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#466 [Permalink] Posted on 8th April 2017 23:15
‘Adab- Virtuous Character and Conduct’

Duas are very powerful; they are conversations between you and Allah.

Raise your hands and communicate to Him. We have many needs, we need to ask Allah.

Never mention anyone’s faults in front of them, by doing so you hurt their feelings and doing it behind their back is backbiting.

Don’t pry on other people and ask their affairs, they may be forced to lie because they didn’t want to tell you in the first place!

When someone tells you a secret, keep it that way, it’s an amanah (trust)

Slander is haram (forbidden). Focus on the good that people have and not their faults. If you feel speaking evil of someone, then think that you have faults as well so focus on them. Higher level is not even allowing your heart to think bad/evil about someone.

As well as inheriting good, we can also inherit bad from them so be careful with the company you chose to keep.

Never say no to others when giving charity; even if it is a little bit, Allah never says NO to you when you ask!

Life is a journey; we go through different states. People have different spiritual states. We need to learn how to dislike the sin not the sinner. Never let them feel you are judgemental.

Allah gives you the tawfiq to repent; so when you repent, know that Allah is going to forgive you.

When someone comes and apologise to you, accept their apology!

Rights with Allah is easy; when you do something wrong, you ask for His forgiveness. When you wrong others, you need to ask them for their forgiveness.

Dress nicely for Allah when you pray, go to a masjid etc. You dress nicely so others notice you, but dress nicely for Allah. Dressing nicely but humbly at the same time. You should feel comfortable in good clothes in public

Little good manners is better then a lot of good actions

Retail therapy is not therapy, it is a disease!

Haya (modesty) is in the heart; our physical movement is what attracts us to the opposite gender.

When you are sincere in giving a gift to someone, the recipient will value and treasure it due to your sincerity, regardless of what the gift actually is.

If you are the youngest, remain silent in front of elders.

Never interrupt people when they are talking!

Do not sit amongst sinning people and do not sleep where people are talking.

A promise is a responsibility so fulfil promises you make.

Manners are based on common sense.

Be around good people and good people will teach you good things; be around bad people and you will pick up bad things.

When travelling, wherever you stop, pray 2 rakats so that place testifies for you on the day of Judgement, and it won’t be you reminding Allah but that place reminding Allah that you prayed here.

There are very few people in this world who want you to succeed more than themselves, and among them are your parents. Even if your parents are wrong, don’t argue with them. Allah is watching every argument. If you please your parents, you will succeed in life.

Pray for your departed loved ones; Prayers for the dead are on the same footing as gifts for the living.

Pray for your brothers and sisters. When you pray for your brother, an angel replies, ‘and for you the same.’ It’s like buy one, get one free deal!

When an elder member dies, it means one of your doors of duas is closed so when they are alive, build your relationship with them and seek their duas.

~ Imam Tahir Anwar– ‘Adab- Virtuous Character and Conduct’ Class, Rihla 2011, Bursa, Turkey (Quotes above are paraphrased)

healing-hearts-blog.com/category/imam-tahir-anwar/
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#467 [Permalink] Posted on 13th April 2017 17:31
The ways that we ruin things for ourselves.
by Fajr-Literary |


One quote that we look at in an online classes that we teach is this one by Ibn al-Qayyim. Allow yourself to absorb the depth of its meaning:
لا تفسد فرحتك بالقلق، ولا تفسد عقلك بالتشاؤم، ولا تفسد نجاحك بالغرور، ولا تفسد تفاؤل الآخرين بإحباطهم، ولا تفسد يومك بالنظر إلى الأمس
“Don’t ruin your happiness with worry, and don’t ruin your mind with pessimism. Don’t ruin your success with deception and don’t ruin the optimism of others by destroying it. Don’t ruin your day by looking back at yesterday.”

A few points that we can derive from these golden words:

Many people worry about a plethora of issues – the vast majority of which have not happened yet and probably never will. We tend to fear the future and as a result, we don’t actually get to enjoy the blessings of Allah in the present. We ruin great things for ourselves because of this habit of worry (yes, it’s a habit for a lot of people!). Learn to live in the present. Leave the future for when it comes, and cross bridges when you come to them!

Pessimism often leads to a very ugly and dark mind as well as a troubled heart. It has the power to distort your perception in ways that you never thought possible. Snap out of it! Tell yourself positive things and keep a bright & well-lit mind. If you have nothing good to say to your soul, then as the golden rule states, remain silent – even from your own self.

Truthfulness, honesty, and gratitude increase one’s blessings whilst deception, lies, and dishonesty remove them, as well as ruin the khayr in your life. Root these out! And whilst you’re at it, root out any deception or ill-will you may have placed in other people’s lives too. If you see someone positive, happy, upbeat, and generally getting on with their life, never ever take that away from them. It’s their gift and perhaps great things are unfolding for them purely because of this wonderful attitude they carry. Let them be, let them enjoy their positivity and radiant aura – even if it doesn’t make sense to you.

Remember that every day is a new day. It has its challenges, its blessings, its opportunities, its treasures. Just as you cannot ruin your optimism or the optimism others, you cannot rob the day of the optimism that arrives with it. Staring back at the past and all the ‘what ifs’, and ‘if only’s’, will forever keep you chained down and restricted from moving forward. Leave the past where it is and look to the present before it escapes you and thus joins the past that you keep regretting.
May Allah grant us tawfiq in making the best of our days, ameen.

www.fajr-literary.com/?p=3544

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#468 [Permalink] Posted on 27th April 2017 00:04
Bismillah.

And Then He Responded…

Qur’anic Gem: In the last four verses of Surah al Imran, each verse starts with ‘Rabbana’ (O our Lord) followed by a request, thus each verse is in fact a du’a. What is the result? Directly after these four verses Allah says ‘And their Lord responded to them …’

Persist in your du’a, knowing that Allah will respond to you.

— By Shaykh Ahmed Eesa al Ma’sarawi

istighfar.wordpress.com/2016/12/30/and-then-he-responded/
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#469 [Permalink] Posted on 27th April 2017 22:47
For those going through difficulties...!


Verily, After Hardship Comes Ease


At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery, it is a time when Muslims should continue being Muslims, only better Muslims.

I would say to my dear brothers and sisters in Islam “don’t be sad”; if you are on the true religion – believing in One God and all the Messengers sent to mankind, then don’t be sad.

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala says in Qur’aan

“…Bear with patience whatever befalls you….” (31:17) and “Be not sad, surely Allaah is with us.” (9:40)

Our Prophet Sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:

“Verily, if Allaah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath.” [Tirmidhi]

Being sad is not encouraged in Islam

“So do not become weak, nor be sad…” (3:139)

“And grieve not over them, and be not distressed because of what they plot.” (16:127)

Sadness prevents one from action instead of compelling one towards it. The heart does not benefit through grief. The most beloved thing to the devil is to hinder the worshipper in the path of Allaah. The Muslim must repel sadness and fight in any way that is permissible in Islam.

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala is sufficient for us

“Allaah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs. So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allaah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allaah. And Allaah is the owner of Great Bounty.” (3:173-174)

“And put your trust in Allaah if you are believers indeed…” (5:23)

“O you who believe! Seek help in patience and the prayer…” (2:153)

By leaving your affairs to Allaah, by depending on Him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree, by thinking favourably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help, you reap some of the greater fruits of faith. When you incorporate these qualities, you will be at peace concerning the future, because you will depend on your Lord for everything. As a result, you will find care, help, protection and victory.

Pre-ordainment

“No calamity befalls on earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees – before We bring it into existence.” (57:22)

The pen has dried, and the pages have been lifted: all events shall come to pass have already been written. Whatever has befallen you was not meant to escape you, and whatever has escaped you was not meant to befall you: if this belief were to be firmly ingrained in your heart, then all hardships and difficulty would become ease and comfort.

The Prophet Sall Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said,

“Whoever Allaah wishes good for, He inflicts him (with hardship).” (Bukhaari)

For those who are afflicted with disaster, glad tidings await them: so remain patient and happy with your Lord.

“He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned.” (21:23)

Verily, with hardship, there is relief

“Verily, with hardship there is relief.” (94:6)

“Perhaps Allaah may bring victory or a decision according to His Will.” (5:52)

Prophet Ibraheem ‘alayhissalam did not feel its heat because of the help he received from Allaah.

“We (Allaah) said : O’ fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibraheem.” (21:69)

The sea would not drown Prophet Musa ‘alayhissalaam because he uttered in confident, strong and truthful manner:

“Nay verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me.” (26:62)

And the Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbaas radiyallahu ‘anhu:

“..Be mindful of Allaah, you will find Him before you. Get to know Allaah in prosperity and He will know you in adversity… And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.” [Tirmidhi]

Accept life as it is

If you read the Qur’aan you will see that all the Prophets ‘alayhimussalaam went through trials and tribulations. Life is a test so let us learn from the best examples of our Prophets.

“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty, ailments and were shaken.” (2:214)

We should know that if we are pleased with our Lord, He will be pleased with us. And if you are pleased with your Lord no matter what the situation is, then you will find that you have earned your Lord’s pleasure. On the other hand, there are hypocrites whom Allaah rejects their deeds. They are displeased with what Allaah sends down and they hate seeking His pleasure; thus their deeds are performed in vain.

Your recompense is with Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala

When Allaah, the Exalted takes something away from you, He compensates it with something better, but only if you are patient and seek His reward.

Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:

“Whoever loses a loved one from the people of this world and then seeks recompense with his Lord, will be compensated with Paradise.”

Those who are in this world and are close to Allaah will be raised in the highest of heaven:

“Peace be upon you, because you peresevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!” (13:24)

Truly, the life of this world is short and its treasures are few. O’ afflicted ones, if you are patient you lose nothing; and though you may not perceive it, you are profiting.

Extract honey but do not break the hive

“Repel (the evil) with one which is better, then verily! He, between whom and you there was enmity (will become) as though he was a close friend.” (41:34)

“….and harm them not. And put your trust in Allaah.” (33:48)

Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said,

“Verily, Allaah ordered me to keep relations with those that cut off, forgive the ones who does an injustice with me, and to give to those who withhold from me.”

“Those who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allaah loves the good-doers.” (3:134)

Remembrance of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allaah do hearts find rest.” (13:28)

“Therefore remember Me and I will remember you…” (2:152)

We should not be surprised when we hear that people who remember Allah are at peace. What is truly surprising is how the negligent and unmindful survive without remembering Him.

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala says in the Qur’aan,

“They are dead, lifeless and they know not when they will be raised up.” (16:21)

Truly, He is near when supplicated: He hears when he is called and He answers when He is invoked, so humble yourself before Him and ask of Him sincerely. Repeat His beautiful names, and mention Him alone as worthy of worship. Mention His praises, supplicate to Him: you will find then – by the will of Allaah – happiness, peace and illumination.

“So Allaah gave them the reward of this world and the excellent reward of the Hereafter.” (3:148)

Loving Allaah, knowing Him, remembering Him, seeking peace in Him, singling Him out for complete love, fear, hope and dependence – these qualities when combined in a person, constitute a sort of heaven on earth. These are qualities that bring peace to those who love Allah, a sort of peace that has no comparison in this world.

It is important that a special relationship exists in the heart between the slave and his Lord, a relationship that allows the slave to feel so close to his Lord that he requires no other. Thus, he finds company when he is alone, and he tastes the sweetness of remembering Him and supplicating to Him. Allaah’s slave will continually face hardship and difficulty until he dies, but if he has a special relationship with his Lord, all of the hardships of life will become easy for him.

The prayer….the prayer – we must return to our masajid

“O’ you who believe! Seek help in patience and the Prayer.” (2:153)

By earnestly performing the five daily prayers, we achieve the greatest of blessings: cleared off our sins and increase in rank with our Lord. Prayer is a potent remedy for our sickness, for it instills our faith in our souls.

As for those that keep away from the mosque and away from prayer, for them is unhappiness, wretchedness and an embittered life.

“For them is destruction and Allaah will make their deeds vain.” (47:8)

Take a moment to reflect

O whose mind has wandered in grief, O’ you whose eyes are loaded with tears; relax and know that your Creator aids, and that His mercy will bring you peace. And know that your reward is secure with He Who doesn’t disappoint the one who seeks to please Him. Be at peace, for after poverty comes joyous meeting, and after sleeplessness comes sound rest. O you who are oppressed in the lands, who suffer from hunger, pain, sickness and poverty, rejoice in the knowledge that you will soon be satisfied with food and that you will be happy and in good health.

Let us make these supplications, their purpose being to eliminate hardship, anxiety and grief:

“There is no worthy of worship except Allaah, the Ever Forbearing, the Most Great. There is none worthy of worship except Allaah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. There is none worthy of worship One Who sustains and protects all that exists, there is none worthy of worship except You, and by Your Mercy do we seek Your aid.”

“So be patient, with a good patience…” (70:5).

____________ _________ _________ _________ ____

References:

The Noble Qur’aan (Muhsin Khan/Muhammad Hilali Translation)

Don’t Be Sad – Shaykh ‘Aaidh Al-Qarni

فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا
إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا
فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَانصَبْ
وَإِلَى رَبِّكَ فَارْغَبْ

“Verily, along with every hardship is relief, verily, along with hardship is relief. So when you have finished (your occupation), devote yourself for Allaah’s worship. And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your) intentions and hopes.” (94:5-8).

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#470 [Permalink] Posted on 5th May 2017 23:24
Praying for your brother/sister without them knowing:

“The supplication of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Every time he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: ‘Ameen! May it be for you too’.” [Muslim].

Here are some tips to make that dua for your brother/sister more beneficial:
1. Do it for someone who wouldn’t expect it from you without telling that person to make it most sincere and for the sake of Allah.

2. Diversify the duas and people you make dua for so that you can be given different things. So in particular think of a person in each of the following categories and make dua for them daily:

a) A person who has good qualities but hasn’t been guided to faith. Make dua for guidance for that person so that perhaps Allah grants you further guidance.

b) A person who is involved in Islamic work, that Allah accepts from them and keeps them sincere so that perhaps Allah uses you for His cause and keeps you sincere.

c) A person who is committing a public sin. Make dua that Allah forgives that person. Imagine if the dua is accepted for a major public sin, then the angels will say ameen for you also and perhaps Allah will forgive you for both your public and private sins.

d) A person who is ill, that Allah grants him or her full health so that perhaps Allah will either heal you if you are sick or preserve your health for you if you are healthy.

e) A person who is struggling financially or suffering a worldly hardship, ask Allah to help that person so that perhaps Allah will help you in that same situation.

f) A person who has a particular blessing that you wish for, that Allah maintains that blessing upon that person without making it a means of taking him or her away from goodness in the hereafter so that perhaps Allah will grant it for you or maintain your blessings upon you without making them a means of harm for you.

If you found this beneficial, please make dua for me and share with others who might make dua for you

Shaykh Omar Suleiman.
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#471 [Permalink] Posted on 10th May 2017 20:41
Bismillah.

Pray to Allah with the knowledge that he will give you what you asked for,

not only the hope that you will get what you want,

but the absolute assurance that it will come soon.

His Du’aa was answered before he finished supplicating…

Shaykh Khaled al-Wuhaybi narrates: This is a story that has a lesson to be learned, it happened to me personally and was not conveyed to me (perhaps some of you have heard it from me before, but I repeat it as a reminder).

Here I am writing it to you as it occurred, so that perhaps a reader may benefit from it …Or it may find someone that is desperate, and send hope to his heart …Or find someone who was haste, and stopped supplicating to his Lord!!

During the time of Dhuhr (Noon) prayers, in the Holy Mosque in Mecca, I was standing close to the chamber of the Muadhin (one who calls to prayer), when a brother signalled to me to fill a gap in the row next to him after the Iqamah has been called. So I went forward.

After we completed the prayer, I went to the back a little to sit with my legs crossed and be more comfortable while I do my Tasbeeh (Glorify and Praise Allah). I looked at that man beside me, and he appeared as if his body is worn out like the poor of the Sacred Mosque. He had the appearance of stillness and humility, and had placed his hands on his thighs as he supplicated to his Lord with humbleness. I put my hand into my pocket reaching for the money which I had tied into groups of 1 Riyal, 5 Riyals, and 10 Riyals.

I took out 5 Riyals and placed it hidden in the palm of my hand and approached him, extending my arm to him to shake his hand. We shook hands and he felt the money in my palm, then pulled his hand quickly away without taking the money or even knowing how much was in my hand, telling me: May Allah reward you greatly

I said: “Won’t you accept it?”

He did not respond, so I felt that he is being modest, which is why he did not accept it. So I placed it back in my pocket. I stood back a little, and performed the Sunnah, and noticed the man turning to me again and again as if he is waiting for me to finish my prayers! When I completed my prayers, he came next to me and greeted me, and then asked: “How much was it that you were going to give me?”

I said: I offered you and you refused to take it, so why would it matter if it was one riyal or a hundred?!

So he said: “By Allah, how much was it that you were going to give me?”

I said: “Do not ask me by Allah, this matter between me and you has finished!”

He said: “I was supplicating to my Lord about my dire need for five Riyals, so how much was it you were going to give me?”

I said: “By Allah, who there is no God worthy of worship besides Him, the amount which I was offering you was 5 Riyals!”

The man started weeping.

I asked him: “Do you need more?”

He said: “no.”

Then he said:“Subhan Allah, you were placing the money in my hand as I was still asking my Lord for it!”

I said: “Why then did you pull your hand away without taking it?”

He said: “I didn’t expect the reply to come so quick.”

I said: “Subhan Allah, Indeed Allah is All-Hearing, Close to those who ask Him, answering their call; He will not come down to you Himself to give you what you asked, but truly he will facilitate for you one of his slaves to fulfill for you what you need!”

I offered him the five riyals again, and he took it, and refused to take anything extra.

Indeed, Glory to Allah, the Great, who said of Himself:
And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me …
(Al Baqarah 2:186)

May Allah reward the one whom shared this heart warming story with me. Ameen.

istighfar.wordpress.com/2012/06/02/assure-yourself-it-wil...

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#472 [Permalink] Posted on 20th May 2017 13:34
On Reflection (FIKR)

Chapter 9 from
Risaalatu'l Mu'awanah (The Book of Assistance)
Of: Imam 'Abdallah Ibn 'Alawi al-Haddad
Rady Allahu 'Anhu
Translated by: Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi, Madina


You should have a wird of reflection in every twenty-four hours, for which you should set aside one or more hours. The best time for reflection is the one in which are the least pre-occupations, worries, and more potential for the heart to be present, such as the depths of the night. Know that the state of one's religious and worldly affairs depend upon soundness of one's reflection. Anyone who has a share of it has an abundant share of everything good. It has been said : 'An hour's reflection is better than a year's worship.' 'Ali, may God ennoble his face, has said: 'There is no worship like reflection.' And one of the gnostics; may God have mercy on them all, said: 'Reflection is the lamp of the heart; if it departs the heart will have no light.'

The ways of reflection are many. One, which is the most noble of them, is to reflect on the wonders of God's dazzling creation, the inward and outward signs of His Ability, and the signs He has scattered abroad in the Realm of the earth and the heavens. This kind of reflection increases your knowledge of the Essence, Attributes, and Names of God. He has encouraged it by saying: Say: Look at what is in the heavens and the earth! (10:101)

Reflect on the wondrous creations He has made, and on yourself. He has said: In the earth are signs for those who have certainty, and in yourselves; can you not see? (51:20-21)

Know that you must reflect on the favors of God, and His bounties which He caused to reach you.
Remember the favors of God, that you may succeed. (7:69)

Should you (attempt to) number the favors of God, you would not be able to do so. (16:18)

All good things that you possess are from God. (16:53)

This kind of reflection results in the heart filling with the love of God, and continuously rendering thanks to Him, inwardly and outwardly, in a manner that pleases and satisfies Him.

Know that you should reflect on God's complete awareness of you, and His seeing and knowing all about you.

We have created man, and We know what his soul whispers to him; and We are nearer to him than his jugular vein. (50:16)

And He is with you wherever you are, and God sees what you do. (57:4)

Have you not seen that God knows what is in the heavens and the earth, and no three (persons) converse but that He is their fourth? (58:7)

This kind of reflection results in your feeling ashamed before God should He see you where He has forbidden you to be, or miss you where He has commanded you to be. Know that you must reflect on your shortcomings in worshipping your Lord, and your exposing yourself to His wrath should you do what He has forbidden you.

I created jinn and men only to worship Me. (51:56)

Do you think We created you in vain, and that to Us you will not be returned? (23:115)

O man! What is it that has deceived you concerning your Generous Lord? (82:6)

This kind of reflection increases your fear of God, encourages you to blame and reproach yourself, to avoid remissness and persevere in your zeal.

Know that you must reflect on this worldly life, its numerous preoccupations, hazards, and the swiftness with which it perishes, and upon the hereafter, and its felicity and permanence.

Thus does God render the signs clear to you, that you may reflect on this world and the hereafter. (2:119-220)

But you may prefer the life of this world, when the hereafter is better and more abiding. (87:16-17)

The life of the world is but distraction and play; while the Last Abode is indeed the Life, if but they knew. (29:64)

This kind of reflection results in losing all desire for the world, and in wishing for the hereafter.

Know that you should reflect on the imminence of death and the regret and remorse which occur when it is too late.

Say: The death that you flee will indeed meet you, and you will then be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will inform you of that which you had been doing. (62:8)

Until, when death comes to one of them he says: 'My Lord! Send me back that I may do good in that which I have left!' No! It is but a word he says. (23:99-100)

O you who believe! Let not your wealth or your children distract you from the remembrance of God! up to: But God will not reprieve a soul whose time has come. (63:9-11)

The benefit of this kind of reflection is that hopes become short, behavior better, and provision is gathered for the Appointed Day.

Know that you should reflect on those attributes and acts by which God has described His friends and His enemies, and on the immediate and delayed rewards which He has prepared for each group.

The righteous are in felicity, and the depraved are in hell. (82:13-14)
Is the one who is a believer like the one who is corrupt? They are not equal. (32:18)

As for the one who gave, had taqwa, and believed in goodness, We shall ease him into ease, (92:5-7) up to the end of the sura.

The believers are those who, when God is mentioned, their hearts tremble, up to: they will have degrees with their Lord, and forgiveness, and generous provision. (8:2-4)

God has promised those among you who have believed and done good works that He will make them rulers over the earth as He made those before them rulers. (24:55)

Each we took for their sin; on some we sent a hurricane, some were taken by the Cry, some We caused the earth to swallow, and some We drowned. It was not for God to wrong them, but they wronged themselves. (29:40)
Hypocrite men and hypocrite women proceed one from another; they enjoin evil and forbid good, up to: God curses them, and theirs is a lasting torment. (9:67- 68)

Believing men and believing women are helping friends to each other; they enjoin good and forbid evil. up to: and good pleasure from God which is greater; that is the supreme gain. (9:71-72)

Those who do not expect to meet Us, are content with the life of the world and feel secure therein, up to: and the end of their prayer is, Praised be God, the Lord of the Worlds! (10:7-10)

The result of this kind of reflection is that you come to love the fortunate, habituate yourself to emulating their behavior and taking on their qualities, and detest the wretched, and habituate yourself to avoiding their behavior and traits of character.

Were we to allow ourselves to pursue the various channels of reflection we would have to forgo the brevity which we intended. That which we have mentioned should suffice the man of reason.

You should with each kind of reflection, bring to mind those verses, hadiths and other narratives relating to it. We have given an example of this by quoting some of the verses related to each kind of reflection.

Beware of reflecting on the Essence of God and His Attributes in the wish to understand their nature and how they exist. No one ever became enamoured of this without falling into the abysses of negation (ta'til) or the traps of anthropomorphism (tashbih). The Messenger of God, may blessings and peace be upon him, has said: 'Reflect on the signs of God, and do not reflect on His Essence, for you will never be able to give Him His due.'

Source: Imam 'Abdallah Ibn 'Alawi al-Haddad, Risaalatu'l Mu'awanah (The Book of Assistance), translated by Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi, The Quilliam Press, U.K, 1989, p31-34.
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#473 [Permalink] Posted on 23rd May 2017 13:20
Power of Dua Real Life Story.

Author: Mariam Hasan

I still vividly remember the disastrous day my mom forced an abaya upon me. I was an extremely out-going sort of a girl, the very opposite of what mom wanted me to be. My life revolved around partying and hanging out with school-friends, and especially socializing around the many social-networking sites on the World Wide Web. One of my closest friends was an emerging musician, and although I did not have a knack for music, she was my avid source of the latest gossip relating to our school’s social turnings. Also, she informed me about all the “recent opinion” guys had about the two of us.

It was only after a parent-teacher meeting at school that made my mom adamant upon having me wear an abaya: by hook or by crook. In normal circumstances, I would surely not have given in to her, but back then, I knew that I had lost my ground as all my social-affairs-news had been leaked out to her by my teacher. My mother was fuming and raging at me. Her anger wasn’t the only factor; there was so much of broken-trust and betrayal that had dominated her sorrow. This made me reflect upon my character and the path of disloyalty I was treading.

The initial days of being shrouded in an abaya was quite miserable. The many times I would run a critical gaze down my abaya-donned body made me deeply regret my decision of having to identity myself in it for the rest of life. But since I live in a highly judgmental, stereo-typical society, the chances of shedding away a covering that you’ve once given into is almost naught, unless you are prepared to face people’s aggravating, pessimistic remarks everywhere you go. Thus, I gave way to “Islamic symbolism” to my actual life.

Days carried away, until the very next year, mom resolutely decided to make me observe the niqab: the face veil. However, this time around, I had nothing condemnable on my part, so I was not going to give in so easily. I can clearly remember how I was grounded for the entire winter vacations for refusing to wear the niqab. Eventually, I was compelled to throw in the towel since winter break was coming to an end and I couldn’t have missed school at any cost (I had always been one of the most-active students in class).

It still amuses me when I sink back into the past, watching myself going frenzy in the morning for a strip of Sellotape to push my scarf in place against the tip of my nose, and a pair of pins to craft its edges about either of my temples before leaving for school. It would not be an exaggeration at all if I say I was an obvious loony to all my acquaintances picturing one of the most unusual niqab fastening fashions. Nevertheless, with the decisive passage of time, I came to flavor my public-attire as my own, taking pride in it as it enveloped me gracefully.

Yet, the most disturbing issue hampering me from relenting from my past, and pursuing the Right Way was the tough, intolerant environment I was stranded in…my friends, including those from the social networking sites. No matter how hard I strove to part away from my indecent history, I found myself plunged back into it soon.

And it was during those stressing, tiring days that I braced myself up for a Dua I had so long been delaying…partially because I was insecure about my decision to bid the glamorous, glittery past a farewell for an ever-lasting journey onto the highway of Guidance, and partially because I feared I might never be replied to. What I was asking seemed so “big”!

That very night, I gathered all my reflexes against the erroneous whisperings of the Satan, and poured my heart out to the Lord of the Worlds, the Sustainer of all that exists. Amidst my very sincere apologies and repentance, I asked Him to decree for me this very nice, chaste cousin of mine as a spouse, whom I could never actually even imagine of owning me up as a life-partner with the entire repellent knowledge he must have about me. I cannot ascertain the exact time period I was there at the prayer mat making Dua from the core of my heart, but I still remember waking up the next day deploring my insanity at being an outright escapist the previous night…imagining to be wed to a person who was, by all odds, a virtuous Muslim; even if it meant groping earnestly for a source to assist you upon the Guided Way. Blog Post-The power of dua-Inside poster copy

More time slithered by. Each day unleashed from within itself new trials, testing and polishing my Emaan for me, and I tugged on with my best-possible effort. Within a simple two-week period, I had forgotten the spouse-related Dua I had asked Allah Allah Subhanahu-wa-Taala the preceding fortnight, for my Duas now focused on the enhancement of Emaan, and my ability to shape my life accordingly.

The following year, as I rested beside my mom one pleasant day, I found her being a tad bit hesitant, trying to choose her words while she started off. Her words are to-date just as acutely hear-able to me, as when she spoke them that day, intriguing a butter-fly dance in my stomach. She asked me if I would be alright if she and my dad accepted a marriage-proposal from one of my paternal cousin: yes! The very cousin whom I had last year expected Allah Allah Subhanahu-wa-Taala to edict for me as a spouse. Subhan Allaah. I barely managed an affirmative as I rushed away from her company, obviously looking too abashed like the general tradition in our culture is. Still, it was me who knew it was not the bashfulness at the acknowledgement of a wedding-proposal, but the sheer ecstasy spewing up from the pit of my existence that drove me out of her sight to practice some voluntary units of Salah for Allah Allah Subhanahu-wa-Taala and a BIG, BIG smile to somehow match my euphoria.

I was wed after four months of the confirmation. A week prior to my marriage, I accumulated my courage, and inquired mom, ‘How long ago was this proposal though?’. She patted my cheek and replied, ‘Exact one year ago.’

Now, when I calculate the figures, it is more than evident that the proposal was sent the same week I supplicated to Allah Allah Subhanahu-wa-Taala for my husband, against all odds.

You just need to ask, He Allah Subhanahu-wa-Taala knows how to administer your course over to your goal.

blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/category/inspiration/
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#474 [Permalink] Posted on 23rd May 2017 21:31
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#475 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd June 2017 03:40
Bismillahwalhamdulillah.


Al-Kawther: A River of Goodness Through This Life and the Next


In today’s Jumuah Special you’ll learn how to be productive through the surah that made The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa salam) smile!

Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said, The Holy Prophet (saw) was among us. In the meantime he dozed; then he raised his head, smiling, and said, “A chapter was revealed to me earlier.” Then he read, “Indeed, We have granted you al-Kawthar. So, pray to your Lord and sacrifice. Indeed, the one who insults you, he is cut off… [Saheeh Muslim]

Surah al-Kawthar is the shortest surah of the Quran and many of us have memorized it, but do we truly feel it when we recite it? What does this surah have to do with us? It was the powerful emaan booster given by Allah (‘azza wajal) to His Prophet (saw) and the community in a very difficult time, so let’s find out how we can use it to boost our faith and make us more productive!

A Heart-melting Scene in the Hereafter
Imagine for a moment that you’re on the plains of al-Hashr, the gathering on the Day of Judgment. Anxiety is all around you, but you don’t care— you’re having emotions you’ve never felt before.

Think back to the the last time you fasted on a long, hot day. Forget food— you just wanted one glass of water right? This day, the sun is low and people will be sweating like never before.

The Prophet (salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: I am your predecessor (forerunner) at the Lake-Fount, and whoever will pass by there, he will drink from it and whoever will drink from it, he will never be thirsty.. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree]

Imagine a beautiful, exclusive lake of abundant good on the Day of Judgment, covered with vessels like stars in the sky for all the believers to drink from at a time when you will be craving for a drink. The lake will provide a drink sweeter than honey and whiter than milk, sweet enough to satisfy your taste buds forever.

Rasulullah (salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said about al-Kawthar: It is a pond where my Ummah will be brought to on the Day of Judgement. Its vessels are as numerous as the stars in the sky.[Saheeh Muslim]

And he Rasulullah(saw) said: I entered Paradise and I came to a river whose banks had tents made of pearls. So I thrust my hand into its flowing water and found that it was the strongest (smell) of musk. So I asked, “O Jibril! What is this” He replied, “This is Al-Kawthar which Allah, the Mighty and Majestic has given you.” [Imam Ahmad]

What a lofty goal to strive for! How can you be of those who drink of The Prophet’s hands and get his intercession? Start living by Surah Al-Kawthar, a river of goodness through this life and the next!

8 Productivity Lessons From Surah Al-Kawthar
Ayah 1: Verily (innaa) we gave you ( ‘ataynaakal) the abundant good (al-Kawthar)

1. Change your way of thinking: be thankful. One of the most infamous productivity-killers is ingratitude. Ingratitude makes you feel depressed, angry, and worried. You constantly think about what you don’t have. You get angry looking at what others have. In this very first ayah Allah ‘azza wajal does not mention the hardship the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was going through, including the death of his son and the opposition of the pagans. Rather Allah reminds the Prophet (saw) in the toughest of times of what He had given to him: abundant good in this life and the next. Next time a trial hits you, shift your way of thinking from focusing on the trial and what you lost to what Allah has given you.

2. Benefit from The Prophet (saw). Ibn `Abbas said about the meaning of al-Kawthar: It is the good which Allah gave to him (The Prophet (saw) )… The river which is in Paradise is part of the goodness which Allah gave him.’ [Al-Bukharee] Allah ‘azza wajal has given you a chance to benefit from The Prophet (saw) in many ways. He has made you his follower and given you the Quran through him. His character teaches us how to build your character. The abundance given to him can flow like a river through your life, if you only take his example. Thank Allah for your guidance, strive to understand the Quran, and work on your character. If you want to be close to him on the Day of Judgment, each day send lots of prayers for The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam, who said: The closest of people to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who send the most blessings on me [At-Tirmidhee]. Imagine all those times you say: salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam!

Ayah 2: So pray (fasalli) to your Lord (li Rabbika) and sacrifice (wanhar)

3. Treat your salah as your life-saver. Know and act upon this in life and you will succeed insha’Allah: salah is the first act of ‘ibadah you will be asked about on the Day of Judgment. If it is good, the rest is good. What has caused you to enter Hell? They will say: We were not of those who used to offer their Salat (prayers). [Quran, 74:42-43]

4. Make sacrifice a part of your day. Thank Allah by actions and not only by words. Sacrifice an hour of time or part of your salary to help someone in need or sacrifice your skills to help out at a charity fundraiser. The problem is that many of us don’t feel the need to make sacrifices. We pray, but when it comes to sacrificing time or wealth we do it occasionally. The secret of a successful Muslim is that you make sacrificing a part of each and every day.

Ayah 3: Indeed (inna) your enemy (shaani’aka) he (huwa) is cut off (al abtar)

5. Dealing with ridicule. The leaders of the Quraysh were ridiculing The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, saying he was abtar, cut off from all future hope and spreading his message because his sons died. Being ridiculed can either make you or break you. From this surah you learn that the good in the Hereafter is exclusively for those who believe and do good. When you are mocked because of your hijaab or your beard, let this surah remind you not to become weak in faith!

6. Don’t take pride in children. Your possessions and popularity don’t determine that you are good. “Good” means you have a heart that is thankful to Allah. Raise your children as your legacy, never take pride in them as it is Allah to whom we all belong.

7. Always believe in the promise of Allah and live by it. Who could ever think these powerful Quraysh leaders would be destroyed? What became now of Abu Lahab, Abu Jahl, and the like? At the battle of Badr The Prophet (saw) stood above their bodies and said: Have you found true what your Lord promised you?” Somebody said to him, “You are addressing dead people.” He replied, “You do not hear better than they but they cannot reply.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee] The name of Muhammad (saw) is being called out by millions worldwide in the adhaan, the shahada, the prayer. So who is really abtar – cut off? Whatever happens, know that the promise of Allah is true— all you need to do is stick to your deen. Leave a legacy. Set up a charity project, help others learn the Quran, and leave the rest to Allah ‘azza wajal.

8. Say Bismillah. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Every action that does not begin with Allah’s remembrance is cut off (severed). [An-Nasa’i] “Cut off,”, according to the scholars, means “cut off from blessings.” So increase in saying Bismillah!

understandquran.com/

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#476 [Permalink] Posted on 6th June 2017 01:46
TAWAKKUL (RELIANCE ON ALLAH)

Written by guest writer, Umm Yusuf.

I used to think that tawakkul was just making dua for good to happen in your life and expecting good to happen with certainty (no matter how uncertain the situation may be). I realize now that tawakkul is also a belief in the Grand Plan of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and that, in the worst times of your life when you think you have been abandoned, when you are tested, tawakkul is to also believe there is good in the test that you are going through…and even that test is a mercy of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Remember Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) loves you more than your mother does and, although you cannot imagine doing this, one day you will thank Him for giving you that test because through it you gained so many blessings.

“And Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know.” Qur’an(12:20)

Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) mentions this ayat to us in Surah Yusuf after Yusuf (‘alayhisalaam) is thrown down a well by his own brothers, separated from his beloved father by their envy and sold as a slave, and this is BEFORE the test of the women and prison…why? Whereas the majority of people when placed in difficult times would lose hope in the mercy of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and despair and give up on making du’a we musn’t be fooled by the difficult times in our life – that things may get worse and continue to, but we have to remember Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) is completely in control of our affairs and that with this difficulty there is some ultimate benefit for us both on the day of Judgement and also in this world.

“…and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” (2:216)

Since He (subhanahu wa ta’ala) has placed us in this difficulty, He, too, will remove us from this difficulty just as in the same way as with Yusuf (‘alayhisalaam). Had Yusuf (‘alayhisalaam) not been thrown down the well by his brothers, he would not have become the financial minister of Egypt. The day he was thrown in the well was the day that his path to blessings was made easy for him. The blessing of becoming financial minister of Egypt, the blessing of wealth and honour and provision. The blessing of prophethood and the blessing of Jannah. Yusuf (‘alayhisalaam) eventually saw the fruits of his patience. Similarly, we have to have patience because the day our test began is the day our path to honour, blessings and ease had also similarly begun.

The Prophet (sallalaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said “…“Be mindful of Allah, you will find Him in front of you. Become beloved to Allah during times of prosperity, He will know you in times of adversity. Know that what has passed you by was never to befall you. And (know that) what has befallen you was never to have passed you by. And know that victory accompanies perseverance, relief accompanies affliction and ease accompanies hardship”. (At-Tirmidhi Hadith #19 in An-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith)

The Arabic word “ma’” means “with” and when this word connects victory with perseverance, relief with affliction and so forth, then this means (according to explanations from scholars as explained in Zarabozo’s explanation of An-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith) is not that one follows the other after some time but that one thing follows the other very closely as if they are coming together. So as the trial starts, so does the relief – giving us comfort that whatever problems we may face, we have to be patient for a little while because the relief is also on its way.

One of the most painful experiences in life is to lose someone you love. When this happens, sometimes the thought may enter our mind – who could be better than this person? This was the exact thought that entered the mind of the companion of the Prophet Muhammad (sallalaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), Umm Salamah when her husband Abu Salamah died. She had shared so much with him and she couldn’t imagine who could be better than this man.

Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet (sallalaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “There is no Muslim that is afflicted with a calamity, and he says what Allah has commanded him to say: “To Allah we belong and to him we will return! O Allah! Give me the rewards (of being patient over) this calamity, and grant me something better than it to replace it,” except that Allah will give him something better to replace it.”

Umm Salamah said “So when (my husband) Abu Salamah died, I said this du’a, but could not help thinking, “Who is better than Abu Salamah (i.e. no one can replace Abu Salamah)?” Then the Prophet (sallalaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) himself sent me a messenger proposing to me, so Allah blessed me with someone better than Abu Salamah” (Muslim, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi).

And who did Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) replace Abu Salamah with? Someone who was so much better than him in worldly status and in the status of the akhirah – Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (sallalaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Prophet Muhammad (sallalaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) approached her. She didn’t have to get his attention or compromise her faith or herself for him. He came to her even though she was old, widowed with children and he accepted her even though she admitted to having character deficiencies. And had Umm Salamah not gone through the pain of losing Abu Salamah, she would never have had the honour of being the wife of the final Messenger of Allah (sallalaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) in this world or the next.

When we face difficulties or we lose something, and we equally say the above mentioned du’a and have patience, insha’Allah, whatever we have lost, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) will compensate us in this world and the next with that which is abundantly better. When we experience that blessing we will thank Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) for taking us through that test and we will understand that we were never abandoned, our dua’s were heard (every single one of them) and Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) was always in control of our affairs.

www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3...
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#477 [Permalink] Posted on 11th June 2017 01:11
Bismillah.

Mufti Yusuf Moosagie‏
"Ramadan is a month in which Duas are readily accepted by Allah سبحان الله. Supplicate at random moments throughout the day.

Rayyan Institute‏
"Use the precious and valuable moments of Ramadan to ask for Allah's mercy and seek His forgiveness for all previous sins."

Musa Furber‏
During Ramadan your nafs is exposed for what it truly is; instead of despair, seek protection from & be mindful of Allah, & continue.


Shaykh Abdul Raheem Limbada.

‪Increase duas in Ramadhaan!‬

‪One Hadith says:‬
‪من لم يسال الله يغضب عليه‬
‪"Whoever does not ask from Allah, He gets angry with him"‬

‪Ppl get angry if we ask too much from them, Allah gets angry if we don't ask from Him.
Allah sees that we are in some problem or we are in need of something yet we are still not begging from Him, inspite of the fact that we know His qudrat and power in removing that obstacle and providing that need, so He doesn't like it when we neglect Him.
He gets happy when we beg from Him, when show our humility and shed a few tears to him. Especially at tahajjud time and at iftar time. Also after fardh salawaat.

One Hadith says: "The dua of a saaim is not rejected"
Another Hadith says: "Three duas are readily accepted.... Dua of a Saaim at iftaar"

Another Hadith says: "One dua of a Saaim is guaranteed acceptance" we don't know which one it's going to be so we should make lots of duas with sincerity and total concentration.

Another Hadith says: "Dua is beneficial in a problem which has descended and in a problem which has not yet come" (but one is scared of it coming)
May Allah give us Tawfeeq to make lots of duas.
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#478 [Permalink] Posted on 12th June 2017 05:09

Loving Allah

Imam ibn Qayyim al-Jawzeyya


The ten reasons for gaining the love of Allah Dear reader, we present to you these ten reasons, which are mentioned by imam ibn Al-Qayim (may Allah mercy him) in his great book, Madarij As-Salikin.

The ten reasons for gaining the love of Allah

All praise is due to Allah alone. And prayers and peace of Allah be upon the chosen Prophet, Muhammad ibn Abdullah, and upon his family and companions and whoever followed his guidance.

O Allah, I ask You to bestow upon me Your love and the love of whoever loves You and the knowledge that helps us to attain Your love!

Dear reader, we present to you these ten reasons, which are mentioned by imam ibn Al-Qayim (may Allah mercy him) in his great book, Madarij As-Salikin.

The first reason:

Reciting the Holy Qur`an with deep contemplation in its meanings and its purposes; this is like thinking deeply in the book that the servant memorizes and expounds on it to understand the purpose of its author. Allah Almighty says:
Do they not then think deeply in the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?
[Muhammad 47:24]

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَى قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا
محمد: 24

Transliteration: Afala yatadabbaroona alqurana am AAala quloobin aqfaluha

We should know that the purpose of reading is to contemplate; if this could not be gained without repeating the verse, the person should repeat it as the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) and his companions did.

The second reason:

Seeking nearness with Allah by the supererogatory deeds after the obligatory deeds, because they take the person to the rank of the beloved after the rank of love. Allah the Exalted and Glorious says in the Qudsi Hadeeth: “And the most beloved things with which My slave comes seeks nearness (through) to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (supererogatory acts) till I love him, and if I love him, I become his sense of hearing with which he hears with, and his sense of sight with which he sees with, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (Refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My Refuge)”. [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

«وما تقرب إلي عبدي بشيء أحب إلي مما افترضت عليه، وما يزال عبدي يتقرب إلي بالنوافل حتى أحبه، فإذا أحببته: كنت سمعه الذي يسمع به، وبصره الذي يبصر به، ويده التي يبطش بها، ورجله التي يمشي بها، وإن سألني لأعطينه، ولئن استعاذني لأعيذنه» رواه البخاري

Note: This Hadeeth means that he does not say or hear except what is good and does not see except what is permitted by Allah and does not deal with a prohibited thing or walks to what is prohibited; this is because of the success that Allah bestows upon the servant. And this is the meaning of His saying ‘so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees … etc.’

The third reason:

Remembering Him all the time by tongue, heart, deeds and status; person’s share of love depends on his share of this remembrance. Allah the Exalted and Glorious says in the Qudsi Hadeeth: “I am with my servant as long as he mentions Me and his lips moves with mentioning Me.” [Authenticated by Al-Albani as Saheeh]

«أنا مع عبدي ما ذكرني وتحركت بي شفتاه» صححه الألباني

And Allah almighty says:
Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying), I will remember you
[Al-Baqarah 2:152]

فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ
البقرة: 152

Transliteration: Faothkuroonee athkurkum

and the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) says: “There is no people get up from a gathering in which they do not remember Allah but they get up like people who got up after eating a donkey’s corpse and it would be grief to them.” [Reported by Abu Dawûd and Authenticated by Al-Albani]

«ما من قوم يقومون من مجلس لا يذكرون الله فيه إلا قاموا عن مثل جيفة حمار وكان لهم حسرة» رواه أبي داود وصححه الألباني

The fourth reason:

Giving preference to what He likes over what you like, at the times in which the whims overcome you, and seeking what He likes even if it is difficult. Ibn Al-Qayim (may Allah mercy him) says: “Giving preference to the satisfaction of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, over the satisfaction of anyone else means to want and to do whatever brings His satisfaction even if it dissatisfied the creatures. This is the rank of Ithar, and its superior status is for the messengers of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon them), and the superior of this status is for the Messengers of strong will, and the superior among those is our Prophet, Muhammad (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him). And all of that could not be attained without three things:

1- Defeating the whims of the self.
2- Doing the contrary to the whims of the self.
3- Fighting Satan and his supporters.

The fifth reason:

Making the heart aware of His names and attributes, giving it the opportunity of walking in the orchards of this knowledge, because whoever knows Allah with His names, attributes and acts will certainly love Him.

The knowing person is the one who knows Allah with His names, attributes and acts, and then become sincere in his dealings with Allah, and then sincerely dedicate his intentions and purposes to Allah. On the other hand, whoever denies Allah’s attributes had demolished the basis of Islam and belief, and whoever interprets the attributes of Allah seems as if he accuses the prophetic explanation for the message with deficiency.

The sixth reason:

Seeing His kind, beneficence and inward and outward blessings and graces, because they are reasons for His love; the man loves, by his nature, whoever makes favor to him, treats him kindly, consoles him, grants him victory, defeats his enemies and helps him in all his affairs. Allah Almighty says:
and if you count the Blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them. Verily, man is indeed an extreme wrong-doer, a disbeliever (an extreme ingrate who denies Allah’s Blessings by disbelief, and by worshipping others besides Allah, and by disobeying Allah and His Prophet Muhammad and peace of Allah be upon him)
[Ibrahîm 14:34]

وَإِنْ تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَا إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَظَلُومٌ كَفَّارٌ
إبراهيم: 34

Transliteration: wain taAAuddoo niAAmata Allahi latuhsooha inna alinsana lathaloomun kaffarun

The seventh reason, which is the most marvelous one:

Having the heart totally broken between the hands of Allah Almighty; this could be explained only by the words. To be broken means to be humble; Allah Almighty says:
And all voices will be humbled for the Most Gracious (Allah), and nothing shall you hear but the low voice of their footsteps.
[Ta-Ha 20:108]


وَخَشَعَتِ الْأَصْوَاتُ لِلرَّحْمَنِ فَلَا تَسْمَعُ إِلَّا هَمْسًا
طه: 108

Transliteration: wakhashaAAati alaswatu lilrrahmani fala tasmaAAu illa hamsan

The word ‘humbleness’ is usually used with the limbs, whereas ‘submission’ is usually used with the heart; therefore, it is said, “if the heart submitted, its limbs would be humble.”

The eighth reason:

Having loneliness with Him at the time of His descent, to talk to Him, recite His words, stand with your heart and behave between His hands in way shows slavery to Him and end this with repentance. Allah Almighty says:
Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend (in charity in Allah’s Cause) out of what We have bestowed on them
[As-Sajdah 32:16]

تَتَجَافَى جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ الْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنْفِقُونَ
السجدة: 16

Transliteration: Tatajafa junoobuhum AAani almadajiAAi yadAAoona rabbahum khawfan watamaAAan wamimma razaqnahum yunfiqoona

The ninth reason:

Sitting with the true lovers of Allah and picking the best of their sayings like picking the best of fruits, and do not talk except if talking is better and leads to enhancing your status and benefiting the others. Allah Almighty says in the Qudsi Hadeeth: “My love is due to those who love each other for My sake, My love is due to those who sit with each other for My sake and My love is due to those who visit each other for My sake.” [Authenticated by Al-Albani]

«وجبت محبتي للمتحابين في، والمتجالسين في، والمتزاورين في» صححه الألباني

And it is narrated that the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “The strongest tie of faith is to love for the sake of Allah and to hate for the sake of Allah.” [Reported by al-Albani as good by the virtue of another hadîth]

«إن أوثق عرى الإيمان: أن تحب في الله، وتبغض في الله» الألباني، حسن لغيره

The tenth reason:

Neglecting anything makes a curtain between the heart and Allah the Exalted and Glorious. If the heart is corrupted, the person would not find benefit from what he fixes in his worldly life and he would not find benefit or gain in the Hereafter. Allah Almighty says:
The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, Except him who brings to Allah a clean heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaq (hypocrisy)].
[Ash-Shu’ara`26:88-89]

يَوْمَ لَا يَنْفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُونَ (88) إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ
الشعراء: 88-89


Transliteration: Yawma layanfaAAu malun wala banoona (88) Illa man ata Allaha biqalbin saleemin

There are three requirements for repentance; regret, desistance and apology.
Repentance means to regret the deeds of the past and to desist it in the present time and to intend not to do it in the future. These three conditions should be present at the time of repentance to return to the status of slavery, that you are created for it. Actually, this return is the essence of repentance.

The source: The five corrupters of the heart, by imam Ibn Al-Qayim Al-Jawzyah
(Indulging in social discourses, wish, being attached to other than Allah, satisfying the appetite and sleep)
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#479 [Permalink] Posted on 23rd June 2017 01:17
Do not speak – Do not become angry – Do not mix

SubhanAllaah we never realise how much we speak and most of the time it is speaking without any benefit to ourselves or the people.
May Allaah protect us from our own tongues and make our tongues for us rather than against us on Yawmil Qiyamaah, Allaahumma Ameen.
Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Saeed Raslan writes about the manners of the Student of Islamic knowledge. From his book titled “Adab Tullaab Al-I’lm“.

– Silence –
As for reducing your level of speech, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“من كان يؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر فليكرم ضيفه ومن كان يؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر فليقل خيرا أو ليصمت“
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say what is good or remain silent.” [Reported by Ahmad (2/267, 433, and 463), al-Bukhari (6018, 6136, and 6475), Muslim (47), Abu Dawud (5154), at-Tirmidhi (2500), and Ibn Hibban (506 & 516)]
an-Nawawi said:
“This means that if one wants to say something, he should decide whether what he wants to say is definitely good and praiseworthy, obligatory or encouraged. If so, he should say it. If he doesn’t see that it is good and praiseworthy, he should not say it, whether it is forbidden, disliked, or permissible they are all the same. In this case, speech which is normally allowed should be avoided out of fear that it can lead to forbidden or disliked speech, and this happens a lot. Based on this hadith, al-Imam ash-Shafi’i (may Allah be Pleased with him) said that if you wish to say something, let him think. If you conclude that there is no harm, speak. If you conclude that your words will bring about harm, do not speak.” [‘Sharh Sahih Muslim’ (2/18)]
Ibn Hajar (may Allah have Mercy on him) said:
“And this is from his (peace be upon him) ability to combine many meanings on few words, as every statement is good, bad, or leaning to one of the two. Included under good speech is everything obligatory or encouraged, and he allowed this speech despite its various types, as well as anything that could lead to it. As for speech that is bad or could lead to what is bad, he commanded us to be quiet if we ever wanted to indulge in it.” [‘Fath al-Bari’ (1/461)]

(1) Ibn Abd al-Barr (may Allah have Mercy on him) said:
“From the tests that the scholar is put through is that he likes to talk more than he likes to listen.“

(2) Yazid bin Abi Habib said:
“Listening is safe and increases one’s knowledge, and the listener is the partner of the speaker. Talking consists of confusion and deception, excess and deficiency. The one who talks awaits fitnah, and the one who listens awaits mercy.“

(3) And Abu adh-Dhiyal said: “Learn to be quiet just as you learn to talk, because if talking guides you, being quiet protects you. By being quiet, you attain two characteristics: you are able to take knowledge from those more knowledgeable than you, and you are able to repel the ignorance of those more ignorant than you.“
Speaking about good things is a prize and is better than silence, because the best thing that silence has to offer is safety, and by speaking what is good, you actually gain something extra.

(4) It was said: “Whoever speaks what is good wins, and whoever remains silent is saved, and speaking about knowledge-related matters is from the best of actions, and it is of the same level as dhikr and recitation of the Qur’an if it is done to repel ignorance, attain the Pleasure of Allah, and discover the reality of its meanings.” [‘Jami’ Bayan al-’Ilm wa Fadlih’ (1/182)]

(5) Abu Hatim said: “Two men went to seek knowledge. When they became learned, one of them became known as a speaker, and the other came to be known as quiet. So, the speaker wrote to the quiet one:
I never sought to gain anything in life “With something better than my tongue…”
So, the quiet one wrote back:
And I never sought to gain anything in life “With something that deserved to be imprisoned more than the tongue”” [‘Lubab al-Adab’ (p. 274)]

(6) And a man came to Salman (may Allah be Pleased with him), saying: “O Aba Abdillah! Advise me!”
So, he said: “Do not speak.”
The man replied: “It’s impossible for one who lives amongst the people not to speak.”
He said: “Then if you speak, say what is correct, or be quiet.”
The man said: “Tell me more.”
Salman said: “Do not become angry.”
The man said: “You tell me not to become angry, and I am sometimes overcome and unable to control myself.”
He said: “Then if you become angry, at least control your tongue and hands.”
The man said: “Tell me more.”
Salman said: “Do not mix with the people.”
The man said: “One who lives with the people must mix with them!”
He said: “Then if you mix with them, speak the truth and fulfill your promises.” [‘Kitab as-Samt wa Adab al-Lisan’ (p. 558)]

(7) And Abu Hayan at-Taymi said: “It was said that the man should pay more attention to his tongue than to where he places his feet,” [‘Kitab as-Samt wa Adab al-Lisan’ (p. 206)] and this is because of the danger the tongue and excess talking pose to the believer’s heart. The traps of the tongue are many and deadly, and just one of these traps is enough to make one spend their entire life trying to avoid. However, Allah tests His Creation in order to make clear the righteous from the evil.
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#480 [Permalink] Posted on 18th July 2017 21:16
Bismillah.

Stuck in a rut? unable to move forward in some area of your life. Sometimes the foundation for big changes is in consistently taking small baby sized teeny, weeny steps . Khayr the following explains it better.

Grandeur in the Miniscule
by Naiyerah Kolkailah

It was a breathtaking view from my window. Thousands of feet up in the air, I was passing through heaps of white cotton candy spread across the sky. The clouds swished by and a chain of giant mountains pierced boldly through the atmosphere. Glistening in the sunlight was a vast ocean, with its little white waves hugging the sandy shores that meandered around the land.

“Surely, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, are signs for those of understanding,” (Qur’an, 3:190). All this pristine beauty got me thinking about the sunnah (way) of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) in His creation—that He created the greatest of things out of smaller components; the clouds and oceans from tiny water molecules, the mountains from grains of sand, rocks and pebbles, giant forests and gardens from individual plants and trees. In living organisms too, entire systems are composed of smaller organs, layered with tissues composed of miniscule cells that house tiny organelles!

Doesn’t that sunnah apply to our lives too? When we nurture the tiniest elements, we create greatness in every aspect of our lives, from our relationships, to our health, to our connection with Allah سبحانه وتعالى. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) reminds us, “Do not belittle any good action, even if it be greeting your brother with a pleasant face,” (Muslim). Every action, down to the invisibly tiny atom, is significant with Allah سبحانه وتعالى. It could be stroking the head of a sad child, or visiting someone who is sick, or giving $5 or $10 to the poor and needy, or lending a helping hand when someone needs you. And when you assist others in any way, know that Allah سبحانه وتعالى is helping you! Prophet Muhammad ﷺ says, “Whoever relieves a believer of distress in this world, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever makes things easy for those who are in difficulty, Allah will make things easy for him in this world and in the next. Whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim in this world, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah will help the servant so long as the servant helps his brother,” (Tirmidhi).

With your friends or loved ones, it could be the smallest acts of kindness that make the biggest difference: a comforting phone call during the day, a warm hug, a genuine smile that brightens their mood, or even doing the grocery shopping or washing the dishes after they’ve had a long day. Doing these loving, generous acts—and doing them often—is what fuels loving, intimate relationships. These are the seemingly insignificant day-to-day gestures that build solid, beautiful bonds.

Great health also comes with adopting small healthy habits. Allah سبحانه وتعالى created our bodies in the best form, so it behooves us to invest in honoring and taking care of that trust. And strong, healthy individuals, like you, are what make a collectively strong Muslim Ummah! It’s the minor things like cutting down on the heavy carbohydrates, fats and sugars that could relieve you of a few unwanted inches and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Other small changes include exercising portion control and eating a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Allah سبحانه وتعالى says, “And whatever He multiplied for you on the earth of varying colors. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who remember. And it is He who subjected the sea for you to eat from it tender meat […] that you might seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful,” (Qur’an, 16:13-14).

Another good practice to have is to plan your meals and workouts ahead of time. When you know what you will eat during the day, you’re less likely to eat whatever is around when you feel hungry. Also, scheduling your workouts throughout the week ensures that you get enough exercise. Walk as much and as often as you can. Walk around the neighborhood, or in a park, or at your workplace. Make time during your lunch break, or take a 10 minute break from work to walk. Get some fresh air, clear your mind and smell the roses while you’re out! Hit the gym if possible and incorporate strength training to burn fat and tone your muscles. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encourages us to increase our physical strength when he says, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer,” (Muslim). If you can’t make it to the gym, exercise at home or outdoors. Do more push-ups, sit-ups, squats and lunges, and exercise with a partner for motivation. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes a day of continuous exercise. When you start developing all these minor eating and exercise habits, you embark on a path of greater health and fitness, which of course makes you more energized to worship Allah سبحانه وتعالى.

Remember what actions are most beloved to Allah?—the ones done consistently, even if they are small. In your relationship with Allah سبحانه وتعالى, that means small doses of Qur’anic recitation, prayers and du`a’ (supplication) are better than large doses every once in a blue moon. A short du`a’ after every prayer is preferred over supplicating for a long time only when you’re having trouble and need Allah’s help. Reading five minutes of Qur’an daily and praying a few rak`as (units) of qiyam (night prayer) before sleeping or before Fajr is better than doing these only when Ramadan rolls around.

If Fajr is not part of your morning practice, that would be a prime place to start. If you’re determined to wake up for Fajr prayer, force yourself to sleep early and go to bed in a state of wudu’ while doing dhikr. Of course, drop the caffeine in the afternoons, set your alarms, and get a family member or buddy to make sure you wake up. If you’re with family, praying together is the best motivator! On the Day of Judgment, people will be wishing they had read just one more ayah (verse) of Qur’an, and prostrated just one more time—because the benefits are enormous. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ says, “Recite the Qur’an, for it will come on the Day of Judgment as in intercessor for its companions,” (Muslim). He also says, “Prostrate a lot because there is not one prostration that you do for Allah except that Allah raises your rank (in Paradise) by it, and removes a sin by it for you,” (Muslim).

What area in your life can you create more beauty, more greatness, and more success in? Pick one area and just start! Start with tiny changes and little adjustments that push you in the right direction. When you do the minor acts repeatedly and consistently, you create a series of successes for yourself. These small feats add up, and motivate you to challenge yourself—to give more, exercise more often, read Qur’an and pray more regularly, and do even more thoughtful acts for others. Before you know it, by Allah’s will, your life will be a big success made up of many smaller ones.

Just like our bodies are made up of millions of magnificent smaller entities, loving relationships are made up of numerous, loving acts of kindness, a healthy person practices a variety of healthy eating and exercise habits, and a righteous person is one who does many righteous acts. And don’t forget that every little bit counts. As Allah سبحانه وتعالى reminds us, “Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it,” (Qur’an, 99:7) and “Whatever good you do, Allah knows it,” (Qur’an, 2:197).

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