The Old Sock

A wise and saintly rich man, sensing his approaching death, called his son to his side and gave him these instructions: "My son, I shall be leaving you very shortly. On the day when I die, and they have washed my body and come to wrap it in the shroud, I want you to put one of my socks on my foot. This is my final request of you."

Soon after this, the old man did indeed die, leaving behind his goods and property, his children and his dependents. Family, friends, acquaintances and neighbours attended his funeral. The body had been washed and was almost completely wrapped in the shroud, when the son remembered his father's wish. Finding one of his old socks, he handed it to the washer of the dead, saying, "In accordance with my father's last request, please put this sock on his foot."

"That is quite impossible:' Said the man. "Such a thing is utterly impermissible in Islam. I cannot act against the Shariah." Despite this valid objection, the son insisted, "That was my father's final request; it must certainly be carried out."

The washer of the dead was unmoved. "If you won't take my word for it," he said, "go and ask the mufti. He will confirm what I tell you, that it is not permissible. " Holding up the funeral, they consulted the mufti, preachers and scholars, all of whom declared that this was not permissible in Islam. Just then, an aged friend of the deceased interrupted the debate with these words to the son: "My boy, your late father entrusted me with a letter which I was to hand over to you after his departure. Here, this letter belongs to you." So saying, he gave him an envelope. Taken by surprise, the boy opened the envelope and read out the contents of his father's letter.

"My son, all this wealth and property I have left to you. Now you see: at the last moment, they won't even let you give me an old sock to wear. When you yourself come one day to be in my condition they will also refuse to let you keep anything but your shroud. Eight yards of shroud are all you will be able to carry over from this fleeting world into the Hereafter. So pull yourself together and be prepared. Spend the fortune I have left you, not for the satisfaction of vain desires, but in ways pleasing to Allah, that you may achieve honour in both worlds."


Taken from Inspirations Volume 4

Courtesy: AL-ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS

Allah Knows ....

Jealousy and its Cures

Jealousy and its Cures
Developing the Muslim Character

From As-Sunnah Bi-Monthly Newsletter (issue 19)
Compiled by Shawana A. Aziz

"Beware of jealousy,
for verily it destroys good deeds
the way fire destroys wood."

Hasad (jealousy and envy) is among the most destructive emotions or feeling which a man may have towards his fellow human being. It causes him to wish evil for others and to be happy when misfortune befalls them. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) warned against envy by comparing it to fire that completely burns the wood. He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood." [Abu Dawood]

Hasad is a disease of the heart and it causes impurity to the heart, when Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was asked who are the best of people? He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) replied: "the one with a clean heart and truthful tongue." They asked: 'We understand a truthful tongue, but what does a clean heart mean?' he answered: 'It is the heart of one that is pious, pure, and is free of sin, transgressions, hatred and Hasad." [Ibn Majah]

Hasad is such a dangerous characteristic that Allah revealed verses of the Qur'aan to be recited as a protection from the jealous, "Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn… from the evil of envious when he envies." [Soorah al-Falaq (113): 1]

At-Tirmidhee narrated from al-Zubayr Ibn al-Awam that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "There has come to you the disease of the nations before you, jealousy and hatred. This is the 'shaver' (destroyer); I do not say that it shaves hair, but that it shaves (destroys) faith…" [(Hasan) Jamee at-Tirmidhee (2434)]

Hasad can cause the person to indulge in disbelief because it causes the individual to feel that Allah has not been fair with him; he forgets all the mercy and blessings which Allah has bestowed upon him. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "They are enemies for Allah's bounties." They asked: "Who are they?" He said: "Those who envy people for what Allah has given them of Bounty." [at-Tabaranee]

Allah through His Absolute Wisdom has given some people more wealth, intelligence, beauty, strength, children, etc. than others. The believing Muslim should be content with what Allah has destined for him. Allah says: "Allah favored some of you over others with wealth and properties… Do they deny the favors of Allah?" [Soorah an-Nahl (16): 71] And: "Do they envy men for what Allah has given them of His Bounty?" [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 54]

"It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the mercy of your Lord is better." [Soorah az-Zukhruf (43): 32] meaning mercy of Allah is better than the convenience of the world. The materials of this life do not make one superior to another in Allah's Judgment. True superiority lies in Taqwa (righteousness, fear of Allah). He said: "Surely, the most noble of you to Allah is the most God-fearing." [Soorah al-Hujurat (49): 13] "And the Hereafter with Your Lord is (only) for those who have Taqwa." [Soorah az-Zukhruf (43): 35]

What belongs to the transient world is of no significance before Allah. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "If this world were worth a mosquito's wing before Allah, He would not give a disbeliever a drink of water." [At-Tirmidhee]

The favors of Allah in the world are a test; the more the favors, the more the tests. Al-Hasan al-Basri said: "Umar Ibn Khattab wrote this letter to Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, 'Be content with your provision in this world, for the Most Merciful has honored some of His servants over others in terms of provision as a test of both. The one who has been given plenty is being tested to see if he will give thanks to Allah and fulfill the duties which are his by virtue of his wealth…" [Ibn Hatim]

Allah, the Exalted, has therefore forbidden us from desiring what other have, "Do not wish for what we have favored some of you over others." [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 32]

In order to discourage envy, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Do not look to those above you. Look to those below you, as it will more likely remind you of Allah's favors bestowed on you." [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim] On another occasion, he said: "If one of you looks at someone wealthier and better built than him, he should also look at someone of lower standard than himself." [Saheeh Muslim]

Islam permits Ghibtah

What Islam permits in contrast to Hasad (destructive jealousy) is Ghibtah (envy that is free from malice), which means neither loving the loss of the blessing nor hating for it to remain with the person, but desiring the same for oneself without the removal of the blessing from others.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Envy is allowed in two cases, in case of a man whom Allah has given the Qur'aan and who recites it throughout night and day; and a man on whom Allah has bestowed wealth who gives it away throughout night and day." [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim] and he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) also explained what may be said: "I wish I were given what he was given and did with it what he did."

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "The similitude of the people of this Ummah is like four individual. One whom Allah has given wealth and knowledge, so he handles his wealth with the knowledge. One whom Allah has given knowledge but not wealth and he says, 'Lord, should I have wealth like so-and-so I would have handled it like him.' So they both have the same reward. Such a person loves to have wealth like others so he can do good like others without wishing that the others lose their wealth. Another man, Allah has given him wealth but no knowledge and he spends his wealth in disobedience to Allah. And last, a man whom Allah has not given knowledge nor wealth but he says, 'Should I have wealth like so-and-so, I would spend it in the way he does.' So, both will have the same sin against them." [at-Tirmidhee and Ibn Majah]

Some Reasons that cause a person to have Jealosy

Anger and Malice: When one is hurt by someone for any reason, he is angered, and his anger produces malice and urge for revenge in the heart. The slave begins to desire harm for the other person, he enjoys when he sees him in hardships and he may further thinks that Allah has done it to him as an evil reward!

And if the person is blessed with a gift, he grieves and this is Hasad, which does not harm the envied person but it hurts and destroys the Hasid (one who has Hasad) himself.

In order to close the door to this evil Islam advises the Muslims to be forgiving in nature and control one's anger. Allah says in the Qur'aan: "Those who spend (in Allah's Cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men. Verily, Allah loves the good doers." [Soorah al-Imran (3): 134]

Arrogance, Pride and Love for fame: When a person achieves a high status and position in the society or gains wealth, he hates to see someone other than him compete or go ahead of him or be praised over him. So, he envies the former person.

An example of this can be taken of the Jews and their Hasad towards Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) for the Prophet-hood that Allah entrusted him with. Their envy made them reject the divine message given to him, because he was an Arab and not from the Children of Israel. It was their Hasad which caused them to make statements as such, "It is these that Allah as favored among us?" [Soorah al-Anam (6): 53] "And they say: 'Why is not this Qur'aan sent down to some great man of the two towns?" [Soorah az-Zukhruf (43): 31] and in Soorah al-Muminoon (23): 34, "If you were to obey a human being life yourselves, then verily, you indeed would be losers."

This also shows one of the grave dangers of Hasad that Hasad hinders the person from following the truth and accepting advice from others just as the Hasad of the disbelievers prevented them from accepting Islam.


Evil Nature of the person: Some people, even though they may not be harmed or threatened by other people's success, grieve when they hear about some good happening to others, and enjoy in their adversities. Neither do they seek progress for themselves nor do they wish others to progress!! Such kind of defect is difficult to cure for the reason behind their evil attitude is the evil nature of the person which does not allow him to accept other people's success.

Repentance and Getting Rid of Jealousy

Firstly, the believer should have sincerity in repenting from Hasad as Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Three things that every heart of a believer should not hate to have is sincerity in actions, rendering advise to leaders and holding to Jama'ah (community) of the Muslims, for their supplication surrounds everyone with them." [Ahmad and Ibn Majah]

Second requirement to get rid of Hasad is to get rid of all those means which cause one to have Hasad like anger, hatred, love for the world and discontentment.

Discontentment comes from the slave's ignorance of his Lord. If he recognizes his Lord with the attributes of Perfection, All-Knowledgeable and All-Just to his slaves, he would not be discontent and as a result would not develop Hasad.

Imam Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: "It (contentment) opens the door of peace and security for the slave." It makes his heart pure from hatred, evil and malice. The more contented the person is, the purer his heart is. However, this does not mean that the slave should not make efforts to improve his situation. A slave should work to gain success and progress but he should not envy those whom Allah has granted more wealth or possession but he should be content with the decisions of Allah.

Thirdly, the slave should turn towards the Qur'aan which is a healing for the diseases of the heart. Allah says: "O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Rabb and a healing for that in your chests." [Soorah Yunus (10): 57]

Supplicate to Allah to purify your heart. Allah said in the Qur'aan: "And those who came after them say: 'Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful." [Soorah al-Hashr (59): 10]

Give Sadaqah (charity) for it purifies the heart and sanctifies the soul. It is for this reason Allah said to His Prophet: "Take Sadaqah from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it." [Soorah at-Tawbah (9): 103]

If thoughts of Hasad cross one's mind, he should seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan and busy himself with something that will dispel these insinuating whispers and thoughts.

But if the Shaytan manages to instill Hasad in the hearts, then beware lest you say or do anything which will show Hasad. A person will not be brought to account for whatever crosses his mind, but he will be brought to account for what he says and does.

Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: "Nobody is free from Hasad, but the noble person hides it whilst the base person shows it." [Amraad al-Quloob]

If you feel that you are jealous of a specific person, then buy him a gift, shake hands with him and give him salaams for Hasad is the result of hatred and the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Shake hands, for this will dispel rancour, and exchange gifts and love one another, for this will dispel hatred." [Narrated by Maalik in al-Muwatta (1413)]

Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "By Allah, in Whose Hand is my soul, you will never enter Paradise until you believe. And you will not believe unless you love one another. May I tell you something that if you do, you may love one another? Spread Salaam amongst yourselves." Ibn Abdul-Barr said: "This proves that Salaam can lift hatred and produce love." [Saheeh Muslim]

"A Man from the People of Paradise will enter now..."

Anas Ibn Malik (radhi allahu anhu) reported that he and other companions were sitting with the Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), who said: "A man from the people of Paradise will enter now." And a man from al-Ansar entered, with his beard dripping with water from Wudhu (ablution), and holding his sandals in his left hand.

The following day, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said the same thing and the same man entered.

On the third day, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) again repeated his statement and the same man entered with water dripping and holding his sandals.

When the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) left, Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn al-As (radhi allahu anhu) followed the man and said: 'I quarreled with my father and I swore I would not go to him for three days and night. Would you shelter me for these days?' the man replied: 'Yes.'

Anas said: 'Abdullah said that he stayed with this man for three nights and he did not see him praying at night, but every time he moved and changed position in bed he would remember Allah saying, 'Allahu Akbar' Until Salat-ul-Fajr."

Abdullah said: 'I didn't hear anything from him but good. When the three nights had passed… I said: 'O slave of Allah! I really didn't abandon my father nor was I angry with him. But, I heard the Messenger of Allah speaking of you on three separate occasions, the Prophet had said that a man from the people of Paradise would enter, and you were the one to enter on all the three times. So, I wanted to stay with you to see what you do so that I could follow you. But I have not seen you doing much. So what is that you do for Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) to say what he had said?'

The man replied: 'It is nothing more than what you saw.' When it was time to leave, he called me back and said: 'Yes, it is nothing more than what you saw, except that I have no place in myself for ill-intentions or Hasad towards any Muslim and what Allah has given them.' Abdullah said: 'This is what has made you deserving of the praise and this is what we cannot do." [Musnad Ahmad]

Life ...

Asalamualiukum warahmatullahi wabarakathu,

Life has been pretty hectic, with people who are dishonest all around, I feel its best to keep quite and not comment at times. At times I can’t stand the injustice and the evil, but then I value my peace-of-mind more than anything else. Its only through patience will we see the light at the end of the tunnel. As my mama says, I feel I think too much, deep philosopher, it could sometimes get the better out of me and at times it leaves me tired, very tired. I don’t and inshaallah won’t complain, as Allah swt has blessed me with a lot more. For the sake of pleasing my Allah inshaallah I will be patient, verily patience is only from Allah. It is only he who could give us the strength to be patient. Please my lord give me the strength to be patient.

Good wards off evil, as light wards off darkness. So inshaallah patience and goodness will deliver us through all trying situations. I’m happy that I’m much more improved in the ways that I look at things than it was a few years ago, it is a sign of maturity and of course aging. I still need to improve a lot to be a good human being.

Alhmadullih, I presented my paper last Thursday at an international conference. I was feeling a bit nervous, but my Allah helped me and everything went well. I’m very grateful to Allah swt, without him all these wouldn’t have been possible.

Allah swt also blessed me with a wonderful friend, whom I wish will be with me forever inshaallah. With so many bounties could I ever complain to him of anything?

I turn to you in my sadness and weakness in seek of peace, for I have no one but you to help and to turn to, verily no one except you can help me.

"When Allah leads you to the Edge of the Cliff, Trust Him fully and Let Go, Only One of Two Things will happen, Either He'll Catch You When You Fall, Or He'll teach You How to Fly!"

Waliukumsalam Warahmatullahi warakathu.

God never burdens anyone with more than he can bear

The situations one faces in life, no matter how tough it seems at the moment, are all actually at an intensity that one can bear. God, the Creator of human beings, gives them their souls. He knows best how much they can tolerate and how much of a burden and difficulty they can bear.

God states in many verses that He would not afflict anyone with more than he could handle and that no one would face injustice:

God does not impose on any soul more than it can bear. It shall be requited for whatever good and whatever evil it has done. (Qur'an, 2:286)

As for those who believe and do right actions—We impose on no soul any more than it can bear—they are the Companions of the Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (Qur'an, 7:42)

Without a doubt, the events people will have to deal with and be patient with will be different. Most people are tried with many different contingencies. But, in the end, God tests people in relation to their strength.

For example, some people lead a destitute life on this earth and hence their patience in a state of impoverishment is tested. Some people live in wealth and abundance and so it is their thankfulness to God, their morals and whether they cling on to the world with greed or not that are tested.

But eventually, the rich and the poor live the life that is best for them. No matter how needy the poor person becomes, it is not a difficulty that he cannot handle. Likewise, no matter to what degree the rich person lives in abundance, this would not force him to be a spoiled and ungrateful person.

In the end, these people's faithfulness to God and their fears regarding the Day of Judgment enable them to live by the morals of the Qur'an and become people who abide by the commandments of religion. Such people submit to God in every event they encounter.

They seek only His help and His approval. They never show disappointment in the face of difficulties and never stray from religion, even if their trial is extremely hard.

For people who resign themselves to God and trust in Him, God makes things, even the hardest seeming things, easy for them as a sign of His mercy and compassion.

In Surat al-Kahf, verse 88 clarifies this point:

"But as for him who believes and acts rightly, he will receive the best of rewards and We will issue a command, making things easy for him."

God draws attention to this truth in other verses as well:

As for him who gives in charity and guards against evil and confirms the Good, We will pave his way to ease. (Qur'an, 92:5-7)

Those who do not submit to or trust in God will regard even easy things as hard. As a result of their ungratefulness, their denial of religion, and their distance from the morals of the Qur'an, God causes them hardship in this world:

But as for him who is miserly and self-satisfied, and denies the Good, We will pave his way to difficulty. His wealth will not help him when he plummets to the depths. Assuredly, it is for Us to give guidance. (Qur'an, 92:8-12)

Glory be to Allah and praise, there is no deity but Allah, Allah is great, there is no power, no might but Allah, the Most High, the Most Respectful.

"Innal llaha wa Malaa'ikatahu Yu salluna allan nabiyi. Ya Ayyuhal lazeena aamanu sallu alaihi wasallimu tasleema." (Surah Ai-Ahzab, Verse 56)

Almighty Allah says: "Surely Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Holy Prophet (Sall Allahu 'alaihi wa Salim). O you who believe! Send Blessings (Durood) and Salutations (Salaams) on the Prophet with worthy Salutation". (Surah al-Ahzab: 56)

O Allah! Let Your Blessings come upon Muhammad(SAW) and the family of Muhammad(SAW) as You Blessed Ibrahim(AS) and the family of Ibrahim(AS). Verily You are the Praiseworthy Glorious.

O Allah! Confer Your Blessings on Muhammad(SAW) and the family of Muhammad (SAW) as You conferred blessings on Ibrahim(AS) and the family of Ibrahim(AS). Verily You are the Praiseworthy, Glorious.

'Our Lord, give us good in this world, and good in the hereafter, and safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire.' (AAMEEN)
(Qur'an, 2:200-201)

ILM

Mu’aadh ibn Jabal (radi’Allaahu’anhu) said: “Knowledge is a comforting friend in times of loneliness, it is the best companion during travels, and it is the inner friend who speaks to you in your privacy. Knowledge is the discerning proof of what is right and what is wrong, and it is the positive force that will help you surmount the trials of comfort, as well as those of hardships. Knowledge is your most powerful sword against your enemy, and finally, it is your most dignifying raiment in the company of your close companions.”

"It's more blessed to give than to receive."

A young man, a student in one of the universities, was one day taking a walk with a Professor, who was commonly called the student's friend, from his kindness to those who waited on his instructions.

As they went along,they saw lying in the path a pair of old shoes, which they supposed to belong to a poor man who was employed in a field close by,and who had nearly finished his day's work.

The student turned to the professor, saying: "Let us play the man a trick: we will hide his shoes, and conceal ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his perplexity when he cannot find them."

"My young friend," answered the professor, "we should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor. But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of this poor man. Put a coin in each shoe, and then we will hide ourselves and watch how this affects him."

The student did so and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work, and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes.

While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes, but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen upon his countenance. He gazed upon the coin, turned it around, and looked at it again and again.

He then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin.

His feelings overcame him; he fell upon his knees, looked up to the heavens and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving in which he spoke of his wife who was sick and helpless, and his children without bread, whom this timely bounty, from some unknown hand,would save from perishing.

The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears. "Now," said the professor, are you not much better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?"

The youth replied, "You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. I feel now the truth of these words, which I never understood before: "It's more blessed to give than to receive."

Abdullah bin Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallAllahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that encouraging good, prohibiting evil, lifting the burden of the weak person and removing an offensive thing from a path are all acceptable prayers to Allah.[ibn Majah]

Happiness Is a Voyage, Not a Destination

We convince ourselves that life will be better once we are married, have a baby, then another.Then we get frustrated because our children are not old enough, and that all will be well when they are older. Then we are frustrated because they reach adolescence and we must deal with them. Surely we’ll be happier when they grow out of the teen years.We tell ourselves our life will be better when our spouse gets his/her act together, when we have a nicer car, when we can take a vacation, when we finally retire.

The truth is that there is no better time to be happy than right now.If not, then when?

Your life will always be full of challenges. It is better to admit as much and to decide to be happy in spite of it all. For the longest time, it seemed that life was about to start. Real life.But there was always some obstacle along the way, an ordeal to get through, some work to be finished, some time to be given, a bill to be paid. Then life would start. I finally came to understand that those obstacles were life. That point of view helped me see that there isn’t any road to happiness.

Happiness IS the road. So, enjoy every moment.

Stop waiting for school to end, for a return to school, to lose ten pounds, to gain ten pounds, for work to begin, to get married, for Friday evening, for Sunday morning, waiting for a new car, for your mortgage to be paid off, for spring, for summer, for fall, for winter, for the first or the fifteenth of the month, for your song to be played on the radio, to die, to be reborn… before deciding to be happy.

Happiness is a voyage, not a destination.

There is no better time to be happy than… NOW!

Live and enjoy the moment.

-Author unknown


Now, think and try to answer these questions:
1 – Name the 5 richest people in the world.
2 – Name the last 5 Miss Universe winners.
3 – Name the last 10 Nobel Prize winners.
4 – Name the last 10 winners of the Best Actor Oscar.

Can’t do it? Rather difficult, isn’t it?

Don’t worry, nobody remembers that.
Applause dies away!
Trophies gather dust!
Winners are soon forgotten.

Now answer these questions:

1 – Name 3 teachers who contributed to your education.
2 – Name 3 friends who helped you in your hour of need.
3 – Think of a few people who made you feel special.
4 – Name 5 people that you like to spend time with.

It’s more manageable? It’s easier, isn’t it?

The people who mean something to your life are not rated “the best”, don’t have the most money, haven’t won the greatest prizes… They are the ones who care about you; take care of you, those who, no matter what, stay close by.

Think about it for a moment. Life is very short! And you, in which list are you? Don’t know? Let me give you a hand.

You are not among the most “famous”, but among those to whom I remember to send this message…

Some times ago, at the Seattle Olympics, nine athletes, all mentally or physically challenged, were standing on the start line for the 100 m race. The gun fired and the race began. Not everyone was running, but everyone wanted to participate and win. They ran in threes, a boy tripped and fell, did a few somersaults and started crying. The other eight heard him crying. They slowed down and looked behind them. They stopped and came back… All of them…A girl with Down’s Syndrome sat down next to him, hugged him and asked, “Feeling better now?”Then, all nine walked shoulder to shoulder to the finish line.The whole crowd stood up and applauded. And the applause lasted a very long time…People who witnessed this still talk about it.

Why?

Because deep down inside us, we all know that the most important thing in life is much more than winning for ourselves. The most important thing in this life is to help others to win, even if it means slowing down and changing our own race.

May Allah grant you the serenity to accept what you cannot change, Courage to change what you can, and the wisdom to know the difference?

Compiled, edited and adapted by Khalid Latif

Courtesy: Yasser Maghsoudi [ymaghsoudi@yahoo.com]

A Wise Young Muslim Boy

Many years ago, during the time of the Tâbi'în (the generation of Muslims after the Sahâbah), Baghdâd was a great city of Islam. In fact, it was the capital of the Islamic Empire and, because of the great number of scholars who lived there, it was the center of Islamic knowledge.

One day, the ruler of Rome at the time sent an envoy to Baghdad with three challenges for the Muslims. When the messenger reached the city, he informed the khalîfah that he had three questions which he challenged the Muslims to answer.

The khalîfah gathered together all the scholars of the city and the Roman messenger climbed upon a high platform and said, "I have come with three questions. If you answer them, then I will leave with you a great amount of wealth which I have brought from the king of Rome." As for the questions, they were: "What was there before Allâh?" "In which direction does Allâh face?" "What is Allâh engaged in at this moment?"

The great assembly of people were silent. (Can you think of answers to these questions?) In the midst of these brilliant scholars and students of Islam was a man looking on with his young son. "O my dear father! I will answer him and silence him!" said the youth. So the boy sought the permission of the khalîfah to give the answers and he was given the permission to do so.

The Roman addressed the young Muslim and repeated his first question, "What was there before Allâh?"

The boy asked, "Do you know how to count?"

"Yes," said the man.

"Then count down from ten!" So the Roman counted down, "ten, nine, eight, ..." until he reached "one" and he stopped counting

"But what comes before 'one'?" asked the boy.

"There is nothing before one- that is it!" said the man.

"Well then, if there obviously is nothing before the arithmetic 'one', then how do you expect that there should be anything before the 'One' who is Absolute Truth, All-Eternal, Everlasting the First, the Last, the Manifest, the Hidden?"

Now the man was surprised by this direct answer which he could not dispute. So he asked, "Then tell me, in which direction is Allâh facing?"

"Bring a candle and light it," said the boy, "and tell me in which direction the flame is facing."

"But the flame is just light- it spreads in each of the four directions,

North, South, East and West. It does not face any one direction only," said the man in wonderment.

The boy cried, "Then if this physical light spreads in all four directions such that you cannot tell me which way it faces, then what do you expect of the Nûr-us-Samâwâti- wal-'Ard: Allâh - the Light of the Heavens and the Earth!? Light upon Light, Allâh faces all directions at all times."

The Roman was stupified and astounded that here was a young child answering his challenges in such a way that he could not argue against the proofs. So, he desperately wanted to try his final question. But before doing so, the boy said,

"Wait! You are the one who is asking the questions and I am the one who is giving the answer to these challenges. It is only fair that you should come down to where I am standing and that I should go up where you are right now, in order that the answers may be heard as clearly as the questions."

This seemed reasonable to the Roman, so he came down from where he was standing and the boy ascended the platform. Then the man repeated his final challenge, "Tell me, what is Allâh doing at this moment?"

The boy proudly answered, "At this moment, when Allâh found upon this high platform a liar and mocker of Islam, He caused him to descend and brought him low. And as for the one who believed in the Oneness of Allâh, He raised him up and established the Truth. Every day He exercises (universal) power (Surah 55 ar-Rahmân, Verse 29)."

The Roman had nothing to say except to leave and return back to his country, defeated. Meanwhile, this young boy grew up to become one of the most famous scholars of Islam. Allâh, the Exalted, blessed him with special wisdom and knowledge of the deen. His name was Abu Hanîfah (rahmatullâh 'alayhi- Allâh have mercy on him) and he is known today as Imâm-e-A'dham, the Great Imâm and scholar of Islam.

Adapted into English from "Manâqib Abî Hanîfah" written by Imâm Muwaffaq Ibn Ahmad al-Makki (d. 568 Hijri). Dar al - Kitâb al-'Arabiy, Beirut, 1981/1401H

Kindness surely pays back !!!

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"
"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said..... "Then I thank you from my heart."

Year's later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. The woman feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all.

Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill.
She read these words..... "Paid in full with one glass of milk"
(Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."

Hasan al Basri and His Neighbour

Hasan al-Basri once fell sick. His neighbour, an unbeliever, came to pay him a visit.

"O Imam," he exclaimed, "I detect a bad smell." The Imam told him it was caused by illness, but the neighbour insisted: "That is not the odor of sickness. It is a lavatory smell. For the love of Allah, tell me what it is!"
He had not noticed that sewage was leaking from his house into that of the Imam.

When the neighbour pressed him, the Imam finally said: "For some months your drain has been seeping through to our side. I tried to fix it, but without success."

His neighbour asked why he had not told him before, but the venerable Imam said: "I might have offended you."

The unbeliever was so impressed by this ethical refinement that he was ennobled with True Faith, for he recognized the Imam's morality as a ray of Islam.

The King of My Throne

Fear engulfs me
Thoughts overwhelm me
Oh my lord
Who will be the king of my throne?

Will I be happy?
Will I have strength?
Oh my lord
When I find the king of my throne?

Will he be compassionate?
Will he be affectionate?
Oh my lord
That king of my throne

Will he respect you?
Will he keep his duty to you?
Oh my lord
That future king of my throne

Will he love you?
Will he guide me to you?
Oh my lord
I wish a pious king for my throne

Will he understand me?
Will he be considerate?
Oh my lord
A kind king for my throne

Please guide me
Please enlighten me
Oh my lord
To find a kind king for my throne

A soul who will love you
A soul who will always remember you
Oh my lord
I wish as the king of my throne

As questions cloud me
And answers deceive me
Oh my lord
I turn to you sincerely, to find a king for my throne

I sincerely love you
Want to always be with you
Oh my lord
I fear an impious king for my throne

It’s only you who could help me
It’s only you who could enlighten me
Oh my lord
Who would be the king of my throne?

Thoughts .....

Asalamualiukum Warahmatullahi Wabarakathu

Hope that everyone is keeping fine by Allah’s rahma. I enjoy blogging a lot, but couldn’t blog for a while because I was very busy and tired during the past 2-3 weeks. I had many thoughts and would have liked to share, but finding the time was a major problem with a tight schedule. I witnessed many internal crises in office and elsewhere, with bombs detonating at least once every week, Srilanka is turning out to be a very dangerous place to live in.

Each and every situation we face in life has its own lessons in store for us. It’s we who need to comprehend it and rectify our shortcomings in order to be better Muslims. Although life is transient, we mortals live as if we will live forever. We forget the commands of Allah SWT, miss our prayers every day and find excuses for doing so, visit the mosque only on Fridays and live our lives to please everyone but Allah, in anticipation of days in the future in which we can engage in ibadaat. When we are young we feel that we have years to come and it’s when old age settles in that we should increase our ibadat, youth is the time for merriment and joy, joking, fooling and idling, it’s not the time for ibadaat. The youth view there age as a license to engage in all evil practices and would just smile away when their mistakes are pointed out. This is the time to have fun, not the time to ponder over religion. But its only if we ponder over the sudden loss of lives during the blasts would we understand that death has no barriers, young or old, woman or man, when our time is due we will leave this world in our current state. We will never be given another chance, this is our only chance, and lets try to make the most out of it.

I would like to have kept out of this topic, as its prohibition in the context of Islam is well known. But the ignorance shown by our youth despite all warnings has made me write about it, at least a bare minimum, as I feel it would be useful in today’s context. We often hear stories of romeos and juliets of our times. Young men and women would do everything possible to win over the man/woman of their dreams. This might be fine with the kuffar, but we as Muslims should lead an exemplary and righteous life as guided by Islam. Does such “hanky panky” technique of winning over the one you claim to love last forever? Based on what do you admire the other person? Looks can be deceiving, so can be their apparent behavior. In a context where both parties behave in a manner to impress each other nothing would be evident, but its in the face of realities of life that one would understand the fleeting dreams in which one has been living in the past. Then it would be too late to turn back, also my dear sisters and brothers please ponder over the evils of this virus, it will engulf you and leave you in a state of moral bankruptcy because each and every moment you are engaged in it you will be disobeying your creator. Please try not to fall prey to this contagious virus, save your imaan and increase your worship of Allah swt, he is the source of all strength and for the one who places his trust in him he will suffice him.

“And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion.”

So my dear sisters and brothers, don’t fret and frown over the fleeting things in this life and employ unislamic ways of achieving them. We will only get what Allah has ordained for us and he is the provider, the sustainer, whatever he has ordained for us is best for us. May Allah SWT give all of us the strength to increase our IMAN and be better Muslims. Ameen.

Exemplary Sabr of Prophet Ayyub

Courtesy: Shahid Khan

THE story of Ayyub (Job) gives consolation to all those who are ill or deprived of wealth or children.

The angels were discussing the conditions of mankind, their obedience and disobedience. One of them said that Ayyub was the best man on earth. He was an obedient believer, always praying to Allah. Allah blessed Ayyub to be wealthy for 80 years. During this time he never forgot to worship or thank Allah. He shared his wealth with the poor and clothed the naked.

Satan could not believe that there was a servant as sincere as Ayyub.

Satan thought that his wealth was the reason for his sincerity, so he asked Allah for power to take away Ayyub's wealth, with the intention of misleading him.

Ayyub reacted to his loss by saying that the wealth belonged to Allah and he thanked Him for what He had granted him, and he thanked Him for what he has taken away. He then kneeled down in prayer. This made Satan angry.

Satan tried twice to mislead Ayyub after he lost his wealth by asking Allah for power to take away his children and health. Allah said I will give you power over his body, but I warn you against approaching his soul, tongue, and heart, because in them lies the secret of Faith. Ayyub acted in the same manner as when his wealth was taken away from him. Satan realized that he couldn't misguide Ayyub, so he went to his wife to mislead her by reminding her of their previous lifestyle.

Satan was successful in misleading his wife. This led to her complaining to Ayyub about their present state. This caused Ayyub to become upset with her and he vowed that he would beat her 100 times if Allah gave him back his health. Satan was not successful in misguiding Ayyub. Allah then restored him with all that he had lost.

Ayyub now had to fulfill his vow of striking his wife. Allah ordered him to strike his wife once with 100 pieces of good smelling grass, out of mercy for her. Indeed Allah is the Most Merciful. The story of Ayyub should be a constant reminder for us all. Many of us complain about the little things in life. Allah tested Ayyub in ways that can happen to us.

His faith and patience are things that we as true devout Muslims should try and implement in our lives, when Allah tests us in these situations. In the Qur'an Allah says:

"Truly! We found him patient. How excellent (a) slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance (to us)." [Qur'an:38:4].

During these times, we must remember Allah more and be more thankful instead of being dissatisfied with our condition. We should praise and thank Allah for every condition that He tests us with. As we know these are the times when Satan tries to play with our minds, emotions, and weaknesses. Allah would never forget to reward a servant for such a great task.

"And (remember) Ayyub when he cried to his Lord: Verily, distress has seized me and You are the Most Merciful of all Who show mercy." [Qur'an:21:83]

"So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a reminder for all those who worship Us." [Qur'an:21:84]

May Allah give us the faith and the patience when we are tested. Amen.

Compiled from various sources.

Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Note that an English translation of the Qur'an is an interpretation of the Qur'an, and does not have the perfect status as the Qur'an in its original Arabic form

A POEM OF HOPE

Composed by a young girl in Belarus, Russia,
near the site of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster Area.

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room,
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference.
You see, it's up to YOU!

Forgiveness the crown of great qualities

Have you ever felt that someone has wronged you? May be oppressed you or may be acted in a deceitful manner? The realities of life are such that as humans we all feel wronged, oppressed or deceived at some point in our lives or the other. How should we react in such situations? It’s human to feel sadness and pain within, but are we going to let such emotions overtake our existence? The answer to this question might vary depending on a variety of factors, but as Muslims we should always learn to forgive and forget.

“Best deeds of a great man are to forgive and forget. “
As Muslims we should follow the sunnah of our beloved prophet Muhammad(PBUH), didn’t he forgive the kafirs after the conquest of mekkah? He indeed did forgive them. Taking into consideration the amount of torture he went through because of their persecutions, this obviously speaks of the nobility of our beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH). What about Nabi Yusuf (may Allah be pleased with him); he forgave all his brothers after they plotted and planned against his own life. Whatever we bear in our lives is nothing in comparison to what these great people patiently endured for Allah’s sake. Even after Allah SWT gave them the authority and when they were in a position to take revenge for all that was committed against them, still they chose to forgive.

“When you have triumphed over your enemy, pardon him as a way of returning thanks to God for giving you the strength to conquer.”

And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). (Chapter #3, Verse #159)

Why should we seek revenge, if we ever ought to do so? Does it improve our situation? Does it compensate for what we have lost? Does it ensure that the victor feels the same as the vanquished?

Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e. dont punish them). (Chapter #7, Verse #199)

On the other hand if we are patient when we are wronged, and forgive inshaallah Allah SWT will be very pleased with us. It shows the nobility of one’s character and the strength within ones qalb(Heart). Isn’t pleasing Allah SWT our ultimate goal in life?


"And Seek (Allah's) help with Sabr (patience) and Salat (prayers): it is indeed hard, except to those who are humble" (Qur'an Al-Baqara 2:45)

If God brings you to it,
He will bring you through it.
In Happy moments, praise God.
In Difficult moments, seek God.
In Quiet moments, worship God.
In Painful moments, trust God.
In Every moment, thank God.

Miserliness and Meanness of the Heart

Free yourself from miserliness and meanness of the heart. The more humble and polite you are, the more strongly will you believe that everything belongs to Allah and that whatever you give now shall be returned in the form of a much greater reward.

The more you believe that if you were to stop charity it would come to haunt you, the easier will it be for you to be magnanimous. The more your heart is filled with the Greatness of Allah, the more generous your heart will become. The greater your ability to negate ego, status, arrogance, vanity, wealth, and the more you feel that you have not discharged your responsibilities to the full - the happier you will become.

Give away your wealth today, give it away readily, sacrifice your self-esteem, cleanse yourself of the love of this world and Allah will expand your heart. He shall make you so benevolent that you will have made yourself deserving of the Paradise whose expanse will embrace the heavens and the earth.


Compiled From:"Dying and Living for Allah" - Khurram Murad

Love & Marriage: Encouragment from a Brother

Love & Marriage: Encouragment from a Brother

Source – My_Islam Group

When I started looking for a wife, my only intention was to find a muslim woman who could help me become a better Muslim. After praying to Allah many times, I came to know that a Muslim brother in my area had an unwed sister. I was told that she was 7 years older than I was, had no college education, and had minor health problems. Despite this, I arranged for a meeting to discuss the possibility of marriage. When I met her, I was impressed by her modesty (she wore a real hijab that covered everything but her face). She was not attractive, nor was she rich. However, at the conclusion of our meeting, I felt comfortable with the fact that she was what I was looking for. After praying Istikhara, I felt confident that she was right for me. Our nikaah was performed only a few weeks later.

Oh yeah, this was a Muslim wedding - the kind where the men separated from the women, we didn't have disco music or belly dancers or any other kind of kuffar stuff. There might have been one brother who was NOT wearing Sunnah. We spent most of the time praying, praising Allah, discussing what a great blessing the responsibility of marriage was, etc. I think the total cost of the wedding might have been around US$20.00 (we held it in my brother-in-law' s apartment). I had the time of my life!!!

Despite the fact that she is very stubborn and argumentative, she is one of the best Muslim women a man could ask for. And I am NOT talking about the way she wakes me up in the middle of the night for tahajjud, the way she covers her face in public, the way she investigates every action that I do, the way she will stop talking to me if I don't read the Qur'an or go to the masjid every day. I am talking about her fear of Allah and love for the prophet Muhammed (Salallaahu' alahiwasalam) .

Not bad for a woman some people called ugly, who has no college education or money. I wouldn't trade this woman for anything in the world.

Many times when the discussion of marriage arises, I will hear one brother after another talking about how beautiful and educated they want their dream wives to be. Others will talk of love or family/racial pride. Fools... (with all due respect) In case some of you are confused as to why I am mentioning all of this let me tell you what I know (straight up)...

A PIOUS WIFE IS YOUR STRONGEST DEFENSE AGAINST SHAYTAAN

Now, Marry a woman for whatever reason you want.......

My dua' is with you all.

Salamu Alaikum.
Your brother,
Iftikhar

Ikhlas (Sincerity)

As humans who are weak and feeble we are often prone to sins, but if we are sincere Insha Allah, Allah (SWT) will protect us from the fitnahs(trials) around us. Sometimes you feel how deeply Allah(SWT) loves you, if you are sincere. Nothing but only he could save and protect you, because he is all knowing all wise. When certain things are beyond your control and you raise your hands up in supplication, he responds to you in ways you never imagined. He saves you from what is evil and wrong, in ways you couldn’t possibly perceive, he rewards you for being patient and sincere. Only after he protects us from the evils around us, do we realize his plan for us. He is the one who lays out everything smoothly, for those who are patient and sincere. When things seem out of control and we feel the pressure around us let’s turn to him for guidance, for only he can guide us to be righteous. Above all a sincere heart and attitude is most beloved to him. Only he sees what’s hidden and unknown. He is our protector and our master.

Ya Allah, please save me and all my fellow Muslims in Islam from all the fitnahs around us. Please give us Ikhlas(Sincerity) in our deen, and forgive us all for our past sins. Please do not take our ruhu unless we are in a very high state of iman, please don’t give us any burden which is unbearable to us. Please help us to live & die for your sake only. Ameen.

A Tribute to a Heavenly Soul

A Tribute to a Heavenly Soul

When days were dark and my soul was clouded with burdens which seemed unbearable I remember that smile and that helping hand that was always beside me, when sickness made my limbs and body weak and I was bedridden, she spent many sleepless nights attending to me, when I had tried my utmost best but still fell short of my goals she is the loving soul that inspired me, with every step I took & with each and every success I achieved she was the complimenting soul that applauded me, she is no other than my loving mother, the person I love, more than anyone else in this world!!!

Her successful 32 year career as a doctor in the public sector will end today, but as for me she will always be a hero whose hands and kind words has cured many a suffering soul. There are times when people praise my mama for what she has done for them, I feel really happy at those times. It might not have been very easy raising 3 kids while working, but alhamdullilah she managed to do a good job with us, since she sacrificed many opportunities that came across for our sake. Whatever we do, will never be sufficient to payback all that sacrifices, patience, fortitude and pain she bore to make a better tomorrow for us.

Even today as old as I am, I still turn to her for comfort and solace. When we turn to her with eyes full of tears and hearts full of fear, she will always try to comfort us with assurance and firmness with kind words and encouragement, but at times even I feel that although not shown her own heart cries within when we are sad or depressed. In moments of joy and happiness she is that tender heart who feels the joy many times manifolded.

There is an oft repeated, but seldom - respected hadith, of the Prophet Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) that tells us, "heaven lies under the feet of mothers." while another hadith, mentioned in friendly competition between mothers and fathers, tells us that those dearest to a Muslim after Allah (swt) and the Messenger, are mothers (emphasized thrice), and then, the father.

Sometimes it’s only after we lose something or someone that we begin to relish the true value of it, so let’s not be ignorant till such day, lets pray to Allah subhantala to grant all of us the strength to serve our parents to the best of our ability, especially when they reach old age and are not in a state to be of any help to us. They are the blessed souls on the face of this earth who deserve our utmost attention, as they have borne many a pain and suffering to make us who we are today. As I conclude I leave you with the lyrics from the Nasheed “My Mother”, sung by rasheed bhika, may it serve as an inspiration to all of us this day and always. I Thank Allah Subhantala for blessing me with a loving mother and pray that he will sustain that love and affection for me in the years to come.

“Ya Allah Please bless my mother with the best of everything in this world and the hereafter” Ameen.

''Yusuf Islam - My Mother''

(Teacher): “The Prophet Muhammad (sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam) told us that we must obey Allah and His messenger at all times. But who else did he tell us to listen to, and be close to?

(Children): “My Mother!”

Who should you give your love to?

Your respect and your honour to?

Who should you pay good mind to - after Allah, And Rasullullah?

Comes your Mother, Who next?

Your Mother Who next?

Your Mother And then you Father Cause

who used to hold you And clean you and clothe you?

Who used to feed you And always be with you?

When you were sick, stay up all night, Holding you tight?

That’s right no other, your Mother

Who should you take good care of, Giving all your love?

Who should you think the most of - after Allah And Rasullullah?

Comes your Mother, Who next?

Your Mother Who next?

Your Mother And then you Father

Cause who used to hear you Before you could talk?

Who used to hold you Before you could walk?

And when you fell, who’d pick you up?

Clean your cut?

No one but, your Mother, your Mother

Who should you stay right close to?

Listen most to?

Never say no to – after Allah And Rasullullah?

Comes your Mother, Who next?

Your Mother Who next?

Your Mother And then you Father Cause

who used to hug you And buy you new clothes?

Comb your hair and blow your nose?

And when you cried who wiped your tears?

Knows your fears?

Who really cares?

Your Mother

Say Alhamdulillah,

Thank you Allah

Thank You Allah for my Mother