Two Days

There are two days in every week we should never worry about; two days that should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its aches and pains, its faults and blunders. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control.

All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed, nor erase a single word we’ve said. Yesterday is gone.

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow, with its impossible adversaries, its burden, its hopeful promise and unknown performance. Tomorrow is beyond our control.

Tomorrow’s sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds …but it will rise … and until it does. We have no stake in tomorrow, for it is as yet unborn.

This leaves only one day: TODAY! Anyone can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down.

It is not the experience of today that drives people mad.

It is the remorse of bitterness for something that happened yesterday, and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.

Make TODAY the best day it can be, and live one day at a time! Read more!

Death is Upon Us

Don’t you know that protection, tomorrow, will be limited to those who feared Allaah [today], and to those who sold something ephemeral for something permanent, something small for something great, and fear for protection? Don’t you realize that you are the descendants of those who have perished, that those who remain will take their place after you, and that this will continue until you are all returned to Allaah? [‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Azeez]

Death is upon us, but you wouldn’t think it so. We lie intoxicated by the dunya and its many trappings. We live our fast-paced lives, in its hustle and bustle, with little time to halt – to ponder and reflect over imminent realities. We think we are guaranteed tomorrow, and the next day, and indeed the day after next. Ironically, we find such certainty in the future, in the longevity of our lives, while in fact, the only thing in which we have true yaqeen (certainty) is our own demise – those empty graves which we will occupy in the depths of the cold, merciless earth.

Death comes unexpected, without a warning. Even still, most deal with death as if it is a far-off reality, when indeed none know its appointed time. Perhaps it is the pleasures of this life that make us blind to the reality of what comes after. Some abhor the topic and frown upon its mention, for it brings them back to the hard-hitting reality of their end, and detracts from the ‘fun’ they engage in. Be that as it may, the uncontested fact – whether or not we wish to acknowledge it – is that we shall die:

The Righteous will die,and the wicked will die …The warriors who fight jihaad will die,and those who sit at home will die …Those who busy themselves with correct belief will die,and those who treat the people as their slaves will die... The brave who reject injustice will die,and the cowards who seek to cling onto this life at any price will die... The people of great concern and lofty goals will die,and the wretched people who live only for cheap enjoyment will die... [Shaykh Ali Hasan Al Halabee]

Indeed, every soul shall taste death, the destroyer of pleasures, and the terminator of good deeds. It is for this reason and the calling to account that follows this that we should remember death often and much. And it was our beloved Prophet sal’Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam who passed on such wisdom when he stated: “Increase in your remembrance of the destroyer of pleasures (ie. death). For verily, one who remembers it when enduring the hardships of life, it widens for him (ie. he no longer feels overburdened with the hardships he is experiencing). Whenever one remembers it at times of opulence, it will cause him to feel restricted and burdened (ie. he will not then be too involved with this life and will start to reflect on the serious and heavy matters awaiting him)”. Remembering death shall push us towards increased worship and remembrance; for how would one who remembers death often readily fall into sin? Rather, they would constantly be aware that the Angel of Death may come at any moment, ceasing their good deeds. One who remembers this reality would have taqwa and feel shy to commit faahishah in front of Allah. They acknowledge the unexpectedness of death and because it can come at any moment, they utilize their time wisely, readily engaging in the worship of their Lord. Surely, they follow the advice of Al-Hasan Al Basree when he stated: “Do not sit idle, for indeed Death is seeking you!”

How imminent death is, yet what have we prepared for it? Some live in this life as if they will live forever. We work and toil and sweat, for what? For many, it is for the tangible things – the things that we perceive to be success, but are not. Insaan [man] forgets about success in the akhirah. O Muslim! Did you not think the angel of death would come for you at your appointed time, to cut off your ‘amal-us-saalih (good deeds)? Did you not think that your soul would leave your body? Did you not think you would sit in the grave – to experience the trials therein? Did you not think you would meet Allah ta’ala? Perhaps you forgot, perhaps ghaflah (heedlessness) overtook you. Many have been fooled by the dunya’s pomp and glitter, taken in by its play and amusement. Ponder over the words of Allah ta’ala when he says what means, And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But far better is the house in the Hereafter for those who are Al­Muttaqûn (the pious). Will you not then understand? (Al-An’am 6:32)

O Muslim, Are you a slave to the dunya or a slave to Ar-Rahmaan? Realize that felicity lies in the latter, and only temporal happiness in the former. Indeed, we incite you to work and toil and sweat, but to do so for your akhirah, invest in it so that it may be sweet and rewarding. So build not your castles in this life, but build them in the Hereafter; having wealth, that is, an abundance of good deeds – that which will grant you success in the Hereafter and felicity after death.

Death is the curtain between this life and the next, the passageway by which we enter the akhirah. This connection is made – between death and the akhirah – because just as the akhirah incites fear in the hearts, so too should death. When one thinks of the akhirah, fear of a terrible end gives rise to horrible images, intricately mentioned in the Quraan; the agonizing wait on that Day, the uncertainty of our destination, and the terrible punishments for those condemned to the Fire occupy our thoughts. Realize that death is the entrance to such a reality, for it is with death that we begin the journey to the Hereafter. Allah ta’ala says what means: Say: “The angel of death, who is set over you, will take your souls, then you shall be brought to your Lord.” (As-Sajdah 32:11) When we acknowledge it as such and recognize the inherent connection, we may give death its due, by remembering it often and what comes after, thereby turning back to Allah ta’ala.

The Salaf used to engage in much remembrance of death and greatly feared for their [uncertain] end. Of the things that made Salmaan Al-Faarisee cry was “the terror of the onset of the pangs of death; and the standing in front of the Lord of the worlds while not knowing whether I will be turned towards the Fire or Paradise.” If they didn’t have this security with death and their destination afterwards – taking into account their piety and virtue – subhaanAllah, how much more so does this bear true for us (the insecurity of death and our final destination)?

Let us heed the statement of ‘Umar ibn al Khattab radiallahu ‘anhu who said: “Bring yourself to account before you are brought to account. And weigh your deeds before your deeds are weighed.” He radi’Allaahu ‘anhu incites us to review ourselves in this dunya – our performance and our deeds. So the wisdom of this statement is in its warning – for us to reevaluate ourselves, for us to bring ourselves to account before this blessing leaves us — before the Angel of Death arrives, before our souls are leaving our body and before we taste the punishment our deeds have given us.

By Allah, we wish to be of those who remember death often, pondering its consequences and imminence, for ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Azeez has stated: Every day you dispatch to Allaah, at all times of the day, someone who has died, his term having come to an end. You bury him in a crack in the earth and then leave him without a pillow or a bed. He has parted from his loved ones, severed his connections with the living, and taken up residence in the earth, whereupon he comes face to face with the accounting. He is mortgaged to his deeds: He needs his accomplishments, but not the material things he left on earth.

Are you a slave of Ar-Rahmaan who will be protected by his good deeds and the Mercy of Allaah ta’ala when the Angel of Death comes at the appointed time – or a slave of the Dunyaa who will bring with his death his material things which will profit him none? Ya Rahmaan, make us of the former, who are shielded by our ‘amal us-saalih, may they be in abundance, and your Mercy. Ameen.
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Acknowledgement:
-Holy Quran
-Hadith
-Writer: Tawheedfirst

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Winners Never Quit

One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my Spirituality...I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. God, I said. Can you give me one good reason Not to quit? His answer surprised me...

When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

God said, in the third year there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit.

God said, and then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots.

Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.

God said to me, did you know, my creation, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you.

Don't compare yourself to others. God said, the bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come, God said to me. You will rise high.

I left the forest and bring back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you. God will never give up on you!

Perseverance, Persistence and Determination.
In life never lose hope and never give up. Success will come to you later in life. Read more!

"Let the sinner separate himself, O Musa"

In a beautiful Khutbah on Lailat-ul-Qadr, Muhammad Al-Shareef mentions this touching narration from the period of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him).

It was narrated that in the days that Musa (peace be upon him) wandered with Bani Israel in the desert, an intense drought befell them. Together, they raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed rain to come. Then, to the astonishment of Musa and all those watching, the few scattered clouds that were in the sky vanished, the heat poured down, and the drought intensified.

It was revealed to Musa that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israel who had disobeyed Allah for more than 40 years of his life. “Let him separate himself from the congregation,” Allah told Musa. “Only then shall I shower you all with rain.”

Musa (peace be upon him) called out to the throngs of humanity, “There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah for 40 years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued from the drought.”

That man waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one. The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity.

He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks he said, “O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!”

As Musa (a.s) and the people of Bani Israel waited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. Musa asked Allah, “O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward.”

And Allah replied, “O Musa, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel with water.”

Musa (Peace be upon him),wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked, "Show him to me O Allah!" Allah replied, "O Musa, I hid his sins for forty years, do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?"

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Proud to be a "Stranger"

The Prophet (saw) once said, "Islam began as something strange, and it will revert to being strange as it was in the beginning, so good tidings for the strangers." Some asked, 'Who are the strangers?' He said, "The ones who break away from their people for the sake of Islam."(Hadith)

There is an incredible lesson in the above Hadith, which we need to repeat to ourselves over and over again. As a 22-year-old Muslim, I find my practice of Islam feeling stranger by the day. There is a norm that we have to live up to in this society, and if we don't meet it, we will be called strangers.

By the norm of society, I wasn't allowed to be alone with myself. I had to be surrounded with friends, or be reading some novel or other, and the music was always blaring in the background. Silence was deafening, and noise was the only peace.

I wonder about this a lot since it affects my faith as well as others. Even though Allah has created mankind and has preferred us, the Prophet still acknowledged that there will come a time when there would be people struggling alone for righteousness.

The realization hit me then, that the tangible wasn't the ultimate reality. I could no longer find any reason, purpose or consolation in good grades, praise, good looks or even friendship. Everything seem to lost its meaning until I seek to understand the words of the Quran. I finally realized that I want to study hard for Allah sake, I want to reunite friendship for Allah sake. I want to smile for Allah sake. I want to do good for Allah sake.

Now as I struggle to maintain my Islam, I find practicing my faith in this world feels strange only so long as I surround myself with worldly things and people. Only when I turn to Allah, I feel the strangeness fade away.

In our time, when immorality is the norm, I guess it's only good then, if we feel connected to the strange.
'Good tidings for the strangers.'

-END-
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Why Hijab?

Some Muslim women, at different stages of their lives and at different times after their decision to wear hijab, struggle with it. Not necessarily with the belief that it is obligatory — although some Muslim women may have a problem with that — but with different factors: on the most basic level, come summer, if you aren't careful with the material of your hijab, it's not exactly the most comfortable thing to wear.

And then there's the dealing with the fact that people sometimes treat you differently. But the real killer is all the ranting, the debate, the articles, the speeches, on and on and on about hijab. What's amazing is that usually those talking about it the most are those who don't even wear it.

Hard-line feminists who have decided that women wearing hijab are oppressed have taken it on themselves to make Muslim women take that "hijab thing" off — how else are women going to be respected if they don't take off their clothes? And then the politico-commentators who have tried again and again to convince everyone and anyone who reads opinion pages of newspapers that hijab is actually a "political statement" which "Islamists" use to push their agenda, or whatever.

Now get this: despite all of this fuss, what's really amazing is that Muslim women are still wearing that "hijab thing"! So what is it about hijab? Why are Muslim women still wearing it?

Because Allah commanded them to do so.
It is crucial to note that the first and most important reason that a Muslim women wear hijab is because Allah commanded them to do, as mentioned in Holy Quran:

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms… [Al Nur 24:31]

O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them, when they go abroad. That will be better, that so they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. [Al Ahzab 33:59]

The first reason for wearing hijab is that it is a command from Allah. The ruling of hijab is highly esteemed among Muslim women, despite the big pressure of the majority in this world to forbid it. In fact, there is wisdom behind this heavenly command of hijab. But before we get into that, let us first define the hijab.

Defination of hijab
Complete hijab also includes the moral conduct, behavior, attitude, and intention of the individual. A person only fulfilling the criteria of hijab of the clothes is observing hijab in a limited sense. Hijab of the clothes should be accompanied by hijab of the eyes, the heart, the thought, and the intention. It also includes the way a person walks, talks, and behaves. Hijab as a mere dress does not have the same rank of importance as manners and behaviors have.

History
Up until the end of the nineteenth century, ladies in America used to put on some kind of head gear, if not a cover for the whole hair. People used to look with embarrassment to any woman going out to the street without her hat! This is quite in conformity with the Biblical injunction for the women to cover their heads. Mini skirts only appeared recently together with the secular and atheist style of life that some people choose themselves.

Other Religion
In Christianity for example, nuns cannot show up without their hijab. Also, regular ladies wear it while attending masses, which is a reflection of self-admission that God wants to see them this way. In Judaism, the Jews also have their strict rules about covering women’s bodies.

Whereas, when it comes to Islam, all voices seem to come against the idea itself. However it is interesting to note that the very same people who find fault with the Islamic dress code for women do not find any thing improper in the dress of nuns. It is evident that the “hijab” of Mother Teresa did not prevent her from social work. And the western world honored her with the Nobel Prize! But the same people would argue that the hijab is a hindrance for a Muslim girl in a school or for a Muslim lady working as a cashier in a super market. This is the kind of hypocrisy or double standards which paradoxically some “sophisticated” people find fashionable.

Secular Cultures
Even in these times, people pay more respect to the more modestly dressed ladies, than to the scantily clad ones. Imagine a lady prime minister or a queen wearing a low-cut blouse or a miniskirt in an international conference! Can she command as much respect there as she would get if she were in more modest attire? Even in secular societies, some women judges have to cover their heads, during sessions, as a way to show their dignity and self-respect. It is that in the Islamic culture - like many other cultures - the idea of women's respectability and virtue is related, among other things, to the propriety of their dress.

The Quran was revealed for all times, and though circumstances change, human nature does not. The fact is that men do like to look at women’s bodies, so a woman who covers herself is more likely to be respected as a person than looked upon as a piece of meat! Women knew that men look at them. Otherwise, why would they spend millions of dollars every year to style, color, and treat their hair?

Is Hijab an oppression?
As mentioned before, many Muslim women around the world wear the hijab out of choice. An oppression occurs, only if someone forces a woman to wear it. On another note, semi-nudity can also be an oppression, if someone forces a woman to adopt that style. If women in the west - or east - have the freedom to dress as they please, why not allow the Muslim women to prefer a more modest dress?

Hijab Prevents Molestation
Hijab enables women to be recognized as modest women and this will also protect them from being molested. Suppose there is a hooligan who is waiting to tease a girl. Whom will he tease? A girl wearing hijab, or the one wearing a mini skirt? Hijab does not degrade a woman but protects her modesty and chastity.

Hijab Uplift Women
Woman’s liberalization mostly disguises exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation of her honor. Non-Muslim societies claim to have uplifted women via allowing them to expose their bodies, but on the contrary, this has actually degraded them to mere tools in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketers, hidden behind the colorful screen of “art” and “culture.”

Muslim women should be well aware of these facts. They should be aware that hijab protects them from evil glances and evil desires of those who are sick in the heart, as described in the Qur’an. Muslim women must adhere to Allah’s rules and not be persuaded or tempted by the media that opposes hijab or belittles its significance, as those who spread these ideas only desire evil for her, as mentioned in the Holy Quran:

"But the wish of those who follow their lusts is that you should deviate away(from Allah)-far, far away" [Al Nisa’ 4:27]

Does the hijab prevent a woman from performing her day-to-day duties?
For one thing a woman does not normally wear hijab in her own house, so it shouldn’t get in the way when she’s doing housework. If she is working in a factory close to machinery or in a laboratory, for example—she can wear a different style of hijab that doesn’t have dragging ends. Actually loose trousers and a long shirt for instance lets her to bend, lift, or climb steps or ladders more easily, if her work allows that. Such a dress would certainly give her more freedom of movement while protecting her modesty at the same time.

Conclusion
Islam uplifted women, gave them equality, and expects them to maintain their status. The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media. The hijab or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an example of the “subjugation” of women under Islamic law. Yet, the truth is that 1400 years ago, Islam recognized women’s rights in a way that grants them the utmost protection and respect as well, a combination other systems fail to offer. Islam granted them freedom of expression, political participation, business and financial rights, and asked the rest of society to hold them in high esteem and offer them due respect as mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters.

Hijab is the way Islam neutralizes a woman's stereotyped role as a mere female, by inciting the society to deal with her as a human being. No wonder then that the majority of Muslim women refuse to let their go of their hijab and that they insist on keeping their Islamic identity. This is regardless of the consistent unfair criticism and sometimes satire against it. They wear hijab, not only in submission to God's order, but also because their inherent moral code is in full harmony with its philosophy.

-END-

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Acknowledgement:
-Holy Quran
-Hadith
-Reading Islam Team


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The Mercy Of Allah

O son of Adam, as long as you call upon Me and put your hope in Me, I have forgiven you for what you have done and I do not mind.
O son of Adam, if your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky and then you would seek My forgiveness, I would forgive you.
O son of Adam, if you were to come to Me with sins that are close to filling the earth and then you would meet Me without ascribing any partners with Me, I would certainly bring to you forgiveness close to filling it."(Hadith Qudsi)

In this Hadith Qudsi, Allah tells man of the greatness of His forgiveness and mercy so that no one would despair due to the amount of sins he may have committed. It displays the quality and attribute of Allahs mercy. Indeed, He is ar-Rahman(Most Compassionate), and ar-Raheem(Most Merciful). This is supported by the following verse of the Holy Quran:

Say: O My servants who have transgressed against their own souls, despair not of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah az-Zumar 39:53)

Allah catches the attention of mankind by calling out, O son of Adam! This is a call to every human being. Why didnt Allah say, O mankind or O People? The significance of this specific call is because Adam, the first human being, committed a sin. In fact, there is no single human on earth that did not sin! It is important to note that while Man was not created sinful, he was created weak. He is prone to fall into the temptations of sin and the whispers of Satan and when he does, he should always remember to turn to Allah, call upon Him, and ask for forgiveness with hope in Allah's mercy. Adam was an example to all humans of the consequences of sin and how to turn to Allah for the forgiveness of one's sins. Even after committing a violation, ones sins can be forgiven if one repents to Allah sincerely the same way that the father of mankind sinned, repented, and was forgiven by Allah.

Will they not repent to Allah and ask His forgiveness? For Allah is the Forgiving, the Merciful. (Surat al-Maaidah 5:74)

Lo! Allah is a Lord of Kindness to mankind, but most of mankind give not thanks. (Surat al-Baqarah 2:143)

Allah calls out to His servants, a call of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. After calling out to mankind, Allah informs them that as long as they call on Him and put their hope in Him, He will forgive them. This statement alone can convince one to have hope and never to despair. When one calls out to Allah or makes dua, he is displaying his need and dependence of Allah. He is demonstrating his weakness to the fact that he has no power to do anything for himself. This is in the essence of Islam, which is submission and servitude. It is also a recognition of Allah's attributes of His kindness, generosity, forgiving and merciful nature, and His unlimited power and knowledge. Humans are never in a situation where they are not in need of Allah. A believer should always turns to Allah to ask for guidance as well as to seek forgiveness of sins and shortcomings. In another hadith Qudsi, Allah says:

I am with My servant as He expects of Me.

The meaning of this is that Allah treats His servants the way he expects Him to. If one has hope in Allah and trusts Him, Allah will act accordingly to that servants beliefs and faith. And if he does not have faith and is in despair of his Lords mercy, Allah will act accordingly. We should never lose hope or stop asking for Allah's forgiveness. In fact, repentance is such a great act of worship that doing it can totally erase ones sins altogether, as the Noble Prophet (s.a.w) said:
"One who repents from sins is like one without sin." (Hadith)

Take note that not having hope in Allah and despairing of His mercy is a great sin and an act of disbelievers, as mentioned in the Holy Quran:
Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people. (Surah Yusuf 12:87)

Everyone commits sin and does wrong, but Allah is always willing to forgive and He always gives them a chance to repent and seek His forgiveness. A believer should never forget that fact. Look at how great Allahs mercy, compassion, and love is!

And those who, when they commit a lewd act or wrong themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins and who forgives sins except Allah? And they do not persist in what (wrong) they were doing while they knew it. For such, the reward is forgiveness from their Lord and Gardens with rivers flowing through, wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is the reward of the doers (of good)! (Surah Ali Imran 3:135-136).

In this verse, mankind is encouraged to seek Allah's forgiveness and repent. There are two simple conditions of repentance, which must be met for one's repentance to be accepted.
-(1) Seek forgiveness from Allah
-(2) The person must feel remorse and guilt over his actions that and must immediately cease performing the wrong and sinful act.

Hope in the Mercy of Allah should be accompanied by regret and remorse of the heart upon the sins committed, sincerity, hastening in repentance and avoiding sins as is clearly manifest from the following verses of the Qur'aan. Allah says:
“And whosoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks Allah's forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [an-Nisa 4: 110]

Yahyaa Ibn Muaadh once said: "In my view, the worst kind of self-delusion is to greatly sin, yet hope for forgiveness without feeling any regret; and to hope to draw close to Allah - the Most High - without obedience to Him; and to await the fruits of Paradise, by planting the seeds for Hell-Fire; and to seek the abode of the obedient ones, by doing acts of disobedience; and to expect a reward, without doing any worthy action; and to hope in Allah - the Mighty and Majestic - after overstepping the bounds. You hope for salvation but do not tread its path. A ship never sails upon dry land."

My dear brothers and sisters, we need to remind ourselves of the Day of Judgement that we will be standing in front of our Lord and be questioned for our deeds. It will be a day in which not even the smallest action will be hidden. Seek forgiveness from Allah with sincere repentence! When a person sins and then sincerely turns to Allah for forgiveness, one will find Allah ready to accept his repentance and to forgive him.

"Those who say, Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire." [Ali Imran 3:16]

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Acknowledgement:
-Holy Quran
-Hadith
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Description of Hellfire

Islam teaches that Hell is a real place prepared by Allah for those who do not believe in Him, rebel against His laws, and reject His messengers. Hell is an actual place, not a mere state of mind or a spiritual entity. The horrors, pain, anguish, and punishment are all real, but different in nature than their earthly counterparts. Hell is the ultimate humiliation and loss, and nothing is worse than it.

Its' Size
Hell is huge and immensely deep. Hell will house all the unbelievers and sinners from the beginning of time and there will still be room for more.
“On the Day when We will say to Hell: ‘Are you filled?’ It will say, ‘Are there any more (to come)?’” (Qaf 50:30)

Second, a stone thrown from the top of Hell will take a very long time to reach the bottom. The Prophet of Islam said:
"If a stone as big as seven pregnant camels was thrown from the edge of Hell, it would fly through it for seventy years, and yet it would not reach the bottom.” (Hadith)

Its' Fuel
O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones...” (Al Tahrim 66:6)

“…then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.” (Baqarah 2:24)


The Food of its Inhabitants
“No food will there be for them except from a bitter, thorny plant which neither nourishes nor avails against hunger.”
(Al Ghashiyah 88:6-7)

“…They will be given to drink boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels (to pieces).” (Muhammad 47:15)

“Surely, with us are fetters (to bind them) and a ranging Fire (to burn them), and a food that chokes and a penalty grievous.”
(Al Muzzammil 73:12-13)

Another food served to the people of Hell will be festering puss that oozes out of their skin, the discharge that flows from the private parts of adulterers and the decaying skin and flesh of those being burnt. It is the “juice” of the people of Hell. Allah says:
“So no friend has he here this Day, nor has he any food except filth from the washing of wounds which none do eat but those in sin.”
(Al Haqqah 69:35-37)

“This – so let them taste it – is scalding water and (foul) purulence. And other (punishments) of its type (in various) kinds.”
(Sad 38:57-58)

The Horrors of Hell
The intensity of the fire of Hell will be such that people will be willing to give up their dearest possessions to escape it:
“Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers – never would the (whole) capacity of the earth in gold be accepted from one of them if he would (seek to) ransom himself with it. For those there will be a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.” (Ali Imran 3:91)

The Prophet of Islam said:
“One of the people of Hell who found most pleasure in the life of this world will be brought forth on the Day of Resurrection and will be dipped into the Fire of Hell. Then he will be asked, ‘O son of Adam, have you ever seen anything good?’ Have you ever enjoyed any pleasure?’ He will say, ‘No, by God, O Lord.”(Hadith)

Few moments in Hell and the person will forget all the good times they had. The Prophet of Islam informs us:
“On the Day of Resurrection, God will ask the one whose punishment in the Fire is lightest, ‘If you had whatsoever you wanted on earth, would you give it to save yourself?’ He will say, ‘Yes.’ God will say, ‘I wanted less than that from you when you were still in the loins of Adam, I asked you not to associate anything in worship with Me, but you insisted on associating others in worship with Me.’”(Hadith)

The horror and intensity of the Fire is enough to make a man lose his mind. He would be willing to give up everything he holds dear to saved from it, but he never will be. Allah says:
“The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children, and his wife and his brother, and his nearest kindred who shelter him, and all – all that is on earth – so it could save him. No! Indeed, it is the Flame (of Hell), plucking out (his being) tight to the skull!” (Al Ma'arij 70:11-16)

The Prophet of Islam spoke of the lightest punishment in Hell:
“The person who will receive the least punishment among the people of Hell on the Day Resurrection will be a man, a smoldering ember will be placed under the arch of his foot. His brains will boil because of it.”(Hadith)
This person will think no one else is being punished more severely than himself, even though he will be the one receiving the lightest punishment.

The Fire kindled by Allah will burn the skin of the people of Hell. The skin is the largest organ of the body and the site of sensation where the pain of burning is felt. Allah will replace the burnt skin with a new one to be burnt again, and this will keep on repeating:
“Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses – We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Al Nisa 4:56)

Another punishment of Hell is melting. When super-heated water will be poured on their heads, it will melt away the internals:
“…poured upon their heads will be scalding water by which is melted that within their bellies and (their) skins.” (Al Hajj 22:19-20)

Another painful punishment of unbelievers will be getting dragged on their faces into Hell. Allah says:
“Indeed, the criminals are in error and madness. The Day they are dragged into the Fire on their faces (it will be said), ‘Taste the touch of Hell.’” (Al Qamar 54:47-48)

They will be dragged on their faces while they are tied in chains and fettered:
“Those who deny the Book (the Quran) and that with which We sent Our messengers – they are going to know, when the shackles are around their necks and the chains; they will be dragged in boiling water; then in the Fire they will be filled (with flame).”
(Ghafir 40:70-72)

The Fire will surround the unbeliever on all sides:
“On the Day when the torment (of Hell) will cover them from above them and from underneath their feet.” (Al Ankabut 29:55)

Allah has described the chains, yokes, and fetters of Hell. They will be tied up with chains and dragged with yokes on their necks:
“(The stern command will say): seize him and bind him, and burn him in the blazing Fire, further, make him march in a chain, whereof the length is seventy cubits.” (Al Haqqah 69:30-32)

When the unbeliever will see Hell, he will be filled with remorse, but it will not be of any benefit:
“And they will feel regret when they see the punishment; and they will be judged in justice, and they will not be wronged.”
(Yunus 10:54)

The unbeliever will pray for his death when they sense its heat,
“And when they are thrown into a narrow place therein bound in chains, they will cry out thereupon for destruction. (They will be told), ‘Do not cry this Day for one destruction but cry for much destruction.’” (Al Furqan 25:13-14)

Their screams will get louder and they will call onto Allah hoping He will take them out of Hell:
“And they will cry out therein, ‘Our Lord, remove us; we will do righteousness – other than what we were doing!’” (Fatir 35:37)

They will realize theirs sins and the error of stubborn disbelief:
“And they will say, ‘If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze.’ And they will admit their sin, so (it is) alienation for the companions of the Blaze.” (Al Mulk 67:10-11)

“The Day their faces will be turned over in the Fire, they will say, ‘How we wish we had obeyed God and obeyed the Messenger.’” (Al Ahzab 33:66)

Their prayers will be rejected:
“They will say, ‘Our Lord, our wretchedness overcame us, and we were a people astray. Our Lord, remove us from it, and if we were to return (to evil), we would indeed be wrongdoers.’ He will say, ‘Remain despised therein and do not speak to Me.’”
(Al Mu'minun 23:106-108)

After that, they will call the keepers of Hell asking them to intercede to Allah on their behalf for reduction in torment:
“And those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell, ‘Supplicate your Lord to lighten for us a day from the punishment.’ They will say, ‘Did there not come to you your messengers with clear proofs?’ They will say, ‘Yes.’ They will reply, ‘Then supplicate (yourselves), but the supplication of the disbelievers is not except in error.’”
(Ghafir 40:49-50)

Their will even plead for their own destruction to relieve themselves of the pain:
“And they will call, ‘O Malik(keeper of hell), let your Lord put an end to us!’ He will say, ‘Indeed, you will remain.’” (Al Zukhruf 43:77)

They will be told the punishment will never be reduced, it is eternal:
“Then be patient or impatient – it is all the same for you. You are only being recompensed for what you used to do.’” (Al Tur 52:16)

They will weep for a long time:
“So let them laugh a little and then weep much as recompense for what they used to earn.” (Al Tawbah 9:82)

They will weep until no tears are left, then that they will weep blood, which will leave its traces as described by the Prophet:
“The people of Hell will be made to weep, and they will weep until they have no tears left. Then they will weep blood until they have, as it were, channels in their faces, if ships were put in them, they would float.”(Hadith)

As you have seen, the descriptions of Hell in the Islamic scripture are clear and graphic, as are the descriptions of the people who deserve their fate therein. Such is the clarity that any person who believes in Judgment Day and the eternal destinies of the Hereafter must be motivated not to be of the people thrown inside. I call upon myself and fellow brothers to remain conscious of Allah s.w.t. All Allah ask for us is to worship him alone and be kind to our fellow humans. Let us do all that He has commanded, and refrain from all that He has forbidden. And May Allah protect us from the hellfire.

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Acknowledgement:
-Hadith as reported by Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi
-islamreligion.com
-Holy Quran
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“Indeed, he loves God and His Messenger…”

There was a man named Abdullah who loved God and His Messenger so much that the Prophet had to declare about him: “Indeed, he loves God and His Messenger.” (Hadith Saheeh)

This man named Abdullah so loved the Prophet that he used to delight in presenting the Prophet with any delicacy that came to Medina, so when any merchant caravan arrived with something like butter or honey, he would take it for him as a gift. Later, when the seller demanded payment, Abdullah would bring the seller to the Prophet and say: “Give this man its price.”

The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, would then say: “Didn’t you give it to me as a gift?”

Abdullah would say: “Yes, O Messenger of God; however I cannot afford to pay.”

The two of them would laugh together and then the Prophet would have the merchant paid.

This was the type of close and jovial relationship that Abdullah and the Prophet had with each other.

It remains to be said that Abdullah was an alcoholic. He would often become so drunk that he had to be brought staggering through the streets before the Prophet to be sentenced for public drunkenness, and each time, the Prophet would rule to have the prescribed punishment carried out. This was a common occurrence.

After Abdullah had departed from one of these all too frequent sentencing, one of the Companion’s declared about Abdullah: “O God curse him! How often he is summoned for this!”

The Prophet: rebuked that Companion, saying: “Do not curse him, for I swear by God, if you only knew just how very much indeed he loves God and His Messenger.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari). He then added: “Do not help Satan against your brother.”

We can learn much from the Prophet’s attitude.

We should reflect first upon the close and affectionate relationship this Companion enjoyed with the Prophet, in spite of this Companion’s shameful fault. Though the Prophet was who he was, it did not prevent him from relating to Abdullah in a familiar manner, of being his friend, and joking with him.

This shows us that in the society formed by the Prophet, people were not segregated into the pious and the sinners, with social interactions debarred between the two groups. Rather, it was a unified, inclusive society, where each person could be at a different level of piety. Some were at the forefront of righteousness, some were moderately pious, while others were prone to fall into sin. However, no one lived aloof from society, nor was anyone shunned. Everyone remained part of society.

This inclusiveness meant that when some members of society fell into error, the effects of their mistakes were limited and short-lived. No one was marginalized, so there was no chance sinfulness to grow on society’s “fringes”. When anyone made a mistake, there was no end of brotherly support from others in society who were more than willing to lend a helping hand and get that person back on track.

Another lesson the Prophet’s conduct shows us is the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. In spite of the fact that Abdullah was frequently being summoned before the Prophet for public drunkenness, the Prophet drew everyone’s attention to one of Abdullah’s positive qualities – that he loved God and His Messenger. Yet, when we think about this particular quality, we find that it was not something unique for Abdullah, but a quality that all believers have in common. Nevertheless, the Prophet chose to praise Abdullah for this reason. In doing so, the Prophet could cultivate, encourage, and strengthen this quality in everyone. He also reminded them that if someone slips up, that person’s faith and love of God is still intact.

We can imagine how Abdullah must have felt when he learned that the Prophet said this about him. He must certainly felt it as an immense honor to have God’s Messenger declare this about him. It served to help him overcome his bad habit and gave him hope, by confirming that his essential being was not permanently marred by the mistakes.

It was the Prophet’s way to point out the good qualities of those who sinned and fell into error. We sometimes forget this, and treat past sins as impenetrable barriers to future good. A person who commits a shameful deed is never allowed to live it down, but is instead often remembered only for that sin. We need to realize that this helps Satan to avail upon the sinner and get that person to sin again. The Prophet’s approach, by contrast, inspires virtue. When reminded of Abdullah’s frequent drunkenness, he boasted of that man’s possessing the greatest virtue of loving God and His Messenger.

Finally, Abdullah had done something that was clearly wrong. There can be no doubt that Abdullah committed a sin. Imbibing intoxicants is a major sin, and the Prophet had often cursed wine. Nevertheless, after the Prophet had the prescribed sentence carried out upon Abdullah for his public drunkenness, he did not seek anything further against him. He saw any further reprimand to be helping Satan against the man. Rather, he turned everyone’s attention to his merits that compensate for his shortcomings.

The Prophet’s conduct with Abdullah is an excellent example for us, full of valuable lessons regarding not only how we should treat one another, but how society can foster social bonds that are strong, wholesome, and nurturing, bonds which can serve to dissuade people from falling into sin.

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Acknowledgement:
-Hadith Saheeh as reported by Bukhari
-Dr. Abd al-Wahhab al-Turayri

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The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad

O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people".

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Do not be sad (Video)

Shaikh A'id al Qarni gave us the following advice in his book "Dont be sad"
Do watch the video posted in this article!

If you are stricken by poverty, others are chained in debt
If you don't have shoes, others have no feet
If you have committed a mistake, correct it
- the doors of repentance ever open!
The fountain of forgiveness is ever rich
So dont be sad, let all bygones be bygones

What is predestined for you, you shall see it happen
Being sad will not change anything
So dont be sad
Sadness spoils your life
So dont be sad
Supplication is your shield
Prayer is your beacon
So dont be sad
Prostration is your means
So dont be sad

See how vast is the Earth, How nice are the gardens and forests
How bright are the stars - all are happy but you are sad
So dont be sad

You have sweet water to drink
- fresh air to breather
- feet to walk with
You sleep safely in your bed
So dont be sad

Every cloud has a silver lining
After long nights come the bright sun
Life will soon give you a smile
So be ready to get it
And dont be sad!

Real life is that spent in happiness
So cross out your sad days from your age!
Peace of mind is the real treasure

Abu Hurayra reported Allah's Messenger said "Look at those who are inferior to you and do not look at those who are superior to you, for that is more likely to keep you from despising Allahs favour on you" (Hadith)

So Brothers & Sisters, there are many who have less than us, and who are going through more than us, let us all sit and reflect and praise and give thanks to Allah for all of the blessings we have, all the good that has been given to us. And let us also remember those who do not have much, in our prayers. Amin.

Brothers and Sisters, DO NOT BE SAD.

=D
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Who is Allah?

The name "Allah" is a word that is heard quite often these days whether it is on the television or passed along in conversation. But most non-Muslims have no idea who Allah is. Just the name "Allah" is so shrouded in mystery because most people never take the time to unravel the meaning. Rather they believe what they see portrayed in the heavily biased media and allow their fears to take hold of their chests instead of seeking out the truth for themselves.

Some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Allah is a holy deity or some sort of idol that Muslims worship similar to the way in which Buddhists worship Buddha. Others mistakenly think that Allah is an "Arab god," or a "moon god."

The meaning of Allah is so simple. Allah is the Arabic form of the word "The One True God". Muslims prefer to call God by His proper name, Allah, and refrain from using the word "god" itself since it can be attributed to so many other things. For example, in proper English, the feminine form of "god" is "goddess". Allah is a name that is neither feminine nor masculine, and it cannot be made plural (unlike god, gods, goddess, etc).

"Say, 'He is Allah, The One and Only;
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
He begets not, nor is He begotten;
And there is none like into Him." (Al Ikhlas 112:1-4)

Islam is the only religion on Earth that remained purely monotheistic. Islam is based on the concept of Tawhid, or Unity of God. Muslims are strictly monotheistic, and fiercely reject any attempt to make God visible or human. Islam rejects any form of idol worship, even if its intention is to get "closer" to God, and rejects the Trinity or any attempt to make God human.

Muslims believe that there is nothing in the heavens nor on earth that deserves worship except Allah, the One True Creator. The fundamental pillar of faith in Islam is to declare that "there is no deity worthy of worship except the One True Almighty God" (in Arabic: "La ilaha ill Allah"). Muslims believe that Allah is the One and Only God without partners and that the name "Allah" is unique to the sole Creator of this World and everything in it. In Islam, to liken Allah to another supposed god in any way shape or form is to commit the one unforgivable sin of shirk, which means to ascribe partners to Allah.

The Quran reveals that there are many Beautiful Names of Allah, and that is how Muslims get to know the Creator. Some of the names of Allah are:
Al-Wadud — The Loving
Al-Khaliq — The Creator
Al-Ahad — The One
Al-Aziz — The Mighty and Strong

Muslims pray directly to Allah, with no intermediary, and seek guidance from Him alone.

"When My servants ask thee concerning Me,
I am indeed close (to them):
I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me.
Let them also, with a will,
Listen to My call, and believe in Me,
that they may walk in the right way."
(Al Baqarah 2:186)

Allah is the Most Kind and the Most Merciful. All that Allah has asked for humans to do is to be pious, worship Him alone and be kind to our fellow man.

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Acknowledgment:
-Holy Quran
-Sumayyah Meehan


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Lessons from Solat

The command for five-times daily prayers(solat) was revealed straight to the hands of our Prophet SAW by Allah, instead of going through the angel Jibril like any other divine revelations. This shows the gravity of the command of Allah regarding prayers.

Islam is not all about ritualistic practices(ibadah). Every ibadah commanded to us has nurturing values; it moulds us into a better person, should we carry it out properly.

Solat, for instance, is not about standing and bowing; solat has all the ingredients to make us a successful human being, as promised by Allah:

“Victorious shall the believers be; those who in their prayers humble themselves.” (Al Mukminun 23:1-2)

Solat teaches us to extricate ourselves from the mundane everyday things, and humbly face the Almighty. When we perform solat with full concentration, we actually train ourselves to concentrate and focus our mind on the majesty of Allah.

Such quality is also needed beyond the five daily prayers. In order for us to be successful, we need a high level of focus and dedication in whatever we do. Imagine the life of a person who is not focused or dedicated; everything he does will either end up unfinished, or a product of low quality.

To show the importance of focus and dedication towards a course, Allah said:

“Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his body.” (Al Ahzab 33:4)

Granted, there are many responsibilities and obligations that await us, always competing for our undivided attention; our family, our job, our studies, our community, our country, and many others. To accomplish all this, we need proper planning, and a strong dedication to execute our duties well.

Look, at how solat can mould us to be an effective and productive Muslim. By applying the qualities needed in daily prayers in our everyday life, will mould us into a person of strong focus and high dedication. And there is also the added reward of Allah’s pleasure, as said by our Prophet:

“Verily, the kind of acts loved most by Allah, are those that are done with dedication.” (Hadith)

Other than humility and focus, in solat also lies another ingredient for success and victory, as told by the Almighty:

“And those whose prayers are strictly guarded.” (Al Mukminum 23:9)

A successful believer would guard his solat, by performing it when it is due. And therein lies the lesson of time management.

Time management requires discipline, and all successful people are highly disciplined. A smart, successful Muslim would be disciplined too: he would be punctual when meeting his clients, for instance. And all his free time will not be wasted on mundane affairs.

Time is gold. It is so important for us to make the most out of it, that Allah has sent down one whole chapter about time in the Quran:

“By Time, Verily Man is in loss; except for those who have faith and do good deeds; and enjoin in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience.” (Al Asr 103:1-3)

How true, that one of the ingredients in the recipe of success is to observe time. And let us all take solat as our practice in keeping time.

I would summarise today’s sharing in two points:
1. Solat teaches us focus and dedication in performing our tasks and
2. Solat also teaches us to manage our time and make full use of it and filling it with beneficial activities

Surely there are many other values that could be learnt just by observing our solat on top of the two points above. For that, let us all perform our solat, and seek to understand its importance, meanings and lessons.

Hopefully with our deep understanding about our ibadah, may we be more diligent in performing our daily solat and other ibadah, and with it InsyaAllah, we will become better Muslims who are successful in all spheres of life, as well as able to bring benefits and blessings to all.

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Acknowledgement:
-Holy Quran
-Hadith
-Khutbah Friday Prayers
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Concept of Work in Islam

Islam lays great emphasis on work. In many places in the Quran it is made clear that time should not be wasted. The Quran directs a message to humanity that it should contribute positively to the earth, that is, that we should work to make use of what is created for our own benefit.

That man can have nothing but what he strives for.
(An-Najm 53:39)

In Islam, work is given special importance to the extent that it is considered as an act of worship in itself. Although some people believe that they are not obliged to work because they dedicate themselves to worshiping God, this is actually a wrong perception of the concept of worship. Jesus once saw a man who had completely devoted himself to worship. When he asked him how he got his daily bread, the man replied that his brother, who worked, provided him with food. Jesus then told him, “That brother of yours is more religious than you are” (The Book of Provision, Chapter 1). Al-Ghazali also mentions the Prophet’s Companion `Umar ibn Al-Khattab, who used to stress this point further by telling people, “Never should anyone of you think that du`aa’ (supplication) for sustenance without work will avail him, for heaven never rains gold nor silver.”

Islam is a religion that orders its followers to be part and parcel of a working and productive society. The Prophet Muhammad himself, who is considered a paragon of virtues in Islam, used to pray seeking God’s refuge from laziness or idleness. Even before he was chosen as a messenger of God, he was a hardworking person. This earned him the respect of his employer, Khadijah, who later proposed marriage to him because of all the merits and virtues she saw in him.

The best of people are those that bring the most benefit to the rest of mankind.(Hadith)

In his instructions to Muslims on this aspect, the Prophet Muhammad strikes a balance between worship and work. So, as Muslims have to be constant in their acts of worship, they also have to work hard to make a living. Also, in exhorting Muslims on the importance of work, the Prophet Muhammad made it clear that getting one’s sustenance from one’s work is one of the praiseworthy acts of worship. It is recorded in his traditions how he turned a man who came to him begging into a productive member of the society by teaching him how to work and provide for himself.

"I have only created Jinns and men, that they may worship Me" (Al Dhariyat 51:56)

Let us first define the word worship in this particular verse above. Islam is a religion of worshiping the Creator, with an essential part of that worship being working for survival. Also, this means that any actions for the sake of Allah, from being kind to our parents, to working or studying, or even walking to the nearby masjid, is a form of worship to Allah. A Muslim have a purpose in his life.

One of the scholars of Islam, Imam Hasan Al-Basri, was asked one day the secret behind his asceticism. The imam mentioned four things in reply: “One, I believe that my sustenance will never be hijacked by anybody (so I work to attain it). Two, I know that a work that is mine must be performed by me, so I do not decrease my efforts in performing it. Three, I believe that my Lord is Omnipresent (watching me), so I do not like Him seeing me committing sins. Four, I know that death is somewhere waiting for me, so I prepare for it (through good deeds).”

Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds." (Qur'an, 6:162)

In this way, Islam lays down a practical framework for life by making these principles and guidance. Islam strives to eradicate social ills and vices that result from unemployment, idleness, and poverty, by instructing the youth to rise up to the challenge of shouldering responsibility at an early age, and also for the old not to give up their efforts in benefiting the society with their experience and working skills. Thus, the true message of Islam is not just for a Muslim to profess faith and do nothing for his or her society. Rather, Islam teaches that the true faith is what is demonstrated through sincere deeds that make a noticeable addition to the progress of society.

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Acknowledgement:
-Holy Quran
-Hadith
-Kamal Badr
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Ihsan, the pursuit of excellence

Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer, also said, "When a man says I cannot, he has made a suggestion to himself. He has weakened his power of accomplishing that which otherwise would have been accomplished."

Islam promotes excellence and teaches us how to be excellent in every aspect of our lives. Our religion, our way of life, is composed of three main parts:
(1) Iman
(2) Islam
(3) Ihsan

To discuss Ihsan(Excellence), we must briefly go through the first two, Iman(Faith) and Islam (Submission to Allah)

IMAN
Iman or faith must be mentioned as the first part of our deen because it serves as our roots. For many years of the Prophethood of Muhammad, Allah revealed nothing except the concept of Taqwa (God consciousness), Ikhlas (sincerity) and Iman (faith). It was not until the hearts of the first Muslims became saturated and strong with true Iman did Allah (swt) begin introducing the next concept - Islam, to the Muslims.

ISLAM
After our roots are firmly in place and take hold within the rich soil of Iman and that is watered and nourished continually, we can begin understanding and encouraging the practice of Islam(such as prayers, fasting, submission to the will of Allah, etc). This Islam, or submission, is like the trunk of the tree, sturdy, reaching up to heights. Muslim children are not required to pray until they are 7. Why? Because these first seven years are to be used by parents to plant the seed of Iman and help this seed to grow strong roots by teaching their children about Allah (swt), about paradise, about the miracles and the angels and preparing them to have a strong, balanced character. The "rules" of Islam come more easily to those who have prepared their hearts with Iman.

IHSAN
Ihsan, which means excellence in belief is the neglected 1/3 of our deen. It is to believe in God Almighty without the slightest speck of doubt. "Ihsan is the fruit that blossoms from our planted trees and shows up when the roots are strong and nourished, free from disease and harmful insects." If we fail to nourish our Ihsan, we will bear no fruit and our soul will die. Ihsan is our lost treasure that we must unearth and revive.

Ihsan, what does it mean? The answer was provided by the Messenger of Allah saws when he said:
"Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him. And even though you do not see Him, He sees you!” (Hadith)

Ihsan cannot be summed up prettily in one English word or phrase. Ihsan is excellence. It is perfection. It is beauty. It is balance, harmony, discipline, good character, softness, gentleness, improvement, drive, will power. Ihsan is a human reflection, a human attempt to achieve a high level in the areas covered by the many beautiful names of Allah.

"Is there any reward for Ihsan except Ihsan?" (Al Rahman 55:60)

Those who realize the value of ihsan, who reach and strive and work for Ihsan, who nourish their roots and groom their trunk in order to bear plentiful, amazing fruits will be rewarded with Allah's form of Ihsan - (1)the sweetness of faith, (2)success in the world, and (3)the ultimate success in the Hereafter, which is Paradise. Indeed, Ihsan attracts such a high position before Allah.

So how does this relate to us right here, right now? Whether we're in high school, college, or grad students. Whether we're young people or old people in the workforce. Whether we're newly married, engaged, or waiting our turn. Whether we're brothers and sisters and aunts, uncles, cousins, and children. The question lies: What does Ihsan mean in our lives?

It means that every day, when you're in a boring class and get handed an assignment for a 15 page paper or you're studying about for a final exam, or you get a huge project from your boss, or your mom asks you to make dinner or clean your room or your brother or sister asks for help with homework or to play with you outside - you stop the immediate negative reaction that we've been trained to play over and over again when it comes to these sorts of things, and do the right thing, which is to remain positive.

We stop, and we realize that this is our opportunity for Ihsan. That this is another opportunity for us to make our intentions for Allah, to please Him. That this is a chance for us to add something to our Life's Book that Allah will open on the Day of Judgment and look upon us with joy and be proud of us. For, as Professor Yusuf al-Qaradawi had mentioned,

Allah loves when one of you is given a task, that he or she does it in the most excellent manner.

Sheikh al-Qaradawi didn't say that Allah "likes" when you do things with Ihsan. He didn't say that Allah thinks it's "ok" or "cool" or "alright." One of the greatest scholars of Islam says that Allah "LOVES" when we do things with Ihsan. Allah LOVES. Think about that for just a second and let it sink in. Think about the last time someone you respected/admired told you that they loved something you did. How did that make you feel? You were beaming for days, most likely. You remembered what they said and how they reacted and you kept replaying it in your head again and again. Imagine then, how amazing it would feel to do something that Allah LOVES.

Imagine standing in front of Allah on the Day of Judgment and having Him tell you all the things that you did that He LOVED. Imagine how you would feel.

So when you have a test or a paper or you have to do housework or you are going to the gym or playing football, do it with Ihsan! Don't just "be," don't just get by, don't just pass. Be EXCELLENT, strive for PERFECTION, be the BEST in your class, show the world how Islam inspires you to attain Ihsan!

We are given just a few moments in this world. Each breath is a priceless jewel and when it passes it never returns. Make this moment, this breath, this heart beat one that resounds with Ihsan, the pursuit of excellence!

-END-
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Acknowledgement:
-Quran
-Hadith
-UCLA Sister Halaqa
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There is Good in Every Event

Every events that happen to a Muslim has a sort of goodness in it. Even if the events seem so much unfavourable and unbearable. Those who overcome such ordeals will recognise their weakness before Allah and reconsider how much they are in need of Him. They will turn to Allah with much humility through prayers and rememberence.

"It may well be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed a lot of good" (An-Nissa 4:19)

"It may be that you hate something when it is good for you and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows and you know not." (Al Baqarah 2:216)

A believer believes that Allah created the world to test mankind. As an inherent part of this examination, God test man sometimes with blessings and at other times with hardships. People who do not evaluate events in the light of the Quran, fail to give the appropriate intepretation to events, and become downhearted and fall into hopelessness.

A servant of God can have no real faith unless he believes in fate with its good and evil sides and knows that he cannot prevent anything that befalls him (good or evil) and he cannot catch anything that escapes from him (good or evil) [Hadith]

A believers believe that even if he can not eliminate the problem, he knows that Allah keep everything under His control. For this reason, he is content with Allah no matter what situation he encounters, he believe in His eternal compassion and mercy and put his trust in him. If Allah does not answer his call immediately, he certainly knows a greater goodness and beauty are hidden in this.
Believers have faith in fate and they know that the fate Allah creates is the best for them.

"So verily, with every difficulty there is relief. Verily, with every difficulty, there is relief." (Surah Al-Insyirah 94:5-6)

Nevertheless it does NOT mean that one "does not need to do anything and surrender his life to nothing". A point mentioned in the Quran about putting tust in Allah is talking measures. The Prophet Jacob advised his son to take measures while entering the city but afterwards he reminded them to place trust in Allah

"He said, "My sons! You must not enter through a single gate. Go in through different gates. But I cannot save you from Allah at all, for judgement comes from no one but Allah. In Him I put my trust, and let all those who put their trust, put it in Him Alone." (Surah Yusuf 12:67)

As seen in the words of the Prophet Jacob, believers take precautions, but they know they cannot change what God has willed for them. One example is that a student study hard to become a doctor. However even after all the hard work, he still didnt manage to become a doctor. Yet he should not be depressed. Perhaps there are much better jobs out there for him, such as teacher. And Allah knows best.

"Nothing occurs in the earth or in you, but as inscribed in the Book of Decree before We make it happen. That is easy for Allah. In order that you will not be grieved about the things that pass you by nor exult about the things that comes to you. God does not like any vain or boastful man" (Surah Al Hadid:22-23)

Life is a test, but just because Allah knows which way you are going to choose to take, that does not mean that He causes you to choose that path. For Allah created us with free will. And it is precisely because we were created with free will that life is a test.

Also it is important to take note that Allah, the Merciful, Compassionate and Just, creates ease in everything and test people within the limits of their strengths, as mentioned in many verse of the Holy Quran:

"No burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear." (Surah Al-An'am 6:152)
"No burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear." (Surah Al-A'raf 7:42)
"On no soul do We place a burden greater than it can bear.(Surah Al-Muminun 23:62)

When a painful situation occurs, my heart may ache badly, and tears may flow. But nevertheless, I will constantly bear in patience with a smile. This is the Islam way of life. =)

"Wondrous are the believers's affairs. For him there is good in all his affairs, and this is so ONLY for the believer. When something pleasing happens to him, he is grateful, and that is good for him; and when something displeasing happens to him, he is patient, and that is good for him." [Hadith Muslim]

-END-

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Acknowledgement:
-Holy Quran
-Hadith
-Harun Yahya

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Islam Versus Terrorism

One must take a look at the various principles of Islam to know that indiscriminate violence and terrorism are forbidden to any muslims. Islam is a religion which promotes peace and mercy to mankind.

“God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves those who are just.” (Al Mumtahinah 60:8)

Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, only that particular person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam. Lets us take an example, in a vehicle accident, it is logical to assume that the driver involved is the one that is responsible for his actions. It would be senseless to blame the vehicle or every single driver on earth for the one guy. With the same principle arguments, how then can one blame the whole religion for any terrorist act on the basis of a few misguided and ignorant ones?

The fact remains however, that even if the terrorists have Muslim identities, the terror they perpetrated cannot be labeled "Islamic terror", just as it would not be called "Jewish terror" if the perpetrators were Jews or "Christian terror" if they were Christians. We need to keep in mind that, among those who were killed in every terrorist attack, there were people who were Muslims.

“If anyone kills a person - unless it is in retaliation for murder or for causing great mischief in the land - it would be as if he had murdered all of mankind. And if anyone saved another person life, it would be as if he had saved the whole of mankind”. (Al-Ma'idah 5:32)

Islam specifically mentioned that the killing of one innocent equals to slaughtering all of humanity. And not only that, according to the Quran, it is a great sin to kill an innocent person, and anyone who does so will suffer great torment in the Hereafter. In fact, it is mentioned in the Quran, murdering any innocent person is one of the three most heinous crimes and the punishment for it in the Day of Judgment will be double! Thus, any sane religious person who has fear of God with a sincere heart can never commit such an act of terrorism.

Thus to understand any religion, one must see its principles and teachings!
O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you in the sight of god is the best in conduct. God is Knower, Aware. (Hujurat 49:13)

Cooperate with one another for virtue and heedfulness, and do not cooperate with one another for the purpose of vice and aggression (Maidah 5:2)

Islam is the solution to fight terrorism. And Islam condemn terror in all kinds of form.

-End-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Acknowledgement:

-Holy Quran
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An Invitation to the Truth

There is no compulsion for any man to accept the Truth. But it is certainly a shame upon the human intellect when man is not even interested in finding out to what is the truth!

Islam teaches that God has given man the faculty of reason and therefore expects man to reason things out objectively and systematically for himself. To reflect and to question and to reflect.

Nobody should press you to make a hasty decision to accept any of the teachings of Islam, for Islam teaches that man should be given the freedom to choose. Even when man is faced with the Truth, there is no compulsion upon man to embrace it.

Before anyone begin to form an opinion about Islam, ask yourself whether your existing knowledge of Islam is thorough enough. Ask yourself whether that knowledge has been obtained through non-Muslim third party sources who themselves have probably exposed to only random glimpses of Islamic writings and have yet to reason on Islam objectively and systematically themselves.

Is it fair that one should form an opinion about the taste of a particular dishes just by hearsay from others who may themselves not necessarily have tasted the dish yet? Similarly you should find out for yourself about Islam from reliable sources and not only taste it, but digest it well before you form an opinion. That would be an intellect approach of Islam.

It is up to you to make the next move, and in making ur move, Islam continuously reasssures you that your rights to freedom of choice and freedom to use that God given faculty of thought and reason will be respected. Every man has that individual will. No one else can take away that will and force you to surrender to the will of God. You will have to find out and make that decision yourself.

May your intellectual journey towards the truth be a pleasant one.

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Do not expect Gratitude from Anyone

Are you dismayed when you find that others forget your favours or disregard your kind acts? Some people might even despise you and make you an enemy for no other reasons than that you have shown them kindness.The characteristic of ingratitude is indeed widespread among human beings.

And they could not find any cause to bear a grudge, except that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them of His Bounty (Al-Tawbah 9:74)

On a side note:
From personal experience, during our school days, Im sure that sometimes you can sense that there was personal jealousy against yourself by a group of people. They just simply hate the fact that you can continously smile even though they make fun of you, or the fact that you more popular in class, or maybe simply that you can understand a particular subject better. Ironically, when we still wish to be friends with them or when we just brushed their mockery away, its seems as if they became more angry and jealous!
Nevertheless as a Muslim, I always tried my best to requite their bad actions with a good one. That's because I value friendship alot.

"A good action and a bad action are not the same. Requite the bad with something better and, if there is enmity between you and someone else, he will become like a bosom friend! (Fussilat 41:34)

InsyaAllah, we can remain as friends, and not enemies yeah. Amin2!

Coming back to the topic:
It is common for us to hear the story of a mother and her son which repeat throughout history: The mother raised her son, fed him, clothed him, and taught him; she would stay at nights so that her son could sleep, stay hungry so that her son could eat, and toil so that her son could feel comfort. And when the son become older and stronger, he rewarded her mother with disobedience, disrespect and contempt.

Be at peace if you are requited with ungratefulness from your "friend", for the good you have done. This is NOT to say that you should refrain from performing acts of kindness towards others; the point is that you should be mentally prepared for ingratitude. Afterall, the ungrateful person cannot really harm you.

"We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: No reward do we desire from you, nor thanks. (Al-Insan 76:9)

The solution: Performs acts of charity seeking solely for Allah's pleasure. Surely Allah will reward you for your good deeds and intentions.

"And when harm touches a person, he invokes Allah, lying down on his side or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on his way as if he had never invoked Allah for a harm that touched him!" (Yunus 10:12)

Hence, do not be in a state of agitation if you gives someone a pen as a gift and he or she uses it to satirize you, or if you give someone a walking stick to lean upon and he strikes you with it.
Most human beings are ungrateful to their Lord, so what kind of treatment should you and I expect.

-END-

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(Editor's note: Read the article about "Friendship in Islam" to understand the true value of friendship)

Acknowledgement:
-Holy Quran
-Sheikh `A'id Abdullah Al-Qarni in his book, Do not Be Sad Read more!