Islamic Ink

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Honesty

By 'Ali Ba Dahdah

Honesty is one of the greatest of all moral virtues. From it springs forth many of the noblest of human qualities like integrity, chastity, and valor. Some people might suppose that honesty is restricted to words. This is not the case. Honesty can manifest itself in our actions as well as in our innermost state of being.

The great scholar and ethical thinker, al-Muhâsibî, once said: “For honesty to be complete, it must exist in three things. It must exist in the heart as one’s faith, it must exist in the intentions behind one’s deeds, and it must be present in the words that one speaks.”

Honesty penetrates to the innermost fiber of a person when his inner being is in harmony with his outer self. A person’s deeds are honest only when he practices what he professes. Dishonesty in deed is more despicable than dishonesty in word, for it is naught but a hypocritical display of sincerity. This is what the brothers of Joseph (peace be upon him) did when they came with Joseph’s bloody clothing to their father. Allah says: “So they came with his shirt stained with false blood.” [Sûrah Yûsuf: 18]

Allah warns us saying: “O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? It is loathsome indeed with Allah that you say what you do not do.” [Sûrah al-Saff: 3]

Truth in word is the most familiar and obvious kind of truth, since every statement that is inconsistent with reality is obviously a lie. Allah says: “Verily those who fabricate a lie against Allah will not find success.”

Allah commands the believers, saying: “O you who believe, fear Allah and be among those who are honest.”

Allah gives glad tidings to the believers who are honest. He says: “Allah will reward the honest people for their honesty.”

Allah informs us that our honesty will bring us good even in this world: “And when a matter is resolved upon, it would be best for them if they were true to Allah.” And of course, honesty will be of doubtless benefit to us in the Hereafter. Allah says: “This is the day that the honest people will benefit from their honesty.” [Sûrah al-Mâ’idah: 119]

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was renowned for his honesty long before he began to receive revelation and became Allah’s Messenger. He had been known among his people for years as al-Amîn (the Trustworthy).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) informed us of the effects that both honesty and dishonesty have on our personalities when he said: “Honesty brings about security and lying fosters doubts.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “Honesty leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man remains honest and concerned about honesty until he is recorded as an honest man with Allah. Lying leads to sinfulness and sinfulness leads to the Fire. A man keeps lying and remains partial to lies until he is recorded as a liar with Allah.” [Sahîh al-Bukharî and Sahîh Muslim]

He also explained the effects that honesty and dishonesty have on our interpersonal dealings: “Honesty and clarity are blessed for both parties to a sale, while concealment and deceit destroy the blessings of their sale.” [Sahîh al-Bukharî and Sahîh Muslim]

We must be honest in our relationship with Allah. There are many dimensions to this most important expression of honesty. There is our sincerity to Allah. Then there is being cognizant that Allah is ever watchful of what we do. There is the sense of humility and shame that we must feel before Him. If we truly want to be honest in our relationship with Allah, we must become so fully sincere to Him that there remains in our hearts no other motive for what we do but to seek His pleasure. We must care nothing for the thanks and appreciation of our fellow men. We can achieve this by making our greatest concern the attainment of Allah’s mercy. We must be constantly aware that Allah is ever watchful over us. This will make us feel too shy to ever willingly disobey Allah.

Honesty with other people is also extremely important. There are many aspects to this as well.

First, we must be honest in our dispensation towards others. We should not behave deceptively and present a false face to people. Instead, we must be genuine and straightforward with people as much as possible.

We must be honest in what we say. This requires from us to be careful to ascertain the truth of the news that we hear before we go ahead and pass it on to others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “It is enough to make a person a liar that he tells others everything that he hears.”

We must be honest in giving advice to people. We should be sincere in our advice and truly do our best to help people avoid misfortune and attain what is good for them.

We need to be even more honest with our spouses. We must be able to confide in them and speak freely to them about our concerns, our secrets, and our ambitions. A husband or wife is a life partner, a friend, a confidant. The more openly a husband and wife are able to communicate with each other in an atmosphere of trust and confidence, the stronger their relationship will be.

Honesty, in fact, engenders strength on every level. On the personal level, it provides integrity, self worth, and inner fortitude. On the social level, it lends depth and substance to our relationships with other people. On the spiritual level, it brings about the sincerity to our Lord that is the key to our salvation.


Courtesy Of: IslamToday.net

My Little Daughter – A heart rendering story about patience

By Sister Khadejah

Little Sarah (pronounced the Arabic way Sar – ra – h with emphasis on the ‘h’) Vachor was with us for 1 hour and 4 minutes this morning. She was hugged and loved by her brothers and sisters, spent some quality time in her parents’ arms, and as everyone was leaving she was placed in my arms where she died peacefully.

Imam (our religious leader) came to the hospital to wash and shroud her, then the Janazah prayer was prayed for her in Marion mosque, with her brothers (Zakariyya 11 and Omar 7) there to farewell her.

She was finally put to rest in the cemetery at Al-Khalil Mosque this afternoon.

In accordance with her rights in Islam she was buried as quickly as possible so she receive her glad tidings of Paradise from the Angels.

It was the day she was meant to arrive, even though it has been planned for weeks. Sarah was ready today because when I got up this morning her little toes were presenting from the cervix. We were blessed with this sign so we can be relieved of any doubt that we chose the right time to have her.

My dear husband, Ali, was beside me the whole time telling me beautiful stories of the Prophet SAW and the Sahabah RA to distract me from what was happening in the operating theatre. The Qu’ran (our Holy Book) was being recited in the background. And when Ali had our daughter in his arms for the first time he said the Adhan (the call to prayer) in her right ear and the Iqama (the call to line up and pray) in the left ear. It was a moment that all in the theatre felt a tear in their eyes.

She arrived in this world with her ears filled with the sound of the Qu’ran and her father’s call to prayer.

When I was cleared to return to my room, my children Zakariyya, Omar, Soukaina (5) and Thoraiya (20 months) were waiting with their grandparents to meet her. My parents were wonderful, they made it so easy for me, knowing the children were being looked after in the best way emotionally and physically. They played a very special role today, one that I am so grateful for. All the children had a cuddle and photo with her. Thoraiya was getting restless and it seemed time for Mum to take the kids. Ali handed Sarah to me so he could comfort Thoraiya as the family was leaving the room.

She held on by the Will of Allah for everyone to have their turn, and once she was in my arms again, it was as if she knew she was back with mum now and she could quietly slip away. It was hard to tell she was breathing the whole time but I knew in my heart the moment she closed her eyes that she had breathed her last breath. The moments of her life were so perfect, and her passing so peaceful. She never cried once.

Ali then juggled all the arrangements for Sarah’s burial, time with his precious little girl and still managed to be so supportive and caring towards me. He is a very special person, the best husband and dad. I held her while arrangements were being made and her colour and look deteriorated. I truly saw the wisdom in hastening the burial, to preserve the memory of her beautiful face. After Imam had washed her and before the last piece of shroud was placed across her face my husband brought her to me for one last look, she was so peaceful surrounded in white and smelt so beautiful of the perfume they bathed her in. Then she left for her final journey to her grave.

The hospital staff were amazing and really made today a very special day. I cannot think of a single thing that any of the staff could have done differently! Not only did they take into consideration all our religious needs, they were extremely patient and understanding, without hesitation, for every request we had. They did go beyond the call of duty and with the greatest respect towards us and our faith.

Today has been a very special day. She was so beautiful. I do not regret a single moment of suffering or anguish of the last months of knowing how unwell she was, because that few moments she was with us were so precious and gave us all so much.

When a child dies at a young age she goes straight to Paradise , and on the Day of Judgment she will call from the Gates of Paradise for her parents to be allowed to join her. From Allah we come and to Him we return. We have truly been blessed today with a beautiful daughter, who in her short presence has been a gift and a source of so many life lessons.

Alhumdu Lillah (Praise be to Allah)
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’oon. (From Allah we come and to Him we return)

The biggest lesson from today is placing our trust in Allah SWT. When you choose the path pleasing to Allah SWT, stand up for what is right no matter what the personal sacrifice; Allah SWT blesses you with more than you can ever dream of! Allahu Akbar.

Why I shed bikini for niqab !

By Sara Bokker

I AM an American woman who was born in the midst of America's "Heartland." I grew up, just like any other girl, being fixated with the glamour of life in "the big city." Eventually, I moved to Florida and on to South Beach of Miami, a hotspot for those seeking the "glamorous life." Naturally, I did what most average Western girls do. I focused on my appearance and appeal, basing my self-worth on how much attention I got from others. I worked out religiously and became a personal trainer, acquired an upscale waterfront residence, became a regular "exhibiting" beach-goer and was able to attain a "living-in-style" kind of life.

Years went by, only to realize that my scale of self-fulfillment and happiness slid down the more I progressed in my "feminine appeal." I was a slave to fashion. I was a hostage to my looks. As the gap continued to progressively widen between my self-fulfillment and lifestyle, I sought refuge in escapes from alcohol and parties to meditation, activism, and alternative religions, only to have the little gap widen to what seemed like a valley. I eventually realized it all was merely a pain killer rather than an effective remedy.

By now it was Sept. 11, 2001. As I witnessed the ensuing barrage on Islam, Islamic values and culture, and the infamous declaration of the "new crusade," I started to notice something called Islam. Up until that point, all I had associated with Islam was women covered in "tents," wife beaters, harems, and a world of terrorism. As a feminist libertarian, and an activist, I was pursuing a better world for all.

One day I came across a book that is negatively stereotyped in the West – The Noble Qur'an. I was first attracted by the style and approach of the Qur'an, and then intrigued by its outlook on existence, life, creation, and the relationship between Creator and creation. I found the Qur'an to be a very insightful address to heart and soul without the need for an interpreter or pastor.

Eventually I hit a moment of truth: my new-found self-fulfilling activism was nothing more than merely embracing a faith called Islam where I could live in peace as a "functional" Muslim. I bought a beautiful long gown and head cover resembling the Muslim woman's dress code and I walked down the same streets and neighborhoods where only days earlier I had walked in my shorts, bikini, or "elegant" Western business attire.

Although the people, the faces, and the shops were all the same, one thing was remarkably distinct – I was not – nor was the peace at being a woman I experienced for the very first time. I felt as if the chains had been broken and I was finally free. I was delighted with the new looks of wonder on people's faces in place of the looks of a hunter watching his prey I had once sought. Suddenly a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Finally, I was free.

Of all places, I found my Islam at the heart of what some call "the most scandalous place on earth," which makes it all the more dear and special.While content with Hijab I became curious about Niqab, seeing an increasing number of Muslim women in it. I asked my Muslim husband, whom I married after I reverted to Islam, whether I should wear Niqab or just settle for the Hijab I was already wearing. My husband simply advised me that he believes Hijab is mandatory in Islam while Niqab is not. At the time, my Hijab consisted of head scarf that covered all my hair except for my face, and a loose long black gown called "Abaya" that covered all my body from neck to toe.

A year-and-a-half passed, and I told my husband I wanted to wear Niqab. My reason, this time, was that I felt it would be more pleasing to Allah, the Creator, increasing my feeling of peace at being more modest.

He supported my decision and took me to buy an "Isdaal," a loose black gown that covers from head to toe, and Niqab, which covers all my head and face except for my eyes. Soon enough, news started breaking about politicians, Vatican clergymen, libertarians, and so-called human rights and freedom activists condemning Hijab at times, and Niqab at others as being oppressive to women, an obstacle to social integration, and more recently, as an Egyptian official called it – "a sign of backwardness."

I find it to be a blatant hypocrisy when Western governments and so-called human rights groups rush to defend woman's rights when some governments impose a certain dress code on women, yet such "freedom fighters" look the other way when women are being deprived of their rights, work, and education just because they choose to exercise their right to wear Niqab or Hijab.

Today I am still a feminist, but a Muslim feminist, who calls on Muslim women to assume their responsibilities in providing all the support they can for their husbands to be good Muslims. To raise their children as upright Muslims so they may be beacons of light for all humanity once again. To enjoin good – any good – and to forbid evil – any evil. To speak righteousness and to speak up against all ills. To fight for our right to wear Niqab or Hijab and to please our Creator whichever way we chose. But just as importantly to carry our experience with Niqab or Hijab to fellow women who may never have had such a chance.

Most of the women I know wearing Niqab are Western reverts, some of whom are not even married. Others wear Niqab without full support of either family or surroundings. What we all have in common is that it is the personal choice of each and every one of us, which none of us is willing to surrender.

Willingly or unwillingly, women are bombarded with styles of "dressing-in-little-to-nothing" virtually in every means of communication everywhere in the world. As an ex non-Muslim, I insist on women's right to equally know about Hijab, its virtues, and the peace and happiness it brings to a woman's life as it did to mine. Yesterday, the bikini was the symbol of my liberty, when in actuality it only liberated me from my spirituality and true value as a respectable human being.

Today, Niqab is the new symbol of woman's liberation.

To women who surrender to the ugly stereotype against the Islamic modesty of Hijab, I say: You don't know what you are missing.

– Sara Bokker is a former actress/model/fitness instructor and activist.

The Story of Burseesah

There were three men from Bani Israel who were called to fight for the sake of Allah. They accepted the call, but they had concerns for their sister as she would be left behind with no-one to look after her. After some discussion, they agreed that the best place to leave her would be with the most trusted person in town.

This was a pious man called Burseesah, who lived in a sanctuary and devoted his entire life in the worship of Allah. They came to Burseesah and said to him, "O Burseesah. We know you to be a pious and trustworthy man. We have been enlisted to fight for the sake of Allah and we want to leave our sister with you. O Burseesah! We trust no one else in town except you. Please take care of our sister."

Burseesah immediately said, "AoothoBillah! (I seek refuge in Allah) Get away from me! I have sworn to spend my time devoting it to the worship of Allah! I do not want to deal with these issues and be burdened with looking after someone"

The three men said to him, "O Burseesah! We have no where else to take her! We can't leave her with anyone else and we don't trust anyone else. Please take care of our sister!"

Shaytaan heard the discussion, and came to Burseesah. "Burseesah..." The waswaas [evil whisperings] began. "Burseesah if you don't look after her, she might be left with someone who is not trustworthy! You have to take this responsibility"

Burseesah listened and finally agreed to look after her. He told the brothers to leave her in a separate house so not to distract him from his acts of worship. They left her there, said goodbye and went to jihad.

Burseesah would continue his acts of worship as normal, and during the day he would leave food on his doorstep so the woman would have to leave the house to collect the food. This also ensured they never saw one another and Bursesah never even left his place of worship.
Time passed by.

Shaytaan came to Burseesah.
"Burseesah..." he whispered, "You can't leave the food on your doorstep! As she is leaving the house someone might see her by herself. All alone and venerable and take advantage of her. Rather than her leave her house, you go to her house and drop off the food on her doorstep."

Burseesah made the decision that this was the right thing to do, and followed the bait that Shaytaan masked in a cover of righteousness. So during the day Burseesah would leave his worship, leave his place of worship, go to the house and leave the food on her doorstep.

This happened for a while and with the trap just being set, Shaytaan moved in for the next step.

"Burseeeeesah..." the whispers came again. "Burseeesah...you are now leaving the food on her doorstep, but still this is not good. She still has to open the door and collect the food. Someone might still see her and she is so beautiful. She is VERY beautiful"

This servant of Allah, who never saw this woman started to be tempted by the whispers from Shaytaan about her beauty.

"Burseesah, her beauty is intoxicating and if someone sees her they may try something. You have to leave the food INSIDE her house. You don't have to look at her. Just knock on the door, and hand her the food as she opens the door."

Burseesah saw no harm in this. After all, it would stop people from seeing her. More deception covered in righteousness.

So again, Burseesah would leave his worship, leave his place of worship, go to the house and knock on her door to hand her the food.

Time passed by again. Shaytaan remained patient before executing his next plan.

Shaytaan came again.
"Burseeesah...you can't leave this poor woman all alone. Without any company. No one is speaking to her. She's lonely Burseesah. Just talk to her. There's no harm in saying salaam and asking how she is. You can talk to her from behind the door...you don't have to see her...just talk from outside."

He liked the idea and when he would bring her the food he would talk to her behind the door while she was in her room. They would talk for hours every day and the relationship began to get stronger.

Shaytaan found it easier and easier to drag him into the next step. "Burseeesah.....Burseesah....you can't just sit behind the door. You know each other well enough to be in the same room now. Just sit in the same room and speak to her. You don't have to look at her. Just sit in the same room."
Burseesah began to follow the advice of Shaytaan. Everytime they met, the talk became more intimate as they began getting closer...and closer...and closer.

...He would hold her hand...
...The kiss came a few days later...

Eventually...they made zinaa [fornication] with each other.

"Ohh what have I done" Burseesah said as he realised his mistake.
--From being a slave of Allah...to becoming a fornicator.--
But the story did not end there.
From that night, the woman became pregnant. Nine months later she delivered a baby boy.

The familiar whispers started again as Shaytaan flowed through Burseesah's veins like blood.

"Burseeesaah...when her brothers come back and find out their sister has a child in zinaa, you are going to be in trouble! There is only one way to solve this problem. Burseesah........you have to kill the baby! Get rid of the evidence!"
Grief and anxiety ran through Burseesah's mind as he listened to the whispers of Shaytaan. He did what he heard and killed the baby.

"Ohhhh Burseesah. Do you think this woman will keep this a secret after you killed her own child?? Nooo. Burseesah.....the only thing to do now is to kill her!"

Burseesah then killed the woman and buried both mother and child under the house and covered it with a rock.
--From being a slave of Allah...to becoming a murderer.--
The three brothers returned and went to greet their sister. She was no where to be found. They went to the house of Burseesah and asked him, "Where is our sister?"

"She has passed away" he said as he pointed to a fake grave. The brothers were saddened by the loss, and made du'a for her.

That night when they went to sleep, Shaytaan came to them in their dreams and told them all what had happened.
"Burseesah has lied to you! Burseesah killed your sister! Burseesah made zinaa with her! She is buried under the rock inside the house."

As they all woke up in the morning, and talked about their dream, they began relating the same dream and thought there must be some truth in it.

They first dug up the grave Burseesah pointed to and found no body. They stormed to Burseesah's house and demanded to know what had happened to their sister. One of them saw the rock in the house and uncovered it, where they saw their sister and her child.

"What has happened to our sister?!" The eldest screamed. They forced Burseesah to disclose the secret of what happened and Burseesah told them everything.

Burseesah was taken to court where he confessed everything to the King. The King sentenced Burseesah to be executed. As they dragged him to his death, fear overcame Burseesah.

For the first time during this whole incident, Shaytaan appeared before Burseesah and said to him, "Oh Burseesah! Listen! Look at me! I was the one who was whispering to you since this whole thing started! I am Shaytaan!"
Burseesah's fear grew as the blade for his execution was brought!
"Now I can get you out of all this trouble. I was the one who put you in it, and I can get you out of it!"
"Oh Shaytaan, what should I do?!" Burseesah cried!

With an evil grin, Shaytaan said, "Make sujood to me. I am Shaytaan and I will save you! Bow down and prostrate to me!" Burseesah fell down in sujood to Shaytaan and as soon as he did this, Shaytaan ran away!
.....and Burseesah was executed.
--From being a servant of Allah, bowing down to Allah...to becoming a servant to Shaytaan...bowing down to Shaytaan. –

-- From Imaan...to the worst type of kufr - bowing down to Shaytaan! --
Who could ever imagine a servant of Allah making sujood to Shaytaan!?
Imagine if Shaytaan came to Burseesah at the beginning and said "Burseesah make sujood to me", would Burseesah do it? NO!
If Shaytaan came to Burseesah at the beginning and said "commit zinaa", would he do it? NO!
If Shaytaan came to Burseesah at the beginning and said "commit murder", would he do? NO!

But Shaytaan knows the game! He's been playing his tricks since the time of Adam. Classical method of misleading people. Through step by step deception. This is how Shaytaan pulls at your feet and deceives you. So even if something may SEEM to be like an insignificant sin / action, be careful. It might be the start of a trap.

Allah tells us "O you who believe! Do not follow the footsteps of the Shaytaan, and whoever follows the footsteps of the Shaytaan, then surely he bids the doing of indecency and evil" [24.21]

A Promise

Tears were trickling down my cheeks
I knew you loved me so deep
At times my lord it’s hard to bear
It’s because I’m a mortal so plain and bare

Deception, cruelty rules some days
I try to be truthful to pave a good way
In a world where money and power dominates
Do I stand a chance to exercise my Islamic ways

I feel to retreat and come back to you
But I know that’s not what you expect me to do
To be a warrior who defends your cause
To hold my head strong despite the cause

I’m here today to promise to you
That I will try my best to subdue
Please forgive me when I shed a tear or two
When I feel sad, hurt and blue

I try to learn from each mistake I make
To be a good muslimah with each day
Why do some wounds take time to heal?
What medications will make them heal?

I know you test me because of your love
To elevate my rank to a number above
I pray to you asking for patience and love
To keep me steadfast through each stumbling block

I pray to you to guide me to the straight path
To be grateful, subservient, patient and strong
The wisdom to realize the true cause of each test
To love you dearly until my last breath

Strength to disregard the worldly gains
Strength to bow down to you with grace
Strength to hold on amidst the mist
To help conquer my soul when it’s very weak

I feel peace and serenity overwhelm my soul
As I pen down this poem promising you and my soul
That I will try my best to hold myself strong
Because I know my Allah knows the best for me and all

As I turn a year older!

As I turn a year older
Many things change too
Being a sister a year older
Brings in new responsibilities too

I lookup at the sky in prayer
To thank the one whose love was so true
For making me a lot stronger
Through trails which at times left me blue

It was always an affair between you and me my lord
Despite any mortal who was the cause
I always depend on you my lord
Never leave me even for a wink of an eye alone

As I look ahead for another year
Uncertainties, surprises undoubtedly would dominate the year
Whatever I may go through in a span of a year
My lord always be closer to me throughout the year

It’s to you that I turn in pain and fear
It’s you who blessed me with everything that’s so dear
A loving family, a nephew and a niece so dear
What more can I ask from you my lord I feel you so near

As I grow a year older
Our meeting draws a year closer too
Please make me a humble servant
Whose love for you will always be true

I’m looking forward to our meeting
Inshallah someday soon
Please mould me into a subservient servant
Whose meeting you will look forward to

I pray for peace and serenity
In a world that’s tattered by war
Happiness to all my loved ones
And Jannah as a gift for all!

Developing Love for Allaah

Taken from al-Istiqaamah magazine

Ibnul Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (rahimahullaah) said:

“People have discussed about mahabbah (love of Allaah); its causes and what brings it about, its signs and its fruits and its rulings. The most comprehensive saying about this is what Abu Bakr al-Kattaanee (rahimahullaah) relates about al-Junayd (d.279H).

Abu Bakr al-Kattaanee (d.322H) said:

‘A discussion about mahabbah took place in Makkah during the Pilgrimage month. The shaykhs who were present spoke about this matter and al-Junayd was the youngest of them. They said to him: O ‘Iraaqee, what do you have to say? So he bowed his head and tears were flowing from his eyes and he said:

“A servant should overcome his soul;
And be continuous in the remembrance of his Lord;
Establishing the Rights of his Lord;
Focusing upon Him with his heart;
The late of fear setting a blaze upon his heart;
Whilst drinking from the vessel of true love;
And certain realities become unveiled to him;
So when he talks, it is due to Allaah;
When he speaks, it is from Allaah;
When he moves, it is by the command of Allaah;
And when he is serene, then it is from Allaah;
He belongs to Allaah, is for Allaah, and is with Allaah.”

So the shaykhs began to weep and said: How can that be increased upon? May Allaah reward you with good, O crown of the knowledgeable ones!’”[1]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) further said:

“The reasons which cause the mahabbah (love of Allaah) to develop are ten:

Firstly: Reciting the Qur’aan, reflecting upon it and understanding its meanings.

Secondly: Drawing closer to Allaah through the performance of optional deeds, after fulfilling the obligatory deeds.

Thirdly: Being continuous in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah - in all circumstances - with the tongue, the heart and the limbs. The more constant the dhikr, the more mahabbah intensifies.

Fourthly: Giving precedence to what Allaah loves - when being overcome with desires - over what one personally loves and desires.

Fifthly: Causing the heart to contemplate over the Names and Attributes of Allaah. Being a witness to what they necessitate and causing the heart to be enlightened in the garden of this realisation.

Sixthly: Witnessing the blessing and the favours of Allaah; the apparent and the hidden.

Seventhly: Subduing the heart and humbling it before Allaah, causing it to be in awe of Him.

Eighthly: Being in seclusion during the time in which Allaah descends to the lowest Heaven; reciting the Qur’aan, and finishing this recitation with seeking Allaah’s forgiveness and sincerely repenting to Him.

Ninthly: Sitting in the gatherings of the sincere and true lovers of Allaah; reaping the benefits of their teachings, and not speaking except when you know there is benefit in doing so and that such speech will increase you in good and benefit others as well.

Tenthly: Keeping clear from all those matters which will cause the heart to distance itself from Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic.

So these are ten matters which cause the lover to reach the station of true love for Allaah, so that he may then reach Allaah - his Beloved.”[2]



Footnotes
[1] Madaarijus-Saalikeen (3/9)
[2] Madaarijus-Saalikeen (3/17-18)

Khalifa Umar's son marries a milkmaid

One night, Caliph Umar as usual went in disguise with his companion Ibn Abbas to see the condition of the people. They strolled from one quarter to another. At last they came to a colony where poor people lived.

While passing by a small house, the Caliph heard a whispering talk within. The mother was telling her daughter that the amount of milk fetched by her for sale that day was very little. She told her that when she was young, and used to sell milk, she always mixed water with milk, and that led to considerable profit. She advised her daughter to do the same.

The girl said, "You adulterated milk, when you were not a Muslim. Now that we are Muslims, we cannot adulterate milk." The mother said that Islam did not stand in the way of adulteration of milk. The daughter said, "Have you forgotten the Caliph's order? He wants that the milk should not be adulterated." The mother said, "But the Caliph has forgotten us. We are so poor, what else should we do but adulterate milk in order win bread?" The daughter said "Such a bread would not be lawful, and as a Muslim I would not do anything which is against the orders of the Caliph, and whereby other Muslims are deceived."

The mother said, "But there is neither the Caliph nor any of his officers here to see what we do. Daughter you are still a child. Go to bed now and tomorrow I will myself mix the milk with water for you." The girl refused to fall in with the plan of her mother. She said, "Caliph may or may not be here, but his order must be obeyed. My conscience is my Caliph. You may escape the notice of the Caliph and his officers, but how can we escape the notice of Allah and our own conscience." Thereupon the mother remained quiet. The lamp was extinguished and the mother and the daughter went to sleep.

The next day, Caliph Umar sent a man to purchase milk from the girl. The milk was unadulterated. The girl kept her resolve. CaliphUmar turned to his companion and said, "The girl has kept her resolve in spite of the exhortation of her mother. She deserves a reward. What reward should I give her?"

"She should be paid some money," said Ibn Abbas. Caliph Umar said, "Such a girl would become a great mother. Her integrity is not to be weighed with few coins; it is to be measured in the scale of national values. I shall offer her the highest award in my gift, and which shall also be in the highest interest of the nation."

The Caliph summoned the daughter and the mother to his court. The mother trembled as she stood before the mighty ruler. But the girl faced the Caliph boldly and with great equanimity. She was beautiful, and there was an impressive dignity about her. Then before the gathering, Caliph Umar related how he had overheard the mother and the daughter, and how in spite of the exhortations of the mother the daughter had kept her resolve.

Someone suggested that the mother should be taken to task. The Caliph said that ordinarily he would have punished the mother, but he had forgiven her for the sake of her daughter. Turning to the girl the great Caliph said, "Islam needs daughters like you and as a Caliph of Islam it devolves on me to reward you by owning you as a daughter." The Caliph called his sons, and addressing them said, "Here is a gem of a girl who would make a great mother. I desire that one of you should take this girl as wife. I know of no better bride than this girl of sterling character. In matters of wedlock, it should be the character and not the stature in life that should count."

Abdullah and Abdur Rahman the elder sons of the Caliph were already married. Asim the third son was yet unmarried, and he offered to marry the girl. Thereupon with the consent of the milkmaid and her mother Asim was married to the girl, and milkmaid became the daughter-in-law of the Caliph.

From this union was born a daughter Umm Asim, who became in due course the mother of Umar bin Abdul Aziz. Umar bin AbdulAziz was elected as Caliph and served for a short period during 717 - 720.

While other Caliphs of the Ummayad dynasty reveled in luxury, Umar bin Abdul Aziz as a Caliph set up standards for austerity and simplicity following in the footsteps of Caliph Umar, the second Caliph of Islam. It is said that if ever there was a noble Caliph after the first four "Rightly guided Caliphs,"such a man was Umar bin Abdul Aziz. And he inherited the noble qualities of the milkmaid who married the Caliph's son, and those of Caliph Umar Farooq who had the eye to discern the nobler qualities of sterling character in a poor girl.

"The mother is a school: if you prepare her properly, you will prepare an entire people of good character, The mother is the first teacher, foremost among them, and the best of teachers."

"We (Allah) have made the (care of) parents incumbent upon man. His mother carried him through the fatigue (of pregnancy) followed by the hardship (of labor). And the weaning takes two (more) years. Thank Me and your parents. (Remember)! Towards Me is your return! Yet if they, (your parents), compel you to commit 'shirk' (associate partners) with Me , something you have no knowledge of , then do not obey. Deal with them in this life with kindness and courtesy, but follow the path of the one who turns to Me in repentance. Towards Me is your retreat! Then, I will relate to you what you used to do. Quran [031:14-15]

Taken from Muslim History

Rejuvenate

It’s at times impossible to concentrate during tharaweeh after a full day of work, but as it is work is part of our lives. I’m trying to formulate some strategies, which would help me concentrate better, inshallah. Working from home of course I should say is a very lucrative option, but at times its as tiring if not more than going to office itself. A few options I was looking at included taking off a bit early from office and having a short nap before maghrib, this is very helpful I should say. Another is to break in between rakaats in tharaweeh, I stop for a while before I start again when I feel I’m dozing off, and this has proven to be helpful as well. Nevertheless the best option is the short evening nap, it revitalizes the entire body and alhamdulih it helps to concentrate really well. Just a few lines in case someone is facing the same problem as me.:)

May Allah swt keep us steadfast on his path,ameen.

Who I Am !

(An Excellent poem about the Muslim Woman)

What do you see
when you look at me
Do you see someone limited,
or someone free

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

All some people can do is just look and stare
Simply because they can't see my hair

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

Others think I am controlled and uneducated
They think that I am limited and un-liberated

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

They are so thankful that they are not me
Because they would like to remain 'free'

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

Well free isn't exactly the word I would've used
Describing women who are cheated on and abused

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

They think that I do not have opinions or voice
They think that being hooded isn't my choice

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

They think that the hood makes me look caged
That my husband or dad are totally outraged

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

All they can do is look at me in fear
And in my eye there is a tear

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

Not because I have been stared at or made fun of
But because people are ignoring the one up above

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

On the day of judgment they will be the fools
Because they were too ashamed to play by their own rules

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

Maybe the guys won't think I am a cutie
But at least I am filled with more inner beauty

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

See I have declined from being a guy's toy
Because I won't let myself be controlled by a boy

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

Real men are able to appreciate my mind
And aren't busy looking at my behind

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

Hooded girls are the ones really helping the muslim cause
The role that we play definitely deserves applause

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

I will be recognized because I am smart and bright
And because some people are inspired by my sight

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

The smart ones are attracted by my tranquility
In the back of their mind they wish they were me

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

We have the strength to do what we think is right
Even if it means putting up a life long fight

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

You see we are not controlled by a mini skirt and tight shirt
We are given only respect, and never treated like dirt

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

So you see, we are the ones that are free and liberated
We are not the ones that are sexually terrorized and violated

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

We are the ones that are free and pure
We're free of STD's that have no cure

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

So when people ask you how you feel about the hood
Just sum it up by saying 'baby its all good' ;)

<=><=><=><=><=><=><=><=>

source: www.islamway. com

This is good, Allah Almighty knows best !

*The Story of an African King and His Friend *

A story is told about a King in Africa who had a close friend that he grew up with. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) by remarking, "This is good, Allah Almighty knows best" One day the King and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the King. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the King fired it and his thumb was blown off. Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good! Allah Almighty knows best." To which the King replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and ordered his soldiers to put his friend into jail.

About a year later, the King was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured the King and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to t! he stake. As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the King was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So after untying the King, they chased him out of the village.

When the King reached his Palace, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend. "You were right" the King said, "it was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this." "No," his friend replied, "this is good...Allah Almighty knows best" "What do you mean, 'this is good'! How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?"

The King's friend replied: "Remember that the Almighty knows best and if I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you on that hunting trip."

"He knows what is before them And what is behind them: And to Allah go back All questions (for decision)" Qur'an:Surah Al Hajj 22:76

Do Not Judge Things or Events by its Immediate Outcome! Almighty, the Most High, is the All-Knowledgable, the All-Knower... He chooses to show us things... but sometimes... we are not shown the wisdom behind somethings. When we are confronted by circumstances that are not very pleasing.... we are quick to say: "This is not good..." but... is it really? We might not know the purpose behind it. It might turn to be a good thing.... thus.. .when we are faced with any situation... do not be too quick to judge... always remember.... this life is a test... the good and the bad.... and there is nothing that happens for no reason... our brains are just not gifted enough to understand these reasons yet.

Sometimes ... things happen to us for a reason.

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:

Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: When Allah created the creation He put down in His Book, which is with Him upon the Throne:Verily, My mercy predominates My wrath.*

Hadith number in Sahih Muslim [Arabic only]: 4939; English: Book 37,
Number 6626

Ramadhan Q & A

Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatahu

Inshallah you are all in the best state of health and Imaan. Jumma Mubarak to you all and as always try and spend as much time as possible sending darood and salaam upon Nabi SAW. As mentioned last week recite Allahuma Sallay Ala Muhammadin Abdika Wa Nabiyika Wa Rasoolikan Nabiyyil Ummiyi. Reciting this darood and salaam upon Nabi SAW 80 times on Friday takes away 80 years of sin.


Inshallah you found the khutbah on the importance of Ramadhan informative. It is important to go through some of the questions that we normally ask but have no-one to answer them for us. It is unfortunate of the times we live in, is that there is a masjid on every corner but no one there to answer our call, except of course Allah SWT.

Q: Is taking a meal before commencing a fast (suhur) necessary in order for a fast to be valid?
A: No, Suhur is not necessary. However, it is a virtuous act of Sunnah that should not be missed unnecessarily.



Q: What time does Suhur begin?
A: One can take Suhur any time after midnight, but it is more advisable to take it in the latter hours of the night, preferably just before the break of true dawn (al-Fajr al-Sadiq).



Q: Is an intention for fasting necessary and when should one make the intention (niyyah) for the fast of Ramadhan?
A: The intention for fasting is necessary but very simple: It is to know in your heart that you will fast that day. It is valid to have this intention any time from Maghrib the night before up to the Islamic midday of the actual day of fasting, for current Ramadhan fasts and voluntary fasts. The Islamic midday is half way between the beginning of Fajr and Maghrib times. (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya). This means that you can go to sleep not intending to fast the next day. But when you wake up in the morning you can make your niyyat then even though sunrise has come in and your fast will still be valid as long as you have not eaten, drunk or done anything else that would normally invalidate your fast.


Q: Can a man have sexual intercourse with his wife during the nights of Ramadhan?
A: Yes, it is permitted to have sexual intercourse with one’s spouse during the nights of Ramadhan. However, one must stop before the break of dawn (al-Fajr al-Sadiq). It will also be permitted to take the obligatory ritual bath of purification after one has started one’s fast.



Q: Is it permissible to kiss and caress one’s wife whilst fasting?
A: Non-sexual affectionate kissing, from which there is no fear of leading to intercourse or ejaculation, will be allowed and not disliked. However, if one fears that kissing will lead to ejaculation or sexual intercourse, then it will be disliked (makruh) to kiss, but one’s fast will remain valid as long as kissing does not lead to actual sexual intercourse or does not result in ejaculation. If kissing resulted in ejaculation, one’s fast would become invalid and hence will have to be made up (qadha), without having to expiate for it (kaffara). Passionate kissing when saliva is exchanged will invalidate one’s fast, with both Qadha and Kaffara necessary. (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 1/200 & 1/204)



Q: Does a fast break when one swallows the saliva of one’s spouse?
A: Yes, if one is certain of swallowing one’s spouse’s saliva, then this would invalidate one’s fast and necessitate both a Qadha and Kaffara.



Q: If one kisses or caresses one’s spouse and consequently ejaculates, is one’s fast broken?
A: Yes, the fast is invalidated. However one will only have to make up for the fast (Qadha), and there will be no expiation (Kaffara) in this situation.



Q: What is the difference between a Qadha and Kaffara?
A: Qadha (makeup) means to keep another fast in order to make up for the fast which was invalidated, whilst Kaffara (expiation) means to perform an act to expatiate the sin of having broken a fast.



Q: In what way is a Kaffara fulfilled?
A: A Kaffara may be given in the following two ways: 1) Fasting for two months consecutively without missing a single fast, 2) Feeding sixty poor people. It should be remembered that if one has the ability to fast then one cannot adopt the second method; rather, one will have to fast for sixty days continuously.



Q: Does an injection invalidate one’s fast?
A: No, it does not invalidate one’s fast, although it is better to avoid taking injections whilst fasting unnecessarily.



Q: Does taking out blood or a blood test invalidate one’s fast?
A: No, a blood test does not invalidate the fast, as it is merely the taking out of blood. However, it will be disliked if it could weaken one from being able to maintain the fast.



Q: Does smoking invalidate one’s fast?
A: Yes, it does invalidate one’s fast. (Ramadhan is a good time to quit smoking forever!). Both makeup and kaffara will have to be done.


Q: Is it allowed to use an Asthma Pump during the Fast?
A: If one has a genuine medical need for an asthma pump that cannot be otherwise fulfilled, then it would be permitted to use it. However, it would break the fast and require that the fast be made up later (Qadha). This is because anything that has a perceptible body breaks the fast if it enters the body through a normal channel.



Q: When does vomiting break one’s fast?
A: Vomiting only breaks one’s fast if: a) one returns and swallows the vomit down the throat, or b) one vomits a mouthful intentionally. It is not broken by non-deliberate vomiting or (deliberately) vomiting less than a mouthful. If one’s fast is broken by vomiting, then one will only have to make up (qadha) for the fast, a Kaffara will not be necessary.



Q: How does one decide when vomiting is a mouthful?
A: The definition of “mouthful vomiting” is that which one cannot hold back in one’s mouth without difficulty.


Q: Can one fast whilst travelling?
A: Yes, one may fast while travelling. However one should not burden oneself if the journey is long and difficult, for in such situations it is advisable not to fast.



Q: Can a woman on menstruation (haydh) or post-natal bleeding (nifas) fast?
A: No, she cannot fast. It will be unlawful (haram) for her to do so.



Q: Does a woman on menstruation (Haydh) or post-natal bleeding (Nifas) have to make up for the fasts missed?
A: Yes, she will have to make Qadha for the missed fasts.



Q: Does one have to perform the Qadha fasts immediately after Ramadhan?
A: No, it is not necessary. However, it is recommended to complete the missed fasts of Ramadhan as soon as possible. It is not permissible to fast on the day of Eid.


Q: When can a sick person break his/her fast on the opinion of a doctor?
A: When a competent Muslim doctor says that if he/she continues fasting, it will bring danger to his/her life or severely effect the health, then in such a situation it will be permitted to break one’s fast. One will not be liable for a Kaffara but will only have to make up for the fast (Qadha).



Q: Is it permissible to insert medicine through a female’s private part during a fast?
A: Any form of medicine inserted into the internal part of a woman’s private part will invalidate her fast.



Q: Does tasting food by the one cooking invalidate the fast?
A: This is disliked but will not break the fast, especially if the woman has a harsh husband or if they are cooking for a large group of people.


Q: Can one use miswaak during fasting?
A: It is permissible to use miswaak during fasting and this does not invalidate the fast.


Q: Can one use toothpaste during fasting?
A: It is disliked to use toothpaste during fasting, but this would not invalidate the fast.


Q: Does bleeding invalidate the fast?
A: No bleeding does not invalidate the fast but depending on the nature of the bleed will invalidate the wudhu.


Q: Does gargling or snuffing the nose break the fast?
A: If water goes down the throat or up the nose and the person in conscious of the fast then the fast will break. Only makeup fast will be required. This is why the scholars recommend that you do not over gargle/snuff the nose when fasting.


Q: Does putting oil in the ear invalidate the fast?
A: If it goes past the ear drum then it breaks the fast if it doesn’t then it is ok. Only makeup fast will be required.


Q: Does swallowing blood invalidate the fast?
A: Yes, if the colour of the blood is more than the saliva with which it is mixed with. It is important that if you have weak gums that are prone to bleeding especially using the miswaak then you should be extra careful. Only makeup fast will be required.


Q: If one accidently eats after suhur or before iftaar because they can not deteremine the time. Will this invalidate the fast?
A: Yes, it is very important to close and open your fast on time. Many of us continue to eat even after the Fajr salah start time has come in. This is wrong and the fast has already been invalidated. This is a lesson to us all that we should get into a habit of closing our fast 5-10 mins before Fajr comes in. If one made this mistake of eating during the core time of the fast then only makeup fast will be required.


Q: Will chewing on the pen break my fast?
A: It is disliked to chew on anything that does not reach the stomach. But this will not invalidate the fast.



Q: Will drinking medicine invalidate my fast?
A: Yes, drinking any kind of medicine will break the fast. If done intentionally and one was not seriously sick then both makeup and kaffara will be required.


Q: Will rubbing hair/oil in the hair or body invalidate the fast?
A: No.


Q: Will my fast be invalidated if a fly, mosquito, dust or any object unintentionally goes down my throat?
A: No


Q: Will applying surma/kuhl invalidate my fast?
A: No.


Q: Will applying itr or perfume invalidate the fast?
A: No. But it is not permitted to inhale the smoke of Loban or agarbatti or the smoke of cigarettes.


Q: Will water entering the ears break my fast?
A: No.


The list of questions and answers above in not exhaustive but Inshallah they are a good basis of some of the dilemmas that we face. May Allah SWT grant acceptance to all our efforts in this Blessed month, Ameen.


Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatahu
Rahil

A scholar once asked his student …

You have accompanied me for a long period of time, so what have you learnt?

He replied : "Eight things"

The first:

I looked at the creation and found that every person has something that is beloved to him, but when that person reaches his grave, his beloved would be separated from him. So I made the most beloved thing to me my righteous deeds, so that they may be with me in my grave.

The second:

I looked at the saying of Allah the Elevated:

…But as for him who feared standing before his Lord,and restrained himself from impure evil desires and lusts.Verily, Paradise will be his abode. Quran79:40-41

So I strove against my self, repelling desires and lusts from it until it settled upon obedience to Allah.

The Third:

I saw that whoever possessed something valuable would keep it in a safe and secure place, I then looked at the saying of Allah the Glorified:

Whatever is with you will come to an end, and whatever is with Allah will remain. Quran16:96

So whenever something of value came into my possession, I directed it to Him, so that it may remain for me with Him.

The Fourth:

I saw that people return to wealth, lineage and nobility, and they are all worthless, so I looked at the saying of Allah the Glorified:

the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Quran49:13

So I worked on attaining Taqwaa or righteousness so that I may be honorable with Allah.

The Fifth:

I saw that people envy each other, so I looked at the saying of the Elevated:

It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world Quran 43:32

So I left envy and jealousy.

The Sixth:

I saw them taking each other as enemies, so I looked at the saying of the Glorified:

Surely, Shaytaan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy Quran35:6

So I left their enmity and took Satan as my only enemy.

The Seventh:

I saw that they humiliate themselves in pursuing provision, so I looked at the saying of Allah the Glorified:

And no moving (living) creature is there on earth except that its provision is due from Allah. Quran 11:6

So I concentrated on what was due to Him from me, and left what was due to me to Him.

The Eighth:

I saw them dependent upon their trades, professions and health, so I depended upon Allah the Glorified.

And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him Quran 65:3


With Regards

A Big Thanks for the Person who composed this.

A Tearful Dua

Source - Ramazan Magazine

O Allah, O Karim,
Please have Mercy on me.
O Allah, O Karim,
Please forgive me
for the sins I committed in the past
and those I will commit in the future.


O Allah,
have Mercy on all the Muslimeen,
and guide them.
Guide me O Allah,
and guide my parents,
my siblings, my cousins,
my aunts and uncles,
my nephews and nieces and so forth.


O Allah,
I ask You
to strengthen my iman and those around me.
I ask You to soften my heart
and to soften the hearts of the Believers.
O Allah,
forgive me for my shortcomings,
for only You are Perfect.


O Allah,
Please Forgive me
if I ever got too wrapped in a matter
that I didn't have the time to utter Your Name.
O Allah,
Please Forgive me for all the salat I missed
because of ignorance or laziness,
Please Forgive me for all the fasts I didn't make up,
thinking it was "alright, since I fasted most of the days anyway."


O Allah,
Please Forgive me
for the quarter I never dropped
into the metal cup for the homeless man begging on the street.


O Allah,
Please spark the love of Islam in my heart
and in the hearts of every single Muslim
until it gets implanted in their children
and their childern's children and so on.


O Allah,
I ask that You help me for I am weak ´´
and will only grow stronger by Your Strength,
so Allah Please Strengthen me
to fight Shaitan and his whispers.
And if I ever fell into his trap
and followed my desire,
then sincerely forgive me,
for that displays not only my weakness,
but Your Greatness as well.


O Allah, Please lighten the punishment in the grave
for those before us and those after us.
Please Allah, lighten the punishment
and please shed light into every Muslim's grave.


O Allah, if I ever was too afraid
to stand up for Your Deen
because of what others would think,
then Forgive me, for I was a fool for doing so.


O Allah, Please Protect me and each Musilman,
and Protect especially the orphans and the widows.
O Allah, Please Strengthen the faith
of the destitute Muslims around the world,
so they have hope to live.


O Allah, if I ever forgot to do du'a
for even one suffering Muslim,
then Forgive me
for then it is as if I haven't done du'a
for the entire ummah.


O Allah,
Please be the Light of my eyes, ears and heart.
O Allah,
Please be the Light on the sides of me
and the Light behind me
and the light in front of me.


O Allah, Please Forgive me
for all the foul words I spoke
either out of ignorance or
because I was trying to be "cool."
O Allah, please forgive me
if I never stopped to think about You,
due to "other important things."


O Allah, Please Forgive me
for not having enough time
or creating time for reading the Qur'an.
O Allah, Please Forgive me
for listening to music
and watching movies and t.v.
O Allah, please forgive me
for all the yelling I've done
and the arguments I've been in.
For the only time
the voice should be raised
is for Your Praises!


O Allah, Please Forgive me
for my disrespect towards my family,
elders, siblings and so on.
O Allah, Please Forgive me
for any backbiting I have been accused of,
whether I did it consciously or unconsciously.


O Allah, Rab al-Alamin,
Forgive me,
Forgive me for everything.
So for everyone,
every single Muslim,
dead or alive,
I do du'a that you forgive them
for all their sins.


O Allah,
Please Please Please
help the suffering Muslims
of Kashmir, Palestine, Chechnya,
Bosnia, Gujarat, Nigeria,
Iraq, Afghanistan and everywhere around the world.
Please O Allah, make the Mujahideen victorious,
and let the beauty of Islam reign!


O Allah, Give victory to the Muslims!
O Allah, Please let True Islam reign!
O Allah, Please increase our knowledge
of Your Deen and this world.
Oh Allah, Please Help us all and guide us,
for You are Everything to us.


O Allah,
I cannot stress how much I ask
for Your Forgiveness and Your Guidance.
O Allah,
I fear You,
I fear You soooo much words cannot describe.
I fear the day when I will meet You,
and I WILL meet You.
When we are one on one,
and I have no one's help or support.
No-one can take the blame for me
nor I for them.
The only thing I will have
is a little book given to me by You
that has my deeds.


O Allah,
Please Forgive me for my thoughts,
for even though I get sinned only for my actions,
I cannot help but feel guilty for my thoughts
and I ask You to Forgive me for them
and to clear my mind of any impurities
until You become the Only thing on my mind.


O Allah,
Please Forgive me
if I ever did anything out of gain
for this life and not for Your pleasure.
If I ever did anything to "show off"
then Please Forgive me for that.


O Allah,
I do du'a
that You grant us all God-Fearing spouses
and grant us righteous children.
Oh Allah,
I do du'a
that You continue to strengthen this ummah
until the Day of Resurrection.
O Allah,
Forgive me
for whatever I have not mentioned,
for I am bound to forget
.but You,
through Your Greatness...
You Never Forget.


O Allah,
Please Grant
all the Muslims
Jannah-tul-Firdaus.
O Allah,
I ask that You shed Your Mercy
on all the Prophets (peace be upon them)
and on all the Angels (peace be upon them).


Lastly, I do du'a
You shed Your Mercy
on the Prophet Muhammad ,
his family and companions.
I do du'a
that you grant Muhammad(PBUH)
the Highest Station in Paradise.


Rabinna Aataina
Fiduniya Hasinathow
Wa Fil Akhirati Hasinathow,
Waqina Adhab innaar

Ameen.

Ramadhan Mubarak to everyone !

May Allah swt guide us on the straight path and make us stronger believers! Please remember me in your precious duas !

I’m sharing this awesome poem, which I received through mail. Hope everyone enjoys it and ponders over its message as we welcome the month of ramadhan. Only Allah swt knows whether we will be alive to see another ramadhan, I fervently pray to Allah swt to show me and all of us the straight path and make us grateful servants.Ameen.

One night I heard a knock on my door;
Who can it be,I wasn't quite sure.
I open the door and am filled with glee;
The visitor ahead is no stranger to me.

I welcome the guest with utmost delight;
For I know it has come to give me respite.
An air of happiness fills the space;
My home now seems, a better place!

Have you any clue who this visitor could be?
Yes! its Ramadhan,the month of mercy.
The pious and righteous can't await its arrival;
Others seem to greet it, with waves of denial.

For Allah(SWT) we fast from dawn to dusk;
For Him our breath is the fragrance of musk.
The muslims who pray and fast with zest;
Are aware of the rewards of this month manifest.

Throughout this month we weep and repent;
Now is the time to strongly lament.
And those who shun this sacred month;
on the Day of Reckoning will face the brunt.

In the last ten nights,hides the Night of Decree;
Allah(SWT) then awaits for his slaves to plea.
The angels descend with Gabriel(AS) in the lead;
To check on the steadfast and record every deed.

A feeling of grief now fills my heart;
As the month of Ramadhan will soon depart.
So lets make a start and worship Him alone;
Now that the worth of this month is known

Persevere

I feel like a little boat lost in the midst of an ocean, not knowing where to turn for solace and relief.This is when I close my eyes and think deeply, so deep and remember my Allah. At times I feel that I have made wrong decisions, but I know that cannot be the case, as I always sought for guidance from my lord before each decision. It’s a test, a trial, something I should see through with my faith.

At times it’s a test where immorality dominates the day. Being encircled by those who are licentious to the deepest sense of the word is at times so disgusting. At times I wish to withdraw, may be use an invisible cloak to hide myself from these displays of promiscuity. It’s not possible, or rather it should not be the kind of resolution I should posses, as a believer should be strong. His true colours are portrayed by the way he represents himself amidst all constraints.

Patience and prayers are the 2 most powerful weapons in my arsenal. I will persevere with hope. A hope that will strengthen me with each step I take. I will fight back; I will preserve my values in the best sense, although I know it’s a tedious task. It will take a lot of courage, but I know that as long as I place my trust in my Allah, nothing is impossible, inshallah.

Less than perfect!!!

Life’s experiences had taught me many lessons; the ability to anticipate and accept what’s less than perfect, has been one it taught me very recently. Although I lived through many experiences which were less than perfect, it wasn’t a choice I made myself, but rather what Allah swt had destined for me. This time it’s a bit different, I myself have chosen to live in, to accept something that isn’t the most ideal.

It’s an emotional decision I have made, I know it’s a tough one, but I’m focused on the reward, the reward Allah swt would endow upon me for accommodating despite the inconveniences to myself. I feel elated in a sense, it’s a sign that I’m growing up, not only growing older. A sign of a mind which is driving towards unselfishness, a mission I could only achieve with the guidance of my lord. I pray to him sincerely that he will assist me in my noble cause, to be someone better, a human being who lives for others but himself.

Lie regarding Marriage

The whole world cannot contain my happiness, which I do not hide, and a shy smile appears on my face, as I hear my best friend tell me about her brother, “He wants to marry you.” I said to myself, ‘Now I will have a best friend and her brother will be my husband.” She praised his mannerism and good behavior and said while smiling, “You will live like the princesses of the Middle Ages. He will strive to provide you comfort and shower you with his affection.” Things happened fast since then and my happiness did not give space to careful thinking. I did not ask for anything, not even a specified Mahr (dowry) or where will I live. We did not verify that he even works or where he works, he was the brother of my best friend. I started making plans for the wedding dress,1 and I took her advice in the type of fabric to use, the gold I should by, kitchenware, what he likes and dislikes and the best gift to give him.

My father was amazed to my dedication to marry this man, but invoked Allah to bless my efforts, especially since I am his only daughter.

My future husband chose the most expensive hotel for the wedding and was confused as to the gift he should give to me. Meanwhile, I overcome by my dreams and passion and during wedding day, I was especially happy. However, the dream ended when I realized that his face showed no concern and he spent a large part of the night out of the house. Whenever I wanted to address these concerns, my friend would tell me that I should forego these minor things because he is a husband! Then I realized that I was married to him not to my friend, and I finally picked up the phone and called my father, who was elated to hear my voice. But my voice was tired and I said, “I do not want him, he is a drug addict.” My father asked with his strong voice, “How, where are you now?” The days of happiness ended quickly and elation turned into sadness, “How can you my best friend, lie to me like this? If someone like him wanted to marry you, would you agree? How could you have cheated me?

Some women ask other Muslim women for marriage for their relatives, praise them in front of them and mention their good qualities. However, much of what is being said are lies or at least exaggerations. To these women we say: “If someone lies to you, you would be bothered by being lied to. Why do you lie to people then, especially with regard to marriage? Would you agree that the same happens to your daughter?

Rasool Allah (Sallalahu ali huwa sallam) said : A man should not lie with another man under one covering, and a woman should not lie with another woman under one covering. (Sahih Muslim 667)

Tales from the Salaf

An eye opener

As Salaamu Alaikum

By SALEH ALI

Life is unpredictable. But I always thought I could predict what was going to happen next. It was only six days ago. I was driving home with my friends, Malik and Omar. It was Halloween night. We had just watched the movie Saw 3 at the recently refurbished theater at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santo Monica, CA. It was 11:46pm when I glanced at the clock on the dashboard and realized I hadn't made Isha But I didn't say anything, as not to upset the mood. Just three hours earlier I put off the Isha until after the movie. Now I was running out of time.

I only lived 26 years. My 27th birthday was exactly two weeks away. I always imagined I would live long. At least until age 60. It just wasn't imaginable that I would have such a sudden, unexpected death. I had graduated from the University of Southern California three years earlier with a degree that means absolutely nothing right now. Shortly after, I landed a job as the marketing director of a major clothing company. Aside from the usual life problems, I was living a normal life. My girlfriend of 4 years was starting to pressure me into us getting a place together. I knew I wasn't supposed to have a girlfriend in the first place but I enjoyed her company and friendship. I wasn't ready to give that up. I used to always tell myself that eventually I would marry her. Plus, what would these few years of living a sinful life mean by the time I got older?

My job, girlfriend and life-long friends took up the majority of my time. It seemed I never had time to offer salah. I hardly even had time to sit down and eat. Offering salah was always something that continuously bugged me. The more I postponed my salahs, the more it irritated me. I did give an effort to keep up on my salahs. But for the last two years of my life I gave up. I pretty much stopped making salah altogether. I never made it home in time to make salah that
day. Saw 3 was a walk through the rose garden compared to what I was about to experience. I was doing 85 on the 10 freeway. At 12 midnight, 85 mph is not considered speeding. Omar flipped through FM radio stations searching for a song he liked. Malik had fallen asleep in the back seat. I began to doze off too.

I used to hate when that happened. I shook out of what seemed like a 10 second snooze. I tried to keep my eyes open. But again I dozed off. Omar screamed, 'HEY! It was too late. The car struck the center divider and spun back into the flow of traffic. An oncoming car hit my door. That car was also hit by another vehicle. We finally came to a halt somewhere in the middle of the freeway, a hundred yards from the spot of the collision. I didn't feel any pain. I was just dizzy, I heard Omar and Malik moaning as good civilians tried pulling us from the wreck.

I wasn't rescued until the fire fighters arrived. It was quite a task recovering my battered body from my totaled car. Breathing became difficult. The fire fighters huddled around me and frantically applied device after device. 'He's not gonna make it,' I heard one of them say. I 'm not gonna make it? How? I didn't feel like I was dying. I felt nothing. My heart started pounding. I was soaked in sweat and blood. I saw Malik standing over the top of me with tears in his eyes. 'Don't quit on me', he told me. At that time I knew it was over. I started to cry. The fire fighters moved him away as they made last attempts to revive me. I died. An angel came to me and removed my soul. I watched him fly away with it in disbelief. 'How could you? I'm not even 27,' I pleaded. 'It's time,' he told me and left. Two minutes later they pulled a white sheet over me. Omar and Malik, apparently doing better than me, pulled the sheet back to look at me one last time. They cried their eyeballs out, I had known then over since I was 13 years old and had never seen either one cry. It was a depressing sight.

The ride to the morgue, until then, was the worst experience I ever had. I was alone. It was dark and cold. I missed my mom. I missed my brother. I missed my sister. I wished I had spent that last night with my family instead of with Omar and Malik. I worried what my mother was going to do when she saw me in this state. I was ugly. When we finally arrived, I was placed in another cold room with dozens of other dead people. I missed my family so much. Every so often a family came in to view their dead. I always thought it was my family but it wasn't. Hour after hour passed. No mom. No dad. I started to cry again. Then one odd hour I recognised voices. My father walked in with my mother in his arms. His face worn from stress. Hers wet with tears. They just stared into my eyes and cried. I stared back. I wanted to tell them I loved them. I couldn't. I wanted to hug them. I couldn't. Mom stroked my bloodied hair and left.

I was to be buried the next day. When my parents left, it hit me. I never made Isha! My heart jumped out of my chest. I owed Allah a salah and failed to deliver it to him. I had hundreds of missed salahs over the past two years. Now I was about to face him. I felt powerless. For those of you who have never experienced guilt at death, there is not a worldly feeling that amounts to it. It is guilt and sorrow at another level. I tried getting up to make Isha but I couldn't move. It was over. I had no second chance.

Then I began to think back. I never knew my memory was so good. I had more than enough time to ponder as I was awaiting my burial. I literally remembered every single salah I missed and the reasons why I missed them. Most were laziness, procrastination and neglectfulness. I knew I was in trouble. I wished they would take longer to bury me. I failed! I failed! I failed!

My girlfriend paid me a visit. She was a devil. When I was alive I saw her as a pretty angel. My pretty angel who loved me and would do anything to make me happy. If I had the ability, I would have cursed her and demanded her to leave the morgue. She put her hand on my forehead. I allowed her to do that for that past four years. Now that I opposed to it, I could do nothing about it. The devil cried for hours at my side. She just would not leave. I felt cheated. I felt like she pulled a prank on me for the past couple years of my life. I hated this devil! She was ugly! She smelled horrible! She finally left. As she walked out the door my heart was filled with fear and anxiety.

The funeral was simple. My body was washed. I didn't seem to care that my naked body was exposed. My worries far surpassed my desire to be modest. I was wrapped in three white sheets. About 300 people attended my funeral. I was saddened not to see my mom at the funeral. I wished she came to see me one last time before they put me in the ground. I never knew so many people cared about me. Many just stared at the tightly wrapped figure in disbelief. Others cried and cried some more.

The mass prayed for me. Thousands of individual prayers were made. They asked Allah to have mercy on me. They asked him to forgive me. I wanted to pray for myself but I couldn't speak. I was helpless. I was carried to the hole in the middle of the barren desert. The people followed. It seemed like slow motion. I didn't want to go. If I had 24 bonus hours I would pray non-stop. They lowered me into the ground. The anticipation was eating away at me. I had surely failed life. I thought back on everything I had worked so hard to accomplish. I earned a college degree. I had a well paying job. I spent hours and hours in the weight room ever since I was 16 years old
developing my body. I had a pretty girlfriend who loved me. In that life, that was a badge of honor. But as they were lowering me into this grave, which seemed like it took forever, I realized that I couldn't use any of those 'accomplishments'. If only I had been that dedicated to making salah five times daily, I would have been at peace right now. Instead I am a nervous wreck beyond anything you all can comprehend.

Dirt fell in the hole. Darkness overcame my new home. The last shovels of sand filled the grave. Everyone sadly walked away. The graveyard started to empty. Family by family. Mine was the last to leave. The attendant left. By nightfall it was just me. All alone. My wrapping was soaked in sweat. I nervously awaited the angels to come and question me. They finally did. My final judgement has not been reached yet. I am now waiting for judgement day. Still lying here, alone, as day comes and night falls. Soon I will meet Allah himself and He will decide weather He will forgive me or not. I can only lay here, wait and hope The All Forgiving, The Most Merciful forgives me and does not punish me. I hope. That is all I have right now. Hope.

Courtesy: Al Jumuah Magazine.

Friends Forever

Feeling lonely!

I still remember the day we met, it was in May 2007, ever since we have been very good friends, alhamdulih. She was indeed a wonderful friend. Each time I had an important decision to make I would always consult her, she was my close confederate my best friend in all walks of life. I appreciated her and hounoured her for everything she was, we have had a few disagreements but alahmdulih we did mange to see them through without much difficulty by Allahs grace and rahma. The love the mercy allah swt placed between our hearts is something I can’t forget. I know she has to leave me now, it hurts but I know she will be happier with her new life, something she always dreamt of. May Allah swt always keep her happy and strong in this world, and give her the very best in both worlds, ameen !!!

If you are reading this, I’m sure you will :) sooner or later, Jazakkalh khira for being a wonderful friend. I sincerely love you a lot for Allah’s sake, inshallah I hope that we will be resurrected as 2 who sincerely loved each other for Allah’s sake only. I wish you the very best in your new life, May Allah swt make all your dreams come true! Ameen

All your prayers be answered

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agree that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, there was a woman who swam to his side of the land.On the other side of the island, there was nothing.

Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?"

"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything."

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings."

"Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "what did he pray for that I should owe him anything?"

"He prayed that all your prayers be answered."

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us.

My prayer for you today is that all your prayers be answered. Be blessed.

"What you do for others is more important than what you do for yourself."

Encouraging words from a pious slave of Allah swt

This was in response to an email from another sister; I won’t mention any names here as I consider it inappropriate I just pondered over her words of advice. How strong are they, may Allah swt make all of us among such pious people. May Allah swt always bless this sister for her patience and firm conviction.Ameen



assalamualaikum warahmatullahi taala wabarakatuh

sis, i pray to Allah to give you strength to face any difficulty in life...
sis, whenever you think that Allah had already take something precious from you, just think million other things that Allah gave you...don't think about the guy, just think about your eyes, your mouth, your face and others.. Allah create it perfectly...

sis, 2 months ago, i just undergo operation for my disease...i have hemorrhagic ovarian cyst and i also have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)...i am just 20...i am not married yet..the disease will cause me to face infertility in future life...but i am not regretting for what had happen..i believe in Allah...i believe what Allah has plan for me is the best...Allah is with me all the time...no matter if there is nobody with me, but Allah is there for me...

sis, i am a medical student.. i know the fact of my disease...it is not easy for me to accept it at first...i am crying all the time...i also felt like what you felt right now..i felt that i want to die...
but sis, Allah give me a lesson,,,during the operation, i face difficulty in breathing... i forgot everything.. .it is just something that i can't explain to you..i already face death...it is just something that is so scary....starting from that moment, i tried my best to become a better Muslim...

sis, if you felt your problem is big, just think about others...think about Palestinian. .our sisters and mothers in Palestine is being raped, being killed...just think about them and you will felt that your problem is just so small...

sis, there is so many things to do..Ummah is waiting for us...when you think about the Ummah, you will not have time to think about yourself...

i am sorry if my words hurt you...i don't mean it...all the goodness is from Allah...may Allah protect you and give you strength...

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi taala wabarakatuh

My Allah

by Zohra Moosa

The noor of Allah surrounds us.
The love of Allah enfolds us.
The power of Allah protects us.
The presence of Allah watches over us.
Wherever we are Allah is and all is well.
Take this day to be thankful for the people you have in life . . .
Life isn’t measured by the mountains of gold you have . . .
But by the mountain of people that you hold close to your heart.

My heart is filled with pain

My heart is filled with pain
Did I lose the game again?
I try my best to be at my best
But Ya Allah deep down I feel the pain!

I sincerely want to love you all my life
Is it ok to feel the pain once in a while?
I never mean to be ungrateful to you
But at times I just can’t hold my self through

You have blessed my life with your divine love
Peace and contentment is paramount
But at times I feel I’m breaking apart
Please do forgive me if I sound far apart

In your remembrance my lonely heart finds its peace
At times I do not know why I feel so lonely and weak
I try my best to be focused and alive
But at times tears break me apart

I know that you watch over me from heavens above
Each tear, sadness, sorrow is part of my life
Only to you do I turn in my pain
Please help me see through these rainy days

They say after rain there will be sunshine
Each difficulty will be followed by ease
Why do some matters sound so difficult?
Forgive me my lord if I sound so weak

I pen my feelings down as a poem
Becoz I don’t want to hurt the ones who feel
So much love and compassion
Towards my soul that’s at unease

Although my heart feels bewildered
My soul so lost and forgone
It sincerely believes in your wisdom
Your plans and foresight so strong

Each difficulty will make me stronger
Stronger than what I was before
Each trial will be a term test
With reports from heavens above

Please forgive me when I whine out of pain
Please forgive me when tears flow down my cheeks
I never mean to complain against your divine decree
Its only because I’m a human so weak

As each night brings a new day
I know that you will alleviate my pain
Everything will have its end
My Allah is enough for me; my Allah is enough for me!