refreshing drink." And We gave him back his family, and along with them the like thereof as a Mercy from Us, and a reminder for those who understand. (Ch 38:41-43)
Ayyub obeyed and almost immediately his good health was restored. Meanwhile, his faithful wife could not longer bear to be parted from her husband and returned to him to beg his forgiveness, desiring to serve him. On entering her house, she was amazed at the sudden change: Ayyub was again healthy! She embraced him and thanked Allah for His mercy.
Ayyub was not worried, for he had taken an oath to punish her with a hundred strokes if he had regained health but he had no desire to hurt her. He knew if he did not fulfill the oath, he would be guilty of breaking a promise to Allah. Therefore in His wisdom and mercy, Allah came to the assistance of His faithful servant and advised him: "take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith your wife, and break not your oath." Truly! We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance to Us!" (Ch 38:44)
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "While Ayyub (alaihissalam) was naked, taking a bath, a swarm of gold locusts fell on him, and he started collecting them in his garment. His Lord called him: "O Ayyub! Have I not made you too rich to need what you see?" He said: "Yes, My Lord! But I cannot shun Your Blessings." (Al Bukhari)
Healing Belongs to Allah - Prophet Ayyub
this part is continuation of the previous post :
Extract from Ibn Kathir's book: Stories of the Prophets:
Ayyub (alaihissalam) was repentant, remembering Allah with thankfulness, patience, and steadfastness. This was the cause of his rescue and the secret of Allaah's praising him. A group of angels were discussing Allaah's other human creatures, how those who were humble earned Allaah's pleasure, while those who were arrogant incurred His displeasure. One of the angels remarked: "The best creature on earth today is Ayyub, a man of noble character who displays great patience and always remembers his Generous Lord. He is an excellent model for the worshippers of Allaah. In return, his Lord has blessed him with a long life and plenty of servants, as well as the needy and the poor share in his good fortune; he feeds and clothes the poor and buys slaves to set them free. He makes those who receive his charity feel as if they are favoring him so kind and gentle is he."
Iblis overhearing all of this, became annoyed. He planned to tempt Ayyub (alaihissalam) to corruption and disbelief, so he hastened to him. He tried to distract Ayyub from his prayers by whispering him about the good things in life but Job was a true believer and would not let evil thoughts tempt him. This disturbed Iblis even more; thus he began to hate Ayyub even more.
Iblis complained to Allaah about Ayyub (alaihissalam) .. He said that although he was continuously glorifying Allaah he was not doing so out of his sincerity but to satisfy Allah so that his wealth should not be taken away. It was all a show, all out of greed. "If You remove his wealth then You will find that his tongue will no longer mention Your name and his praying will stop."
Allaah told Iblis that Ayyub (alaihissalam) was one of His most sincere devotees. He did not worship Him because of the favors; his worship stemmed from his heart and had nothing to do with material things. But to prove to Iblis the depth of Ayyub's sincerity and patience, Allaah allowed him to do whatever he and his helpers wished with Ayyub alaihissalam' s wealth.
Iblis was very happy. he gathered his helpers and set about destroying Ayyub alaihissalam' s cattle, servants and farms until he was left with no possessions. Rubbing his hands in glee, Iblis appeared before Ayyub in the guise of a wise old man and said to him: "All your wealth is lost, some people say that it is because you gave too much charity and that you are wasting your time with your continuous prayers to Allaah. Others say that Allaah has brought this upon you in order to please your enemies. If Allaah had the capacity to prevent harm, then He would have protected your wealth."
True to his belief, Ayyub (alaihissalam) replied: "What Allaah has taken away from me belongs to Him. I was only its trustee for awhile. He gives to whom He wills and withholds from whom He wills." With these words, Ayyub (alaihissalam) again prostrated to his Lord.
When Iblis saw this, he felt frustrated, so he again addressed Allaah: "I have stripped Job of all his possessions, but he still remains grateful to You. However he is only hiding his disappointment, for he places great store by his many children. The real test of a parent is through his children. You will see how Ayyub will reject You."
Allaah granted Iblis authority but warned him that it would not reduce Ayyub's faith in His Lord nor his patience.
Iblis again gathered his helpers and set about his evil deeds. He shook the fountain of the house in which Ayyub (alaihissalam) 's children were living and sent the building crashing, killing all of them. Then he went to Ayyub disguised as a man who had come to sympathize with him. In a comforting tone he said to Ayyub (alaihissalam): "The circumstances under which your children died were sad. Surely, your Lord is not rewarding you properly for all your prayers." Having said this, Iblis waited anxiously hoping Ayyub (alaihissalam) was now ready to reject Allaah.
But again Ayyub (alaihissalam) disappointed him by replying: "Allaah sometimes gives and sometimes takes. He is sometimes pleased and sometimes displeased with our deeds. Whether a thing is beneficial or harmful to me, I will remain firm in my belief and remain thankful to my Creator." then Ayyub (alaihissalam) prostrated to his Lord. At this Iblis was extremely vexed.
Iblis called on Allah. "O my Lord, Ayyub's wealth is gone, his children are dead, and he is still healthy in body, and as long as he enjoys good health he will continue to worship You in the hope of regaining his wealth and producing more children. Grant me authority over his body so that I may weaken it. He will surely neglect worshipping You an will thus become disobedient. "
Allah wanted to teach Iblis a lesson that Ayyub was a devoted servant of his Lord so He granted Iblis his 3rd request but placed a condition: "I give you authority over his body but not over his soul, intellect or heart, for in these places reside the knowledge of Me and My religion."
Armed with this new authority, Iblis began to take revenge on Job's body and filled it with disease until it was reduced to mere skin and bone and he suffered severe pain. But through all the suffering Job remained strong in his faith, patiently bearing all the hardships without complaining. Allah's righteous servant did not despair or turn to others for help but remained hopeful of Allah's mercy. Even close relatives and friends deserted him. Only his kind, loving wife stayed with him. In his hour of need, she showered her kindness on him and cared for him. She remained his sole companion and comforter through the many years of suffering.
Ibn Asaker narrated: "Ayyyb was a man having much wealth of all kinds; beats, slaves, sheep, vast lands of Haran and many children. All those favors were taken from him and he was physically afflicted as well. Never a single organ was sound except his heart and tongue, with both of which he glorified Allaah, the Almighty all the time day and night. His disease lasted for a long time until his visitors felt disgusted with him. His friends kept away from him and people abstained from visiting him. No one felt sympathy for him except his wife. She took good care of him, knowing his former charity and pity for her."
Therefore Iblis became desperate. He consulted his helpers, but they could not advise him. They asked : "How is it that your cleverness cannot work against Ayyub alaihissalam, yet you succeeded in misleading Adam the father of man, out of Paradise?"
Iblis went to Ayyub alaihissalam' s wife in the form of a man. "Where is your husband?" he asked her.
She pointed to an almost lifeless form crumbled on the bed and said: "There he is, suspended between life and death."
Iblis reminded her of the days, when Ayyub had good health, wealth and children. Suddenly, the painful memory of years of hardship overcame her, and she burst into tears. She said to Ayyub: "How long are you going to bear this torture from our Lord? Are we to remain without wealth, children or friends forever? Why don't you call upon Allah to remove this suffering?"
Ayyub (alaihissalam) sighed, and in a soft voice replied : "Iblis must have whispered to you and made you dissatisfied. Tell me how long did I enjoy good health and riches?"
She replied: "80 years."
Then Ayyub (alaihissalam) replied: "How long am I suffering like this?"
She said: "7 years."
Ayyub then told her: "In that case I am ashamed to call on my Lord to remove the hardship, for I have not suffered longer than the years of good health and plenty. It seems your faith has weakened and you are dissatisfied with the fate of Allah. If I ever regain health, I swear I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From this day onward, I forbid myself to eat or drink anything by your hand. Leave me alone and let my Lord do with me as He pleases."
Crying bitterly and with a heavy heart, she had no choice but to leave him and seek shelter elsewhere. In this helpless sate, Ayyub turned to Allaah, not to complain but to seek His mercy: "Verily! distress has seized me and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy." so We answered his call, and we removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us." (Ch 21:83-84)
Ayyub (alaihissalam) was repentant, remembering Allah with thankfulness, patience, and steadfastness. This was the cause of his rescue and the secret of Allaah's praising him. A group of angels were discussing Allaah's other human creatures, how those who were humble earned Allaah's pleasure, while those who were arrogant incurred His displeasure. One of the angels remarked: "The best creature on earth today is Ayyub, a man of noble character who displays great patience and always remembers his Generous Lord. He is an excellent model for the worshippers of Allaah. In return, his Lord has blessed him with a long life and plenty of servants, as well as the needy and the poor share in his good fortune; he feeds and clothes the poor and buys slaves to set them free. He makes those who receive his charity feel as if they are favoring him so kind and gentle is he."
Iblis overhearing all of this, became annoyed. He planned to tempt Ayyub (alaihissalam) to corruption and disbelief, so he hastened to him. He tried to distract Ayyub from his prayers by whispering him about the good things in life but Job was a true believer and would not let evil thoughts tempt him. This disturbed Iblis even more; thus he began to hate Ayyub even more.
Iblis complained to Allaah about Ayyub (alaihissalam) .. He said that although he was continuously glorifying Allaah he was not doing so out of his sincerity but to satisfy Allah so that his wealth should not be taken away. It was all a show, all out of greed. "If You remove his wealth then You will find that his tongue will no longer mention Your name and his praying will stop."
Allaah told Iblis that Ayyub (alaihissalam) was one of His most sincere devotees. He did not worship Him because of the favors; his worship stemmed from his heart and had nothing to do with material things. But to prove to Iblis the depth of Ayyub's sincerity and patience, Allaah allowed him to do whatever he and his helpers wished with Ayyub alaihissalam' s wealth.
Iblis was very happy. he gathered his helpers and set about destroying Ayyub alaihissalam' s cattle, servants and farms until he was left with no possessions. Rubbing his hands in glee, Iblis appeared before Ayyub in the guise of a wise old man and said to him: "All your wealth is lost, some people say that it is because you gave too much charity and that you are wasting your time with your continuous prayers to Allaah. Others say that Allaah has brought this upon you in order to please your enemies. If Allaah had the capacity to prevent harm, then He would have protected your wealth."
True to his belief, Ayyub (alaihissalam) replied: "What Allaah has taken away from me belongs to Him. I was only its trustee for awhile. He gives to whom He wills and withholds from whom He wills." With these words, Ayyub (alaihissalam) again prostrated to his Lord.
When Iblis saw this, he felt frustrated, so he again addressed Allaah: "I have stripped Job of all his possessions, but he still remains grateful to You. However he is only hiding his disappointment, for he places great store by his many children. The real test of a parent is through his children. You will see how Ayyub will reject You."
Allaah granted Iblis authority but warned him that it would not reduce Ayyub's faith in His Lord nor his patience.
Iblis again gathered his helpers and set about his evil deeds. He shook the fountain of the house in which Ayyub (alaihissalam) 's children were living and sent the building crashing, killing all of them. Then he went to Ayyub disguised as a man who had come to sympathize with him. In a comforting tone he said to Ayyub (alaihissalam): "The circumstances under which your children died were sad. Surely, your Lord is not rewarding you properly for all your prayers." Having said this, Iblis waited anxiously hoping Ayyub (alaihissalam) was now ready to reject Allaah.
But again Ayyub (alaihissalam) disappointed him by replying: "Allaah sometimes gives and sometimes takes. He is sometimes pleased and sometimes displeased with our deeds. Whether a thing is beneficial or harmful to me, I will remain firm in my belief and remain thankful to my Creator." then Ayyub (alaihissalam) prostrated to his Lord. At this Iblis was extremely vexed.
Iblis called on Allah. "O my Lord, Ayyub's wealth is gone, his children are dead, and he is still healthy in body, and as long as he enjoys good health he will continue to worship You in the hope of regaining his wealth and producing more children. Grant me authority over his body so that I may weaken it. He will surely neglect worshipping You an will thus become disobedient. "
Allah wanted to teach Iblis a lesson that Ayyub was a devoted servant of his Lord so He granted Iblis his 3rd request but placed a condition: "I give you authority over his body but not over his soul, intellect or heart, for in these places reside the knowledge of Me and My religion."
Armed with this new authority, Iblis began to take revenge on Job's body and filled it with disease until it was reduced to mere skin and bone and he suffered severe pain. But through all the suffering Job remained strong in his faith, patiently bearing all the hardships without complaining. Allah's righteous servant did not despair or turn to others for help but remained hopeful of Allah's mercy. Even close relatives and friends deserted him. Only his kind, loving wife stayed with him. In his hour of need, she showered her kindness on him and cared for him. She remained his sole companion and comforter through the many years of suffering.
Ibn Asaker narrated: "Ayyyb was a man having much wealth of all kinds; beats, slaves, sheep, vast lands of Haran and many children. All those favors were taken from him and he was physically afflicted as well. Never a single organ was sound except his heart and tongue, with both of which he glorified Allaah, the Almighty all the time day and night. His disease lasted for a long time until his visitors felt disgusted with him. His friends kept away from him and people abstained from visiting him. No one felt sympathy for him except his wife. She took good care of him, knowing his former charity and pity for her."
Therefore Iblis became desperate. He consulted his helpers, but they could not advise him. They asked : "How is it that your cleverness cannot work against Ayyub alaihissalam, yet you succeeded in misleading Adam the father of man, out of Paradise?"
Iblis went to Ayyub alaihissalam' s wife in the form of a man. "Where is your husband?" he asked her.
She pointed to an almost lifeless form crumbled on the bed and said: "There he is, suspended between life and death."
Iblis reminded her of the days, when Ayyub had good health, wealth and children. Suddenly, the painful memory of years of hardship overcame her, and she burst into tears. She said to Ayyub: "How long are you going to bear this torture from our Lord? Are we to remain without wealth, children or friends forever? Why don't you call upon Allah to remove this suffering?"
Ayyub (alaihissalam) sighed, and in a soft voice replied : "Iblis must have whispered to you and made you dissatisfied. Tell me how long did I enjoy good health and riches?"
She replied: "80 years."
Then Ayyub (alaihissalam) replied: "How long am I suffering like this?"
She said: "7 years."
Ayyub then told her: "In that case I am ashamed to call on my Lord to remove the hardship, for I have not suffered longer than the years of good health and plenty. It seems your faith has weakened and you are dissatisfied with the fate of Allah. If I ever regain health, I swear I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From this day onward, I forbid myself to eat or drink anything by your hand. Leave me alone and let my Lord do with me as He pleases."
Crying bitterly and with a heavy heart, she had no choice but to leave him and seek shelter elsewhere. In this helpless sate, Ayyub turned to Allaah, not to complain but to seek His mercy: "Verily! distress has seized me and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy." so We answered his call, and we removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us." (Ch 21:83-84)
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