Will You Carry My Load?

Once Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho Anho), during his caliphate, was going on his usual rounds towards Harrah (a suburb of Madinah) with his slave Aslam, when he saw a distant fire in the desert, He said, "There seems to be a camp. Perhaps, it is a caravan that could not enter the town due to night fall. Let's go and look after them and arrange for their protection during the night."

When he reached there, he found a woman and some children. The children were crying. The woman had a pan of water over the fire. Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho Anho) greeted her with salaam and, with her permission, went near her. (The woman didn't recognize that it was Umar).

Umar, "Why are these children crying?"

The Woman, "Because they are hungry."

Umar, "What is in the pan?"

The Woman, "Only water to soothe the children, so that they may go to sleep in the belief that food is being prepared for them. Ah! Allah will judge between Umar (Radhiyallaho Anho) and me, on the Day of Judgment, for neglecting me in my distress."

Umar (weeping), "May Allah have mercy on you! How can Umar know of your distress?"

The Woman, "When he is our Amir, he must keep himself informed about us."

Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallaho Anho) returned to the town and straight away went to the Baitul Mal (House of Charity) to fill a sack with flour, dates, fat, and clothes, and also drew some money. When the sack was ready, he said to Aslam, "Now put this sack on my back, Aslam."

Aslam, "No please, Amir-ul-Momineen! I shall carry this sack."Umar refused to listen to Aslam, even on his persistent requests to allow him to carry the sack, and remarked,

"What! WILL YOU CARRY MY LOADS ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT? I must carry this bag, for it is I who would be questioned (in the Hereafter) about this woman."

Aslam most reluctantly placed the bag on Umar's (Radhiyallaho Anho) back, who carried it with a swift pace right to the woman's tent. Aslam followed at his heels. He put a little flour and some dates and fat in the pan and began to stir. He blew (with his mouth) into the fire to kindle it.Aslam says, "I saw the smoke passing through his thick beard."After some time, the pottage was ready. He himself served it to the family. When they had eaten to their fill, he made over to them the little that was left for their next meal. The children were very happy after their meal and began to play about merrily.

The woman felt very grateful and remarked, "May Allah reward you for your kindness! In fact you deserve to take the place of Khalifah instead of Umar."Umar consoled her and said, "When you come to see the Khalifah, you will find me there."

He sat for a while at a place close by and kept on watching the children. He then returned to Madinah. On his way back, he said to Aslam, "Do you know why I sat there, Aslam? I had seen them weeping in distress. I liked to see them laughing and happy for some time."

Web link: http://www.muslimteens.org/

"Invite all to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching;And consult with them in ways that are best and most gracious."(Al Qur'an, 16:125)

Courtesy: Naf Rajabalee [naf_rajabalee@yahoo.com]

How would you compare today's Muslim Rulers with Khalifa Umer Razi Allah Ta 'aala Anhu.

A deep heart touching story

A deep heart touching story

Author: Unknown

It’s about muslim man named Rashid. He Says.“I was not a practicing muslim, I had bad friends. I enjoyed going out with them. I was almost never home, but always at gatherings with friends, in these gatherings we backbited, gossiped and made fun of ppl. I was especially known among my friends to make jokes and ppl were impressed by the way I was so good at it.

One night (at the time I was 30 and married and my wife was pregnant with our 1st child) I was as usual gathered with my friends and talking useless talk. I was telling them how I was at the market one day and I saw a blind man and I put my leg out in front of this man and the blind man tripped and fell on his face. My friends laughed and so on.

When I went back home that night, my wife told me ‘were have u been?’ ‘I am so tired and sick and I think I am in labor.’ A tear dropped down her cheek.I felt guilty, for I hadn’t cared about my wife properly.I quickly took her to the hospital.She was in pain for a long time and could not give birth, I waited patiently, but eventually I left and told the hospital to call me when she gave birth.

An hour later, they called telling me my wife had given birth to baby boy named Salem.I quickly went to the hospital. I asked which room my wife was in. They told me I 1st had to see the doctor. I got mad at them and said “What doctor? I want to see my son!?!” they insisted that I see the doctor first.So I went to the doctor, she first talked to me about calamities and that one must accept the will (qadar) of Allah. Then she told me, ‘your son is blind!’My lowered my head and remembered the blind man I tripped and made fun of.I didn’t know what to say, I thanked the doctor for her kindness and went to see my wife.

My wife was not sad, rather she accepted the will of Allah (Subhanahu wata'ala).She had always advised me not to make fun of ppl and not to gossip and backbite.We left the hospital. I did not care about Salem, I did not like him, I pretended that he wasn’t even in the house. But, my wife loved Salem very much and cared for him.Salem grew and he began to crawl, he wasn’t crawling properly. When he began to walk, we discovered that he was handicapped.

This was too much for meLater, my wife gave birth to 2 boys, Omar and Khalid.Years passed, salem and his brothers grew. I continued to hang out with my bad friends and did not like to be at home. However, my wife was patient with me and she always made dua that Allah guide me.One Friday, I woke up at 11 am (which was early for me) and was getting ready to go to a walimah (I did not go to Jummah). I got dressed, put on 3tter, and was about to head out the door when I saw Salem (who was 10 yrs old) crying very loudly in the living room.So, for the first time in 10 years I cared and went to ask him why he was crying. When salem felt me coming near, he stopped crying and pushed me away as if to say, “Now you care, where were you for the past 10 yrs!”Salem was calling his mother and brothers, but no one was answering him, so he went to his room. I followed him.

At first, he would not tell me why he was crying.Do you know why he was crying?His brother Omar, who normally took him to the masjid, was late. Salem was afraid that since it was a Friday, he would not be able to get a spot in the front row at the mosque.I said, “is that why you cried salem?” salem answered positively.I, out of disbelief from what I heard, forgot about my friends and the walimah. I then told salem that I would take him to the mosque.Salem could not believe what he had heard. He thought his father was mocking him. He then began to cry.I wiped salem’s tears and took him by his hand to take him to the car.Salem refused. He said the mosque is near, and he wants to walk there by foot.I could not remember the last time he went to the mosque. The mosque was full, but I was able to find a spot for salem in the first row.

After prayer was over, salem asked me to get him copy of the Quran. I thought, ‘how can he want a Quran if he is blind!!!!’ so I gave him one anyway so that his feelings would not be hurt.Salem then asked me to open to surat al-kahf. So when I opened it for him, salem began to recite. He had memorized the entire surah.I felt embarrassed and ashamed of myself. I took a Quran and began to read. I asked Allah for forgiveness and guidance. I then began to sob like a child. There were still people in the mosque, so I tried to hide my tears.I couldn’t. I began to sob loudly.I felt a small hand wiping his tears away. It was salem. He hugged me and I thought, ‘you aren’t the blind one, for I am, because I ran after the evil people who would drag me into hell-fire.’

From that day on I never missed a prayer at the mosque. My wife was really happy.I left all my bad friends and tasted the sweetness of eman. I went to halaqas. I became closer to Allah and to my family. I thanked Allah for this great blessing.

One day my pious friends decided to go to a far away place to make dawah. I hesitated about going, I made istikharah and asked my wife, to my surprise she encouraged me to go. She was so happy, for before I used to travel w/o asking her.I told Salem that I would be traveling, he hugged me with his tiny arms, bidding me farewell.

I was away for 3 months and I would call my family and I missed them greatly, especially Salem. Whenever, I called I would ask for him but he was either at school or the mosque. Everytime I told my wife how much I missed him, she would laugh cheerfully.Except for the last call, she did not laugh but her voice had changed. I told her to say salam to Salem and she said “Insha Allah” and was quiet.

I finally came back home and hoped Salem would open the door for me, but Khaled did. Then I saw my wife, her face had changed.I asked her “what’s wrong?” she replied “nothing.”Then I remembered Salem, and asked “where is he?” My wife lowered her head and did not answer. A tear dropped down her cheek.I screamed at her, “where’s Salem, where is he?’”My son Khaled (4 yrs old), said “Daddy, Thalem went to Jannah, he is with Allah.”My wife could not handle it and she broke down in tears and left the room.I found out later that Salem had got sick with a fever and went to hospital 2 weeks before I arrived.The fever worsened and his mother stayed by his side and until his soul departed his body.”

Young love, sad but true

Young love, sad but true

You thought it was the happiest day of your life
When u saw the man of your dreams
Smile and look at you intensely
Your heart skipped a beat
And u felt unable to breath

He asked for your number
And u mumbled as u wrote it down

He called and U met up with him

Since then it’s been a roller coaster
As time flew past
Like scenes from a film
Lessons and studies forgotten
As u bunked of to meet with him

The one day u saw him by chance
In a parkWith another girl
He saw u and tried to come to u
But u didn’t want to know
So u outpaced him

He called and filled your mail box
As well as many texts
With explanations
That she’s nothing and you’re the only one

U forgave him
AndSwallowed your pride
Although he’s taking u for a ride
U know it deep down
But u frown And ignore your better judgment
By giving him another chance

But he will dance Around u again and again
Coz once a player always a player
Until his ideas and viewpoint to life change
And he stops acting deranged

He’s a follower of society
Where fornication and impropriety Are the norm

The more women u have on the go
The more u are ratedBy those who are sedated
On freedom and living life to the max
Wasting their youth, time and money
And think those who follow religion are sad and funny

U thought u could change him for the best
Date him and let love do the rest

But he won’t change yet
Coz he thinks he’s young, free and single
And able to pull and mingle With as many women as possible
You’re just a small part of his life
Not yet his wife
So why should he stay faithful
Truthful And follow Victorian and religious values

Your friends warned u
But u didn’t listen
And u miss him
And think the worst
Especially when his phone rings
And texts start coming
And he singsA lie of a story to u
And tells u how much he loves u truly
And that the others mean nothing
Swears by Allah

Although he’s farFrom a practicing believer

As time moves on
The emotion known as love subsides
And u realise
That u were wrong to think

he was the oneFor today, tomorrow and the future
U see thorough his web of deceit
Lovely words without meaning
And finally see what a filthy creature he is

U thank Allah for guidance
And opening your eyes and
Removing the spell To see things clearly
That he only loves his desires dearly
And if u follow his ways
Satan might as well be your lord and guide
And companion on the last day

Author: Showkotali@hotmail.com

I thought it was most appropriate to post this in my blog. I received this as an email from an Islamic Group. In a promiscuous society such as the one we are living in young people fall into this circumspectly planned trap of shaytan in the name of “Love”. They say “Love is Blind”, its not only blind but it also destroys the Individuals engaged in it. It’s a killer which destroys a person bit by bit.

Love in itself is a blessing, only when it’s channeled through the wrong means does it spell disaster. Love sustains the human soul, it gives hope to the oppressed, it’s the life blood of successful relationships, creates harmony between rivals and above all the love for ones creator helps one conquer both worlds.

But “Love” like any other emotion can be used in a haram way, which can by itself lead to the destruction of families and societies as a whole. Young people believe that having a relationship before marriage leads to a successful marital life. Why isn’t this true? At the outset this argument seems to be true, what nullifies its validity?

I quote the following in this regard,

Studies have shown that most of the marriages that are based on prior love between a man and woman fail, whereas most marriages that are not based on haraam relationships, which people call “traditional marriages”, succeed.

In a field study done by a French sociologist, the conclusion was:

Marriage is more likely to succeed when the two parties did not fall in love before marriage. In another study of 1500 families, undertaken by Professor Isma’eel ‘Abd al-Baari, the conclusion was that more than 75% of love marriages ended in divorce, whilst the rate among traditional marriages – those which were not based on prior love – was less than 5%.

We can mention the most important causes of this outcome:

1. Emotion blinds one to seeing faults and dealing with them, as it is said: “Love is blind”. One or both parties may have faults that make them unsuitable for the other, but those faults only become apparent after marriage.
   
2. The lovers may think that life is an unending journey of love, so we see that they only speak of love and dreams, etc. They never speak about the problems of life and how to deal with them. This notion is destroyed after marriage, when they are confronted with the problems and responsibilities of life.
   
3. The lovers are not used to debate and discussion; rather they are used to sacrifice and compromise in order to please the other party. Often they have arguments because each party wants to compromise and please the other. Then the opposite happens after marriage, and their arguments lead to a problem, as each one is used to the other agreeing with him or her, without any argument.
   
4. The image that each lover has of the other is not a true image, because each party is being kind and gentle and trying to please the other. This is the image that each is trying to present to the other during the so-called “love” phase, but no one can carry on doing that throughout his or her life, so the true image appears after marriage, and leads to problems.
   
5. The period of love is usually based on dreams and exaggerations that do not correspond with the reality that appears after marriage. The lover may think that he is going to bring her a piece of the moon, and he will never be happy unless she is the happiest person in the world, and so on.

But in return, she is going to live with him in one room and on the ground, and she has no requests or demands so long as she has won him, and that is sufficient for her. As one of them said, “A small nest is sufficient for us” and “A small morsel is sufficient for us” and “I will be content if you give me a piece of cheese and an olive”! This is exaggerated emotional talk, and both parties quickly forget it after marriage, and the woman complains about her husband’s miserliness, and his failure to meet her needs. Then the husband begins to complain about having too many demands and too many expenses.

For these reasons and others, we are not surprised when each party says after marriage that they were deceived and that they rushed into it. The man regrets not marrying so and so who was suggested to him by his parents and the woman regrets not marrying so and so whom her parents approved of, but in fact they rejected him because of her wishes. So the result is this very high rate of divorce for marriages which people thought would be examples of the happiest marriages in the world!

The reasons mentioned above are real, and have happened in real life, but we should not ignore the real reason for the failure of these marriages, which are based on disobedience to Allaah. Islam can never approve of these sinful relationships, even if the aim is marriage. Therefore they cannot escape the just divine punishment, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’aan nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship”
[Ta-Ha 20:124]

A hard and difficult life is the result of disobeying Allaah and turning away from His Revelation.
And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth”
[al-A’raaf 7:96]

Blessings from Allaah are a reward for faith and piety, but if there is no faith or piety, or only a little thereof, the blessing will be reduced or even non-existent.
And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)”
[al-Nahl 16:97]

A good life is the fruit of faith and righteous deeds.

Allaah indeed spoke the truth when He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“Is it then he who laid the foundation of his building on piety to Allaah and His Good Pleasure better, or he who laid the foundation of his building on the brink of an undetermined precipice ready to crumble down, so that it crumbled to pieces with him into the fire of Hell. And Allaah guides not the people who are the Zaalimoon (wrongdoers)”
[al-Tawbah 9:109]

The one whose marriage is based on this haraam foundation must hasten to repent and seek forgiveness and seek a righteous life that is based on faith, piety and righteous deeds.

Is love before marriage better? Another perspective.

The issue of this marriage depends on the ruling on what came before it. If the love between the two parties did not transgress the limits set by Allah or make them commit sin, then there is the hope that the marriage which results from this love will be more stable, because it came about as the result of the fact that each of them wanted to marry the other.

If a man feels some attraction towards a woman whom it is permissible for him to marry her, and vice versa, there is no answer to the problem except marriage. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “We do not think that there is anything better for those who love one another than marriage.” (Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 1847; classed as saheeh by al-Busayri and by Shaykh al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 624)

Al-Sindi said, as noted in Haamish Sunan Ibn Maajah:
The phrase “We do not think that there is anything better for those who love one another than marriage” may be understood to refer to two or to more than two. What this means is that if there is love between two people, that love cannot be increased or made to last longer by anything like marriage. If there is marriage as well as that love, that love will increase and grow stronger every day.”

But if that marriage comes about as a result of an illicit love relationship, such as when they meet and are alone together and kiss one another, and other haraam actions, then it will never be stable, because they committed actions that go against sharee’ah and because they have built their lives on things that will have the effect of reducing blessings and support from Allaah, for sin is a major factor in reducing blessings, even though some people think, because of the Shaytaan’s whispers, that falling in love and doing haraam deeds makes marriage stronger.

Moreover, these illicit relationships that take place before marriage will be a cause to make each party doubtful about the other. The husband will think that his wife may possibly have a similar relationship with someone else, and even if he thinks it unlikely, he will still be troubled by the fact that his wife did do something wrong with him. And the same thoughts may occur to the wife too, and she will think that her husband could possibly have an affair with another woman, and even if she thinks it unlikely, she will still be troubled by the fact that her husband did something wrong with her.

So each partner will live in a state of doubt and suspicion, which will ruin their relationship sooner or later.

The husband may condemn his wife for having agreed to have a relationship with him before marriage, which will be upsetting for her, and this will cause their relationship to deteriorate. Hence we think that if a marriage is based upon an illicit premarital relationship, it will most likely be unstable and will not be successful.

With regard to arranged marriages where the family chooses the partner, they are not all good and not all bad. If the family makes a good choice and the woman is religious and beautiful, and the husband likes her and wants to marry her, then there is the hope that their marriage will be stable and successful. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) urged the one who wants to get married to look at the woman. It was narrated from al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah that he proposed marriage to a woman, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Go and look at her, because that is more likely to create love between you.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1087; classed as hasan by al-Nasaa’i, 3235)

But if the family makes a bad choice, or they make a good choice but the husband does not agree with it, then this marriage is most likely doomed to failure and instability, because the marriage that is based on lack of interest usually is not stable.

And Allaah knows best.

So dear brothers and sisters fear Allah and be not a prey of the plotting shaytan. With a media that constantly bombard us with this utter filth it is of course very difficult to stick to the shariah, but Insha Allah we will try our utmost best, then the one above the seven skies will reward us for our sincerity. Of All the types of love in this world the love of Allah subhantalah and your mother are the greatest. No soul can ever offer you such unconditional love as your mother. As I conclude I leave you all with this beautiful dua.

"O Allah, make my love for You the most beloved thing to me, and my fear for You the most fearful thing to me, and remove from me all worldly needs and wants by instilling a passion for meeting You, and when You have given the people of the world the pleasures of their world, make the coolness of my eyes (pleasure) in worshipping You." Ameen

Death the Destroyer of Desires

Death is not the absolute end. It is just the discontinuation of unitybetween the body and soul. It is a change from one state to anotherand a transition from this present life to that of the hereafter. The purpose of our existence is the worship of Allah as mentioned inthe Book of Allah:

"And I [Allaah] created not the Jinns and Men except that they shouldworship Me [alone]" Soorah az-Zariyat (51): 56

This life, which we are living, is the testing ground for which thereshall be only two consequences, Paradise or Hellfire. Unfortunatelymore than often we disregard death, as we are so attached to thisworld and the love of which has been established in our hearts.

"Certainly, they see it as distant, but We see it as near" Soorahal-Ma'arij (70): 6-7

Death only becomes a reality when a close beloved one dies. The heartfeels heavy, the eyes shed tears and there is, at that moment, apresent fear of death. If we were to spend even a single moment eachday thinking about death, it would bring forth many concerns? Thegreatest being our Hereafter:

"He Who has created death and life, that He may test you, which of youis best in deed." Al-Mulk (67):21

So we stop and consider what we are doing with our time and where weare heading, and then realize that much of it is wasted in light talk,in laughing, in pursuing that which is not going to benefit ourHereafter.

One of the Salaf said: "Three characteristics are from Eemaan: Modesty, Chastity andWithholding of the tongue, not the with holding of the heart andactions. These are things which cause gain in the Hereafter and lossin this life, and what is gained in the next life is greater than whatis lost in this world." [Re ported by Abdur-Razzaaq in his Musannaffrom A'oon ibn 'Abdullaah]

"This World in comparison with the world to come is just like one ofyou putting his finger in the sea. Let him consider what it returnswith." Saheeh Muslim (eng. trans. vol.4 p.l486 no.6843 The Prophet Muhammad (sallahu alihi wa-sallam) explained how thisworld is not even worth the wing of a mosquito! And how small is amosquito, and then the wing of a mosquito- so what is the worth of theworld we run after and are dearly attached to? The Messenger of Allaah (sallahu alihi wa-sallam) referred to death as'the destroyer of desires." [Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah & Nasaai andauthenticated by Sheikh al-Albanee in al-Mishkaat (1/1607)] Because when each one of us remembers the awesome reality of death andwhat is to follow after that, our present desires and wordy concernsseem so insignificant and futile, and the life of the Hereafterbecomes our goal and we become interested in the means to attain thatgoal.

We find that the Companions of the Prophet (sallahu alihiwa-sallam) excelled on this point and were not deluded by theamusements of this world, knowing that love for this world wouldinjure their Paradise. Hence, they faced trials and every hardship with the knowledge that aweighty judgement was yet to come and a full compensation yet to bepaid - so they had hope and fear in Allaah, without exaggeratedoptimism or disparity.

"O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you areasked to march forth in the cause of Allaah [ie. Jihaad] you clingheavily to the earth? Are you pleased with the life of this worldrather than the Hereafter? [Soorah at-Taubah (9):38]

Regarding the shaheed (martyr), the Prophet (sallahu alihi wa-sallam)said: "Nobody who enters Paradise will (ever like to) return to this world,even if be were offered everything on the surface of the earth, exceptthe martyr who will desire to return to this world and be killed tentimes for the sake of the great honor that has been bestowed uponhim." [Saheeh Muslim (eng. trans. vol.3 p.1045 no.4635)]

Let us see how these words affected the hearts and lives of theCompanions, as we reflect upon one Companion in particular, who wasguaranteed Paradise, Talhah ibn 'Ubaidullaah.. "Whoever wishes to look upon a martyr walking the face of the earth,then let him look upon Talhah ibn 'Ubaidullaah." [Sunan at-Tirmidhi &al-Haakim. Authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee in his as-Saheehah (no.126)]

The Prophet (sallahu alihi wa-sallam) said to Talhah when his fingerswere struck by arrows in protecting the Prophet (sallahu alihiwa-sallam) at Uhud, as he let out an exclamation of pain: "If yow had said. 'In the name of Allaah', then the Angels would haveraised you up while the people were looking on at you." (And inanother narration he added): until they entered you into the sky."[Sunan an-Nasaai. The addition is from al-Baihaaqee. Authenticated byal-Albaanee in his as-Saheehah ( no.217)]"Talhah is one who has fulfilled his term." [Sunan at-Tirmidhi andauthenticated by Sheikh al-Albani in as-Saheehah (125)].Which means that he has exhausted his allotted time in the path ofAllaah there remaining nothing between him and death - thus he is asone killed already, although still alive. These are the best ofpeople, those whose belief is manifest in their actions, to whomAllaah and His Messenger (sallahu alihi wa-sallam) are more belovedthan the world and all it contains.

"But truly the home of the Hereafter is the actual life, if only theyknew." [Soorah al-Ankabut (29):64]"

We have reminder upon reminder, about how nations before us weredestroyed and a common sickness which they were plagued with was 'loveof this world'. Regarding the Jews, who claim to be the best of allpeople and inheritors of the Promised Land, Allaah says:

"And verily you will find them the greediest of mankind and [evengreedier] than those who do not believe in Resurrection [i.e. theidolaters]. Every one of them wishes that he could be given a life ofa thousand years. But the grant of such life will not save him even alittle from [due] punishment. And Allaah is all-Seer of what they do."Soorah al-Baqarah (2):96

If these people who spend their time in heedlessness and negligence,and futile desires, and the best part of their time being when theysleep or are inactive - then death is better than life. And we say tothem: 'Time is the most precious thing which you take care of, and I see itto be the easiest for you to lose" "….. and the worst regret is regret on the Day of Resurrection....andthe fortunate one is the one who takes admonition from others.." [From the famous khutbah (sermon) of the Companion, Ibn Mas'ood whichhas been recorded in al-Musannaf of Ibn Abee Shaibah (vol.7 no. 106)]

"Live in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveler." [Saheehal-Bukhari vol.8, p.284, no.425]

Does a traveler waste his time in gathering that which is of nobenefit for his journey? Or does he immediately select that whichshall facilitate him to reach his goal? In the same way, we too mustget into the good habit of striving to do as much as we can today andeveryday, not putting off things for tomorrow, or after exams, ormarriage, or the age of sixty. . !

"If you survive till the evening do nor expect to be alive in themorning and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alivein the evening. And take from your health for your sickness and [take]from your life for your death." [Saheeh al-Bukhari vol.8, p.284, no.425]"And die not except in a state of Islaam" Soorah al-Imran (3):102

So we keep our hearts moistened and alive with remembrance of Allaah,and we remember death in order to remember the Hereafter, and finallywe close with a citation from Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee "O my soul, it is not except a few days patience, As if her extentwere a few dreams. O my soul pass quickly on through this world, And leave it, For indeedlife lies ahead of it.

Source - Email

One for my Sister

One for my Sister

The hospital I worked in during my stay in Swaziland sits atop the beautiful and very steep Lebombo Mountains . In this part of the world people often have to walk 40 kilometers or more in order to see a doctor.As you can imagine there are many people in the community who are simply too sick or too poor to get to a hospital. This is where home-based care comes in. The home-based care team consists of several nurses who jump into a small truck/van every morning and travel out to the community to tend to the health needs of the truly destitute. Before I went out with the team I used to buy potatoes and carrots and apples to give to the people we met - because health care in Africa is often just as much about the provision of food as it is about medicine. I would always make sure I also bought a bag of sweets to give to the beautiful children we would meet out in the community. I have learned that sweets are one of the great unifiers in the human world - we might look different and speak different languages - but most of us - especially the young ones - love sweets!


One day we stopped at one of the 15,000 orphan-led households in Swaziland . Inside the hut we found a beautiful little girl with huge brown eyes. Her name was Tanzile. I gave her a sweet from my bag and she said something back to me in Si-swati, the native language, which the nurse next to me translated:"She wants another one doctor - to give to her little sister." I said "of course" and gave her another. After we had tended to a man with tuberculosis a bit further down the road, we passed by Tanzile's house to say goodbye. To our surprise she seemed to be holding on to that extra sweet I had given her.I remember saying to the nurse "this little darling is clever - she has taken two for herself. If I was her I'd probably have asked for the whole bag!"


But after the nurse had asked her some more questions this is what we learned:Tanzile is 7 now. Two years ago when she was five her mum and dad both died of HIV/AIDS like so many have in this country. At the time of her parents tragic death, she was separated from her baby sister who was three at the time. Tanzile has not laid eyes on her since. But ever since that time, whenever Tanzile receives anything from anyone, including food, - she refuses to accept it, unless they give her two. Two carrots, two toys, two sweets - one for her and one for her baby sister (who in all likelihood didn't survive.)In fact, in the little mud hut where she lives, we found a pile of old things which she has been collecting to give to her sister one day.


My friends, people sometimes look at faces of African children or kids in the developing world and think that they are somehow different than our kids - that somehow they don't feel pain or sadness or love. But that is not true. Their pain is deep. And so is their love.I can still remember the nurse trying to convince her that "if someone gives you food Tanzile, you must accept it - even if it is only one piece and not two - for your own health and safety." And it was so hard for us to keep the tears from our eyes as she shook her head defiantly. Her hope and her love was all that she had. It mattered more than anything else.When I returned home that day, I was shocked to find that this was not an isolated story but others in the hospital knew of orphans just like Tanzile - waiting with a little pile of things in their hut, for their sibling or their parent who they haven't seen in so long.I think of that old saying - "when we're hungry, love will keep us alive." I pray that for Tanzile's sake and the other beautiful children like her that it will.


Written by Maithri

Common Errors in Prayer That MUST Be Avoided

Common Errors in Prayer That MUST Be Avoided

1. Reciting Surat al-Fatiha fast without pausing after each verse.
The Prophet (SAW) used to pause after each verse of this surah. (Abu Dawood)

2. Sticking the arms to the sides of the body, in rukoo' or sujood, and sticking the belly to the thighs in sujood.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "Let not one of you support himself on his forearms (in sujood ) like the dog.
Let him rest on his palms and keep his elbows away from his body." ( Sahih Muslim)
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to keep his arms away from his body during rukoo' and sujood that the whiteness of his armpits could be seen ( Sahih Muslim).

3. Gazing upward during prayer. This may cause loss of concentration. We are commanded to lower our gaze, and look at the point at which the head rests during sujood.
The Prophet (SAW) warned: "Let those who raise their gaze up during prayer stop doing so, or else their sights would not return to them. [ i.e. Lose their eyesight]. " ( Muslim)

4. Resting only the tip of the head on the floor during sujood.
The Prophet (SAW) said: "I am commanded to prostrate on seven bones the forehead and the nose, the two hands [palms],the two knees, and the two feet." ( Sahih Muslim)
Applying the above command necessitates resting the forehead and the nose on the ground during sujood.

5. Hasty performance of prayer which does not allow repose and calmness in rukoo' or sujood.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) saw a man who did not complete his rukoo' [bowing], and made a very short sujood [prostration];he(SAW) said: "If this man dies while praying in this manner, he would die upholding a religion other than the religion of Muhammad."
Abu Hurairah (RA) said:"My beloved friend, Muhammad (SAW) forbade me to perform postures of prayer copying the picking of a rooster; (signifying fast performance of prayer), moving eyes around like a fox and the sitting like monkeys ( i.e. to sit on thighs)." (Imam Ahmad & at-Tayalisi)
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:?"The worst thief is the one who steals from his own prayer."?People asked, 'Messenger of Allah! How could one steal from his own prayer?'
He(SAW) said: "By not completing its rukoo' and sujood."(At-Tabarani & al-Hakim).
To complete rukoo' is to stay in that posture long enough to recite 'subhana rabbiyal Adtheem' three times, SLOWLY,and'subhana rabbiyal-a'ala' three times, SLOWLY, in sujood.
He (SAW) also announced:"He who does not complete his rukoo' and sujood, his prayer is void." (Abu Dawood & others)

6. Counting tasbeeh with the left hand
The Prophet (SAW) used to count tasbeeh on the fingers of his right hand after salah.
lbn Qudamah (RA) said:?"The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used his right hand for tasbeeh." ( Abu Dawud)
The above hadeeth indicates clearly that the Prophet (SAW) used only one hand for counting tasbeeh.?No Muslim with sound mind would imagine that the Prophet (SAW)?used his left hand for counting tasbeeh. Aa'ishah (RA) said that the Prophet (SAW)used his left hand only for Istinjaa', or cleaning himself after responding to the call of nature.?He never used it for tasbeeh.
Yasirah (RA) reported:?The Prophet(SAW) commanded women to count tasbeeh on their fingers.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:?"They (the fingers) will be made to speak, and will be questioned (on the Day of Resurrection.)" (At-Tirmithi)
The above hadeeth indicates that it is preferable to count tasbeeh on the fingers of the right hand than to do so on masbahah(rosary).

7. Crossing in front of a praying person.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) warned:?"Were the one who crosses in front of a praying person to know the consequences of doing so, he would have waited for *forty better than to cross in front of him." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim).*The forty in the tradition may be days months or even years.
Allah knows best.

Shiva Prasad Demolished Babri Masjid That Day -Seeks Forgiveness Today!

Shiva Prasad Demolished Babri Masjid That Day -Seeks Forgiveness Today!
Source: http://www.jamiat.org.za/whatsnew/babri_prasad.html
with minor modifications

Ayodhya, India - Dec. 6, 1992

Among the fears of lakhs [hundreds of thousands] of Kar Sevaks who had gathered to demolish the Babri Masjid, few furiously climbed on the majestic minaret of the mosque. The most important among the few were Shiva Sainiks. A resident of Faisabad, where Ayodhya is situated, Shiva Prasad was the captain of Bajrang Dal. He was given the responsibility to guide four thousand Kar Sevaks in the demolition of mosque.

Shiva Prasad gave training to four thousand people under him, on how to carry the demolition. On seeing the majestic minarets of the mosque come down Captain Prasad was overjoyed and shouted the "Ram! Ram!" This happened seven years ago.

On December 6, 1999 the same Shiva Prasad was seeking forgiveness from Allah for his cruel act seven years back. This 6 Dec.1999 he was fasting (non-obligatory) and regretting for the act with tears and was seeking forgiveness from Allah in his prayers. Yes! Shiva Prasad has embraced Islam. He has changed his name to Mohammed Mustafa. One will be moved to learn how he embraced Islam.

This change in Shiva Prasad's heart was published by Malayalam News (7.12.99) issued by "Arab News Publications" in Saudi Arabia. Shiva Prasad's father Trigal Ramanathan was chief among the heads of Sangh Parivar. His whole family was actively involved in demolishing the Babri Masjid.

Soon after the demolition of the mosque, Shiva prasad felt a depression in his heart. He had no peace of mind. He felt that he had committed a great sin. In 1997 he went to Sharjah, UAE in order to seek employment. But even at work his mind was restless.

On Dec. 4, 1998 as he was walking along the streets of Sharjah, he happened to hear a speech before Friday prayer held in a mosque which was in Hindi. When he heard the speech, which he felt was something different. He wanted to listen the complete speech. That message about Allah created a revolution in his rest less mind. He continued to listen to such speeches thereafter. The revolution in his heart was completed.

All praise is to Allah! Allah has shown him the right path. He has forfeited the ignorance and chosen the righteous path. When Shiva Prasad embraced Islam he was driven out by his family members who were strong RSS activists. He is praying Allah that his family members should also choose the righteous path as he did. Shiva Prasad says that among those who led the demolition on the spot were Ashok Singhal and Advani. On the day of demolition the police and CRPF connived with the leaders of BJP, Bajrang Dal and RSS. Both these law enforcing agencies greatly helped in the demolition.

He recalls that on that day Ashok Singhal dressed himself in military uniform and gave orders. He also recalls, soon after the demolition of the mosque they entered the Muslim areas in the Faizabad and shouted "Jai Shriram". Now, Shiva Prasad is receiving continuous threats from RSS, BJP and Bajrang Dal. Sangh Parivar has threatened to kill if he returns to India. But Mohammed Mustafa (Ex- Shiva Prasad) says firmly that he will never turn away from Islam - the righteous path even if death comes his way.

Having learnt 17 Surahs in the Holy Qur'an, he is anxious to learn whole of the Holy Qur'an. His ambition is to become a true Islamic preacher and bring ignorant people to light. If Allah wishes, his ambition will be fulfilled and the very same hands which demolished the Babri Masjid will built up again.

ALL PRAISE TO ALLAH, The most Beneficent & merciful

Why do we read Quran, even if we can't understand Arabic?

Asalamualiukum warhmatullahi Wabarakathhu,

This is truly a very nice story. I received it as an email. I believe it contains a beautiful message to all of us. Even I have felt the same thing the little boy felt at some point in my life. It’s only now that I realize the impact & the profound affect that the holy Quran can have on our lives. It truly imparts peace on your soul, although I’m not the best of reciters, in fact very poor, even I feel the soothing affect when I’m totally focused in reading it. Although I read some surahs regularly I couldn’t get myself to read the Quran daily part by part, so I made a promise to Allah Subhantalah that I will try my best to do so. Even when I feel very tired I at least read one ayat before I go to bed, I believe this is a small way in which you can start cultivating the habit of reading the Quran daily.

May Allah Subhantala grant all of us the strength to read & understand the holy Quran. Ameen !!


Waliukumsalam Warahmatullahi Wabrakathu.


Why do we read Quran, even if we can't understand Arabic?


This is a beautiful story

An old American Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Qur'an.

His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa, I try to read the Qur'an just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Qur'an do?" The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house.

The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!" "So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Qur'an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Allah in our lives." The best way to learn is to share what you have learned and practice it in your life

Salam

Israel

Oh! Jenin my heart cries for you
By Showkat Ali

The years have passed
Memories have faded
And the rain has washed
Away
The evidence of those slain
Men women and children
Buried under the rubble
Who Israel accused them of causing trouble

Their lies believed by the gullible
International agencies and media
Carried the story
Of the brave Israelis
Our story ignored
Because it’s gory

The brave mujahideen fought
But they knew it was to no avail
The Muslim leaders would not come to their aid
So they fought valiantly
Like we pray our last salah

They took inspiration
From Dawud AS
And fought the Goliath
Alone
Trusting in their lord
Better to die with dignity
Then live in humiliation

The ummah praised them
The rulers were shamed
Questions were asked
What’s the point of huge armies and
Nuclear weapons if your ummah is humiliated?

Israel was scared
Memories of khaybar
Came flooding back
23 Israeli dead
13 in one day
100s wounded
And millions of Zionists psychologically scarred

Bulldozers used
And bombs dropped from planes
Upon houses
Muslims treated like louses
The victims of the holocaust
Practiced their own genocide
But who’s going to put them on trial?

Five years have passed
No one remembers Jenin
But the world remembers and commemorates
The Jews who were gassed
Over 50 years ago

Remember
April 2002
What did we do for our brothers and sisters?
What are we doing now for our ummah?
Prepare your answers
Oh! Muslimeen

Allah will ask you
On the day when wealth, qualifications and status
Will mean absolutely nothing

Choosing the Right Friends

Youth Youth

"We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance: We gave strength to their hearts: Behold, they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth: never shall we call upon any god other than Him: if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity!" (Al-Kahf 18:13-14)

---

Cool or Fool?

Choosing the Right Friends

Your friends gather. Smoke curls in thick, humid air. Laughter and slurred words swirl together as bodies twirl and vibrate in time with pounding drums. Voices glide into eager ears, lacing minds with alluring words. Red, blue, green lights blink and flash--dotting open eyes with blinding colour. Hands wave, heads toss, bodies shake into oblivion. Glasses clink, cold orangey liquid drips and pools on greasy tables.

Fear grasps your heart. You walk on the edge of a knife; your friends clasp the handle and wave it like a sword. Your faith wanders onto the chopping block. Warning bells scream. You want to stop, you want to save your faith—but you slide along the edge of the knife. Your faith is sliced and diced. You wonder why you didn’t try. Your friends disperse.

Friends gather. Light flickers through shadow. Prayers flutter into the arms of a new day. Hands grip ancient texts, fingers follow curved winding letters, eyes strain to grasp meaning. Hands point towards Heaven, voices plead for hope, bodies bow in harmony in submission to the One. Peace descends.

Relief streams through your veins, nourishing your heart. You walk a wide, straight path—your friends ahead, beside and behind—catching you when you fall, pushing you forward. Your faith weakens as you climb a steep hill. Your friends tie ropes of faith around your waist and pull you over. Firm belief drips from your lips. You thank Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. Your friends gather.

Our friends can either be the rope that ties us to our faith in Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, or the knife that cuts any connection we had with our Creator. They are blessings, they are tests. Ask yourself, who are your friends? And more importantly, what kind of friend are you?

“You can do it!”

“I have faith in you!”; “C’mon don’t be a wimp”; "Here, try one”; “If you say no, people will think you’re weird”; “Don’t hang out with those boring, ‘religious’ guys!”

Whether you are in school, college, university, or working in the corporate world, these are the voices of many of the people you interact with. In our teenage culture, which exaggerates the idea of personal freedom and excessive entertainment, you are exposed to Peer Pressure.

You know You are a Victim of Peer Pressure when….

Most teenagers fall into flirting, clubbing, smoking, cursing, cheating, stealing, bullying, gambling, drinking, drugs, pornography and other immoral practices due to negative peer pressure. You know you are a victim of this pressure when you:

· are curious to try something new because "everyone's doing it";

· want to be liked, to fit in, to look cool;

· worry that others will think you are weird or a coward if you resist;

· say and do things in the group which you would not do on your own;

· wish your parents should stay out of your ‘social life’;

· do something without questioning the outcome.

Beat the Pressure: Tips to Try!

A) Before the Pressure Strikes

Know your values, beliefs and limits
Ask yourself 'What are my boundaries?'’ before anything happens. Know what pleases and offends Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. He is the One who created you, sustains you, and helps you. Study your faith and clarify your limits of ‘fun’ so you can resist the pressure with confidence.

Prepare your Strategy

Plan ahead of time what you can say and do in difficult situations. If your friend invites you to a party on a Friday night, you can imagine what you may encounter. If, at the party, someone cracks open a can of beer and offers you a swig, what will you do? Having a strategy will help you shun the pressure and keep your honour intact.

Steer Clear of Potential Trouble

Usually we know with whom, when and where the pressure to do wrong can emerge. Avoid late night outings, including malls, movies, parties, and clubs, especially with friends who don’t share your values. Watch out for places where gender-mixing takes place.

Choose who you Hang Out with

· You become like those you hang out with. As the Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam once said, “A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look (carefully) whom you choose to befriend.” (Ahmad)

· Don’t belong to the ‘popular crowd’. The quarrels, competition, fads, and deception involved in the ‘popular crowd’ are not worth the image. Choose your friends based on character, not popularity or status.

· Friends who are not sincere and do not love you for your principles, will gradually lure you into an artificial world of false hopes. Either help these friends change gently, or abandon their company before it’s too late!

Participate in the Community!

There are immense benefits of getting involved with your local food bank, seniors’ home, children’s programme, anti-racism group, newspaper, library, Masjid, Muslim youth group, or any other project that helps society. For instance, you:

· avoid wasting time just ‘hanging out’ with your friends;

· enhance your skills and talents;

· meet people who share the same values and enjoy the same activities;

· gain confidence to influence others through positive peer pressure;

· earn rewards from Allaah!

Don’t Kill your Eyes: Watch less TV!

Yes, it’s tough to escape peer pressure, especially when your friends keep talking about the clothes, the music and the stars they watch on TV. Today, TV defines teen culture. TV, with its barrage of alluring ads and captivating shows, tells you how to dress and act, what is cool and sexy, and what is ‘in’ and ‘out’. Let Islam, not TV, decide your dress code, morals, and values.

‘Goofy’ Teachers, ‘Dumb’ Parents, ‘Preachy’ Imams can help!

Teachers, parents, Imams, and counsellors—a group of potential friends we often ignore—can be the first line of defence. When you feel weak in your relationship with Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala or find yourself in a tough situation, be smart—consult them!

Make Duaa!

Ask Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala to help you resist the pressures around you.

B) When Facing the Pressure

· Think about the consequences of every action. Use wisdom, not emotion.

· Say ‘No’ with courage. Make it clear how you feel about the situation. Explain why. It may be an opportunity to invite your friends to the Islamic way of life.

· Use Humour. Throw out a funny line to ease the tension and show how you feel! “I don’t drink. I can’t afford to kill my brain cells. Unfortunately, I only have a few left as it is!”

· Suggest a better idea. “Why don’t we play some hockey, instead of watching that movie? It’ll save us some money too!”

· Remember Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala! He is there to help you. The Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam told his close companion: “By Allaah! Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will replace it with something better than it!”

Are Your Friends Worth it?...Use the Checklist below to find out!

Does your friend fit these traits of a sincere, loving, and true friend?

· Does he help you become a better and productive person? It’s a mistaken belief that a ‘good friend likes you for what you are’. A sincere friend inspires you, either with words or actions, to improve your personality and situation.

In a beautiful analogy, the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam likened the company of a sincere friend to visiting a perfume seller. Every time you visit the perfume seller, you benefit from his shop: You get some perfume as a present, or you buy some from him or, at the least, you obtain a beautiful fragrance from his company. (Bukhaari & Muslim)

· Is she like a mirror to you? The Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam stated, “The believer is like a mirror to other believers (in truthfulness).” (Aboo Dawood). Like a mirror, your friend gives you an honest image. She forgives your mistakes, but does not hide or exaggerate your strengths and weaknesses.

· Do his manners and lifestyle remind you of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala? Once the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam was asked, “What person can be the best friend?” “He who helps you remember Allaah, and reminds you when you forget Him,” he, Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam counselled.

The Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam was further asked, “Who is the best among people?” He replied, “He who, when you look at him, you remember God”. Such a friend reflects qualities of love, mercy, honesty, service, patience, optimism, professionalism, and the entire lifestyle taught by Islam.

· Does he love you solely for the sake of Allaah Suhaanahu wa Ta`aala? The bonds we form at work, school and in the neighbourhood may whither over time if they are not built for the right reason. Friendship based on Islamic principles is sincere and everlasting, since it is strengthened by a higher purpose and fervent faith.

· Do you feel comfortable and secure in her presence? If your friend’s company makes you feel guilty about the things you do and thoughts you share, you must question the benefit of this relationship. Consider the wise saying: “Being alone is better than having an evil companion and having a sincere companion is better than being alone.”

If your friend does not like you for the beauty of your character, intelligence, morality, and sincerity, you deserve better!

“And keep yourself content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Countenance, and let not your eyes pass beyond them to those who seek the pomp and glitter of this life...” (Al-Kahf 18:28 - interpretation of the meaning).

THE GREAT VIRTUE OF LOWERING THE GAZE

Asalamualiukum Warahmatullahi Wabrakathhu,

This is indeed a very good article for young Muslim men, especially Srilankans. Most unfortunately I haven’t seen a single soul who tries to abide by these laws laid down by Allah subhanatalha. I sure know it’s hard, but we should strive. I don’t mean to sound rude or give the impression that I’m perfect, neither am I perfect. When it’s difficult to obey, remember that your sincere intention counts, Allah subhantalah is the Most Merciful, the Most compassionate. Allah loves us more when we repent to him and turn to him. InshaAllah he will forgive us for our sins. We should always try to understand that Allah subhantalh has laid these rules out of his infinite love for us, when we abide by his laws it is we who benefit. I sometimes wonder how unconditional is Allah subhantalh’s love for us and how conditional is our obedience to him?

Premarital affairs and extramarital affairs are far too common, and it’s considered as a part and parcel of a person’s life. How far can such relationship give peace and happiness to those involved, especially knowing that you are crossing the boundaries set by Allah subhantalah? Love is an essential component to a happy life, but we should always learn to obtain things in the halal way, so that Insha Allah our lives will be blessed with Allah’s Rahmah and tranquility.

“And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Undoubtedly in these are signs for those who reflect.” (30:21)

As the above verse outlines one can only obtain a pure & true love through marriage. All other forms of love are illicit and gives you a wrong sense of pleasure. Marriage helps us to guard our chastity as outlined below.

"O you young men! Whoever is able to marry should marry, for that will help him to lower his gaze and guard his modesty." (Al-Bukhari)

It is human to err, but it is noble to seek forgiveness. So let’s seek for forgiveness, let’s seek for guidance to abide by our beautiful Islam and lead a righteous life.

I wasn’t very sure as for the authenticity of this article as the email wasn’t from an Islamic group or a reliable source. Anyway I did a Google search and found it to be quite a good one, alhamdullilah. Please try reading it although it’s a bit long, it will InshaAllah help us to strengthen our Iman and be better Muslims in a time where fitnah is rampant. May Allah Subhantalah show us the Right Path !!! Ameen

Pls follow this link for the article.
http://www.islamworld.net/gaze.htm


Waliukumsalm Warahmatullahi Wabrakathhu,

long weekend

Asalamualiukum Warahmatullahi Wabrakathhu,

We are in for a long weekend here in lieu of the Sinhala/Tamil New Year. Its kind of nice to have some break as well, although I like to work hard at all times. I got a pair of glasses, “Computer Glasses” to be more specific. I was experiencing problems with my eyes lately; it has been quite difficult with headaches and the like. I was using artificial tears for a while, it didn’t work out well. I guess I strain my eyes too much, that’s also what the optician said. InshaAllah these glasses would help me work more on what I like doing best. My life revolves around the computer!!!
I like it for many reasons, I learn my religion from it, I listen to my Nasheeds from it, I do what I like doing best i.e. ‘Coding’ in it, so many things. It’s my companion and friend!!!

We were planning to go to ‘Leisure World’, but my cousin brother wouldn’t be able to make it, so we thought of postponing it, IA we will make it there soon. The last time we were there, we enjoyed a lot; it is an ideal place to have some fun. Ideally it would have been nice if we could also get ourselves involved in the ‘Water Games’ part of it, but its not Islamic to be in such environment. Anyway it’s an ideal place to have a family outing!!! We will miss “chuti muba” a lot. I miss him a lot. I got him a nice book today; hope he will like it, when he gets his little hands on it.

InshaAllah hope to have a pleasant weekend!!!

May Allah Subhantallah Bless All of us with his rahma, Ameen


Waliukumsalm Warahmatullahi Wabrakathhu,

Seven Habits Of Highly Successful Muslim Youth

Asalamualiukum Warahmatullahi Wabrakathhu,


This is an awesome article I received through an Islamic group, it’s a bit long but its worth reading!!!!

Waliukumsalam Warahmatullahi Wabrakathhu


B i s m i l l a a h i r R a h m a a n i r R a h e e m


Youth Youth

"We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance: We gave strength to their hearts: Behold, they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth: never shall we call upon any god other than Him: if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity!" (Al-Kahf 18:13-14)

______________________________________

Seven Habits Of Highly Successful Muslim Youth
By Altaf Husain


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You cannot escape it. The discussion about habits is all around you: Mom and Dad are constantly telling you to break your bad habits; your teachers are telling you to develop good habits; your friends are pressuring you to adopt their habits; and the television and media are influencing you to explore new and supposedly cool habits. "You will never be successful," the constant refrain goes, "unless you drop your bad habits and develop some good habits." In the end, it's all up to you. You have to decide what your habits are going to be. Have you given this matter some thought?

If you are alive and breathing, you should constantly be engaged in an inner struggle to develop habits which draw you closer to Allaah Most High. Success in this world is directly related to the strength of your relationship with Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. The farther one is from Allaah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam), the less likely one is to achieve success in this world and, for sure, even less likely to achieve success in the hereafter. Is it not time for us to reflect upon Islamic teachings to discern the necessary habits of highly successful Muslim youth?

Here are at least seven habits indispensable for highly successful Muslim youth, derived entirely from the Qur`aan and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam).

Be Truthful

Being truthful is not always easy, especially when we make a mistake. We fret over whether or not to disclose exactly what happened. We sweat, we are afraid, we feel nervous and anxious. We are often afraid that if we tell the truth about what we have done or said, we will be in trouble with our parents or friends. What we forget is that whether we tell the truth or not, Allaah Most High knows exactly what took place, even those things that were never manifest or visible to people around us. Despite how burdensome telling the truth might seem, all of us are aware of the feeling of relief we experience when we tell the truth, even if the consequence of telling the truth is punishment. Casting the telling of truth and the fate of the truthful in terms of profit and loss, Allaah Most High tells us in the Qur`aan:

�This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath � their eternal Home: Allaah well-pleased with them, and they with Allaah. That is the great salvation, (the fulfillment of all desires).� (Al-Maa'idah 5:119)

So much is to be gained from being truthful as opposed to escaping punishment or blame because of not being truthful. Not being truthful, in fact, leads us down a slippery slope, guaranteeing that with one lie, more lies must be told. Being truthful is not an option for Muslims, but rather an obligation, because our goal in being truthful is Paradise. The beloved of Allaah, Prophet Muhammad (sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam), said, as narrated by `Abdullah radhiallahu`anhu:

�Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to al-fujur [wickedness, evil-doing], and al-fujur leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is witten before Allaah, a liar." (Saheeh Bukhaari, Book #73, Hadieeh #116)

Ultimate success is therefore achieved by living one's entire life � the youthful years, the adult years, and the elderly years � being truthful.

Be Trustworthy

Who do you rely on? Of course, Allaah. He is indeed the Most Trustworthy. But among humans, who do you rely on? Who can you trust to come through for you all the time? Do people rely on you? Are you considered trustworthy? Moving ahead in life, achieving ultimate success, requires that people consider you trustworthy and reliable. Being trustworthy should not be an arbitrary activity but rather a habit so that you can be relied upon in all instances, big or small, convenient or inconvenient, easy or difficult.

In colloquial terms, we often hear "I've got your back," implying, in the most literal sense, that people cannot see what is behind them so they need to rely on their friends to cover that angle, just in case a threat occurs from the back. Just imagine what it would be like if a friend were climbing a tree and was heading out onto a very thin branch to get a kite that got stuck there. She asks you if you "have her back." In this instance, she is relying on you entirely to hold on to her in case the branch breaks. There is no room for joking around or for being distracted: your friend is trusting you with her life.

When we say Allaah is the Most Trustworthy, we are coming to terms with the fact that Allaah Most High will never let us down, will never leave our side. He, Most High, says about someone who willingly accepts Islam,

�Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allaah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allaah Heareth and Knoweth all things.� (Al-Baqarah 2:256)

Indeed, the prophets of Allaah were all trustworthy people and Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala attested to the trustworthiness of those who were doubted by their communities. Prophet Hud `alayhissalaam, appealing to his community, declared to them:

�I but fulfill towards you the duties of my Lord's mission: I am to you a sincere and trustworthy adviser.� (Al-A`raaf 7:68)

Practice daily developing the habit of being trustworthy. Accept responsibility and then fulfill it. When others trust you, do not betray their trust.

You can read in the beautiful biography of our Prophet Muhammad (sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam) how people used to entrust him with their valuables, knowing that upon their return they would find their valuables safe and unharmed. His personal and business practices were commendable to the degree that he was known for it in his community, even before he became aware that he was the Prophet of Allaah, literally one who is most truthful and trustworthy.

Have Self-Restraint and Be God-Conscious

Perhaps the most difficult challenge while navigating adolescence is to restrain oneself from falling victim to one's desires � especially one's lower desires.

Our success in life depends to a great extent on how well we are able to restrain ourselves and to be moderate in what is permissible, as well as how capable we are of distancing ourselves from what is impermissible.

Why is self-restraint so critical? Satan's goal is to make you a slave of your desires to the extent that you eat until you are actually uncomfortable; that you consume without restraint beverages made of caffeine, sugar, and artificial flavors; that you find yourself longing for sleep more than prayer; and that you yearn to satisfy your sexual desires. Developing self-restraint as a habit entails making self-restraint your second nature � something which is done almost without thought, without too much effort. We are reminded by Allaah Most High:

�And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, � none but persons of the greatest good fortune.� (Fussilat 41:5)

In seeking to be highly successful Muslim youth, that is, youth deserving of the greatest fortune, it is imperative that you develop self-restraint.

An interesting parallel is that, throughout his Qur`aan translation, the late Abdullah Yusuf Ali translates taqwaa as self-restraint. While taqwaa is most commonly translated as "God-consciousness," one realizes without much effort that the height of self-restraint is full and complete understanding that one is indeed conscious of one's duty to one's Lord. How awesome will it be if you can look back at your life and say to yourself, all praise is due to Allaah that I did not succumb to my lower desires and instead exercised self-restraint consistently!

Be Thorough

Look around your room. How many unfinished projects do you have? When you work on homework, are you likely to rush through the assignment just so you can be done with it or are you more likely to take your time, to check your work, and most importantly, to be thorough?

Often teachers will grade a report based on how well and to what extent the student covered the topic at hand. Being thorough is not a habit that is developed overnight. The opposite of being thorough is being incomplete, being rushed, and working in haste without any regard for accuracy or quality. The most perfect is Allaah Most High, Who perfected creation, Who perfected our religion, and Who guided His Prophet Muhammad (sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam) to be the most perfect among humans in behavior and in character.

We read in the Muwatta of Imaam Malik "Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that the Messenger of Allaah, may Allaah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'I was sent to perfect good character'" (Book #47, Hadeeth #47.1.8).

To be thorough stems from a desire to be perfect to the extent that this is humanly possible. Seeking perfection in our actions and speech from an early age helps us to develop a keen eye, not only for thoroughness in our own life, but also for thoroughness in the lives of those around us. Being thorough in prayer, for example, teaches us to be patient and to concentrate upon the words we are reciting and the different positions of the prayer.

Be Focused

One thousand ideas go through your head the moment you stand up for prayer. Is that you? Really? What do you make of those ideas? Do you process them? What about when you are sitting in class? Do you find your mind wandering, daydreaming, and unable to focus on the lecture at hand? Are you likely to use any excuse whatsoever to leave what you are doing?Developing the habit of being focused ensures that you are awake, alert, and totally motivated to work on and complete the task at hand, whatever it may be. Being distracted early on in childhood by video games, fast-paced imagery, and constantly changing scenes on television shows contributes to an inability to concentrate, to focus. Among the best ways to develop focus is to practice praying with deep concentration to the extent that you are almost unaware of your surroundings. Allaah Most High tells us in the Qur`aan that the believers are:

� � those who humble themselves in their prayers� (Al-Mu'minun 23:2)

The humility referred to here results from total focus and concentration on the fact that one is in the presence of Allaah, standing before Him, Most High. Do your best to develop focus, no matter what activity you are engaged in � whether in prayer, in academics, in athletics, or some other pastime.

Be Punctual

Stop saying over and over again that you are late because of "Muslim standard time," or the "standard time" of your particular ethnicity. The last thing we should attribute to Islam is the notion that its teachings somehow make us late, slow, slugging, and anything but punctual. What a sad state of affairs, indeed, that we attribute our own weaknesses to our religion or ethnicity!

Highly successful individuals, be they Muslim or not, understand and appreciate the value of not only their time but the time of everyone else with whom they interact. Keeping people waiting for hours on end is neither something to be proud of nor a habit that has a place in the mindset of a person who tries to be successful.

One of the central pillars of Islam is prayer, and Allaah and the Prophet Muhammad (sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam) have given us clear reminders that we are to establish prayers at their due times.

When `Abdullah (may Allaah be pleased with him) asked "which deed is the dearest to Allaah?" the Prophet Muhammad (sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam) replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times" (Saheeh Bukhaari, Book #10, Hadeeth #505).

If indeed your day is to be considered successful, you must have prayed all the obligatory prayers at their established times and as many voluntary prayers as possible. If your day is planned around the times of prayer, you should not pray exactly at the time when you are to pray but then come late to all other appointments. Being punctual is a habit which, when perfected, demonstrates to others the tremendous value that Islam places on time � not only ours but that of everyone else with whom we interact.

Be Consistent

Apart from all the habits listed above, perhaps the one that is sure to help you become a highly successful Muslim youth is that of being consistent. One cannot be truthful one day and a liar the next; one cannot be trustworthy in one instance and totally unreliable in the next; and so on for each of the other habits. A Muslim understands from an early age that it is easier to do something once or whenever we feel like it but much harder to do something regularly and consistently.

Indeed, the Mother of the Believers `A'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) narrates that "the most beloved action to Allaah's Apostle was that which is done continuously and regularly" (Saheeh Bukhaari, Book #76, Hadeeth #469).

Regular and consist actions show that a person has thought about it, has intended to do it, has planned to do it, and therefore does it.

We urge you to be as consistent as possible, especially in those areas of your life which need constant improvement, such as your prayers, your fasting, your manners, your studying habits, etc. Do not say, I am going to pray all day every day, or fast voluntarily all of the days of every month, or study all night every night, because such actions cannot be humanly sustained over a long period of time. Say on the other hand, I am going to be sure to read at least one part of the Qur`aan every day, or I will strive to help my parents with at least one household chore every day, or I will try to study at least one new item every week so that I can be ahead of the lesson plan.

Conclusion

Finally, Muslims aspire to develop all of these habits because, in doing so, we draw nearer to Allaah Most High. If you are intent on being a highly successful Muslim youth, then you owe it to yourself to reflect upon your own life and see how many of these habits are already a part of who you are and how many you need to further develop or acquire.

We end with a reminder that developing these habits will help you to emulate the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam). His message and his life are summarized well in a narration of `Abdullah ibn `Abbas:

Abu Sufyan told me that Heraclius said to him, "When I enquired of you what he (Muhammad) ordered you, you replied that he ordered you to establish the prayer, to speak the truth, to be chaste, to keep promises, and to pay back trusts." Then Heraclius added, "These are really the qualities of a prophet." (Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, Book #48, Hadeeth #846)

Strive to develop the seven habits listed above and many others from the Islamic teachings so that you will be among the highly successful Muslim youth.

Workplace

Asalmualiukum Warahmatullahi Wabarakathhu,

I always try to strictly adhere to the shariah, despite my many weaknesses. May Allah subhantalh forgive me for my weaknesses and give all of us and me the strength to overcome our weaknesses. It’s indeed very sad to see the plight of Muslims in work places these days. The free intermingling with the opposite gender has made them oblivious of their duties as Muslims towards Allah Subhantalah. Joking, chatting, flirting with the opposite gender has become the order of the day; people take it so lightly and believe it’s only an extremist or a fanatic who would keep out of such ignorance. Why is it that we don’t understand the negative influences it could have on our lives? What about the rights of your beloved husband or wife that you neglect by indulging in these evil practices. No place is free from fitnah, especially the modern workplace. I sincerely pray to Allah subhnatalah to save us from such fitnah, as a working woman I do fear a lot falling into such fitnah as its so prevalent today. Allah subhnatalah has always blessed me with the courage to keep out of it, but I fear even I might have my share living with it. Please Allah give us the courage and the guidance to keep out of such evil practices. I quote below an article which will give some insight to my sisters out there as to how they should behave themselves with nonmahrams. Ya Allah pls forgive me if I ever crossed my boundaries even as much as an iota as it’s my weakness which led me into sin, Please grant us all the strength to be among the mutaqin. Ameen




Waliukum Salam Warhamatullahi Wabarakathhuh.

http://www.islam-qa.com/index.php?ln=eng&ds=qa&QR=1121

Limits and conditions within which a man may speak to a non-mahram woman

Question:My question is about the adab or the manner between a brother and sister? I need clarifcation, are we allowed to give salam to sister who is not your muhram or talk to her as you talk to a brother, and how much you allowed to talk? and what about the non-muhram who are cousine, for example the uncles daughter Am I allowed to give salam and talk to her, and how is her life?please provide for me daleel(proof) and what about marriage? what allowed talk and salam, ( what is allowed and not) all these things! because today people mixed between culture and deen, when you tell them about that they say you are bringing new religon!, even alot brothers who relgious don't know this, you may see salafy brother talking weetlgy to sister who were nikab and not his muhram,

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
In brief, what the fuqaha’ have said about women’s voices is that they are not ‘awrah in and of themselves, and there is nothing wrong with listening to them when there is a need to do so, so they do not forbid listening to them, but certain conditions apply, as follows:
The woman should speak without elongating the words, making her voice soft, or raising her voice. It is haraam for a man to listen with enjoyment, for fear of fitnah (temptation).
The decisive factor for knowing what is haraam in the matter of women’s speaking is what is included in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allaah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.” [al-Ahzaab 33:32]
What is forbidden is being too soft in speech. It is obligatory for women to speak in an honourable manner, which means, as the mufassireen explained, that they should not make their voices soft when addressing men. In conclusion, what is required of the Muslim woman when she speaks to a non-mahram man is that she should adhere to what is mentioned in this aayah. She should refrain from what is forbidden and should fulfil her duties. She should speak only when necessary, and only about matters that are permissible and honourable, not evil. Between a woman and a non-mahram man there should be no intonation, gestures, chat, joking, flirting or playful talk, so that there will be no room for provocation of desires and doubts. Women are not prevented from talking to non-mahram men when it is necessary to do so, such as dealing directly with them when buying things or conducting any other financial transaction, because in such cases it is necessary for both parties to speak. A woman may also ask a scholar about some legal Islamic matter, or a man may ask a woman such questions, as is proven in various texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Within the guidelines described above, there is nothing wrong with a woman speaking to a non-mahram man. It is also permissible for men to greet women with salaam and vice versa, according to the most correct opinion, but this greeting must be free of anything that may provoke desire in the person in whose heart is a disease, so as to be safe from fitnah and pay attention to the regulations outlined above.
If there is fear of fitnah being provoked by this greeting, then the woman should refrain from either initiating or returning the greeting, because warding off fitnah by neglecting the greeting is warding off mischief, and warding off mischief takes precedence over doing something useful. (See al-Mufassal fi Ahkaam al-Mar’ah by ‘Abd al-Kareem Zaydaan, vol 3/276). And Allaah knows best.