When Hardship Afflicts a Believer

"And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return." They are those on whom are the Salawât (i.e. blessings, etc.) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones."

~Al Quran; Surah Al-Baqara; Chapter "The Cow"; Chapter 02; Verse 155-157~

Please watch this short video for a beautiful reminder :

Keys to Happiness

Happiness is the only goal on earth that all people without exception are seeking to attain. Believers and unbelievers alike seek to be happy, but each party is using different methods.

However, only believers can achieve genuine happiness. All forms of happiness attained without a firm belief in God, the Almighty, are mere illusions.

The following are tips for the attainment of happiness:

1. Know that if you do not live within the scope of today, your thoughts will be scattered, your affairs will become confused, and your anxiety will increase. These realities are explained in the following hadith: “When you are in the evening, do not expect to see the morning, and when you are in the morning, do not expect to see the evening.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

2. Do not completely preoccupy yourself with the future and then discard the present. Be balanced in life, prepare yourself adequately for all situations.

3. Do not be shaken by criticism; instead, be firm. Be sure that in proportion to your worth, the level of people's criticism rises. Also, make good use of criticism in discovering your shortcomings and faults, and let it drive you toward self-improvement.

4. Have complete faith in God and perform good deeds; these are the ingredients that makeup a good and happy life.

5. If you desire peace, tranquility, and comfort, you can find it all in the remembrance of God.

6. You should know with certainty that everything that happens, occurs in accordance with the divine decree.

7. Do not expect gratitude from anyone.

8. Train yourself to be prepared for the worst possibility.

9. Perhaps what has happened is in your best interest, even though you may not comprehend how that can be so.

10. Everything that is decreed for the believer is the best for him.

11. Enumerate the blessings of God and be thankful for them.

12. Remember that you are better off than many others.

13. Relief comes from one hour to the next. Indeed, with each difficulty there is relief.

14. In both times of hardship and ease, one should turn to supplication and prayer, either patiently contented or thankful.

15. Calamities should strengthen your heart and reshape your outlook in a positive way.

16. Do not let trivialities be the cause of your destruction.

17. Always remember that your God is Oft-Forgiving.

18. Assume an easy-going attitude and avoid anger.

19. Life is bread, water, and shade; so do not be perturbed by a lack of any other material thing. “And in the heaven is your providence and that which you are promised.” (Quran 51:22)

20. Look at those who have more afflictions and be grateful that you have less.

21. Bear in mind the fact that God loves those who endure trials with steadfastness, so seek to be one of them.

22. Constantly repeat those supplications that the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, taught us to say during times of hardship.

23. Work hard at something that is productive, and cast off idleness.

24. Do not spread rumors and do not listen to them. If you hear a rumor inadvertently, do not believe it.

25. Know that your malice and your striving to seek revenge are much more harmful to your health than they are to your antagonist.

Oh My Slave, Weren't you Ashamed

"May Allah help every brother and sister who is trailed by temptations around him or her. 

SubhanAllah, Allah has given shaykh Muktar a lot of wisdom. In answering the question he didn't cite the idea of marriage even once or make a reference to it. (In my humble opinion) I think it's because that will not stop someone from lowering their gaze since many married individuals still do so. The problem lies in the person himself and to rid of its habit (just like any other sin), it requires crying and asking for help from the Most Merciful with the utmost sincerity!

Please watch the video for a very beautiful reminder "How to stay away from sinning"

May Allah reward user 'xoOLeenaOox' for originally uploading and also translating it."

Foods and their Benefits

12 Foods Which Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) Liked And Their Benefits From Tib Al-Nabwi"

1. Barley

Good in fever, while use in a soup form.

2. Dates

The Prophet (saw) said that a house without dates has no food. It should also be eaten at the time of childbirth.

3. Figs

It is a fruit from paradise and a cure for piles.

4. Grapes

The Prophet (saw) was very fond of grapes – it purifies the blood, provides vigour and health, strengthens the kidneys and clears the bowels.

5. Honey

Considered the best remedy for diarrhea when mixed in hot water. It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and drug of drugs. It is used for creating appetite, strengthening the stomach, eliminating phlegm; as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye soother and mouthwash. It is extremely beneficial in the morning in warm water.

6. Melon

The Prophet (saw) said: "None of your women who are pregnant and eat of water melon will fail to produce off spring that is good in countenance."

7. Milk

The Prophet (saw) said that milk wipes away heat from the heart just as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow. It strengthens the back, improved the brain, renews vision and drives away forgetfulness.

8. Mushroom

The Prophet (saw) said that mushroom is a good cure for the eyes; it also serves as a form of birth control and arrests paralysis.

9. Olive Oil

Excellent treatment for skin and hair, delays old age, and treats inflammation of the stomach.

10. Pomegranate

The Prophet (saw) said it cleanses you of Satan and evil aspirations for 40 days.

11. Vinegar

A food Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to eat with olive oil.

12. Water

The Prophet (saw) said the best drink in this world is water, when you are thirsty drink it by sips and not gulps, gulping produces sickness of the liver.

How can you gain the Love of Allah the Almighty?

All praise be to Allah the Almighty. Non has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, and peace be upon his Prophet Muhammad, his family, wives, relatives and companions,,, The most important thing in the daily life of any Muslim is following the Sunnah (Way) of the Prophet – Peace be upon him – in all of his actions, deeds, and sayings in order to organize his life according to the Prophetic Sunnah, from the morning to the evening. 

Thun Noon Al Masri, said: (One of the signs of loving Allah the Almighty is following the Sunnah of His Prophet – Peace be upon him – in his morals, deeds, orders and actions.) Allah the Almighty said: {Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful} (Al-Imran: 31). 

Al Hassan Al Basri said, explaining the above mentioned verse: The sign of their love to Allah is following the Sunnah of His Prophet – Peace be upon him – because the rank of the believer can be measured by the extent of following the Prophet – Peace be upon him – therefore, as much as he is following the Sunnah, Allah will give him a higher rank. Therefore, I have collected this brief search for the sake of reviving the Sunna of the Prophet – Peace be upon him – in the daily life of all Muslims; in their worship, eating, drinking, dealing with people, ablution, their ingress and egress, wearing clothes and all their activities and actions during the day. Just think when a person loses a sum of money, he will search hardly to find such amount, but will he exert the same care for any forgotten prophetic sunnah in order to apply it in his daily life?? The problem today is that we take care of our properties more than the Sunnah, to the degree that if someone promised a sum of money to the one who keeps the Prophet’s Sunnah , you will find people very keen to apply the Sunnah in their life affairs because they are looking for money. But what is the use of money when you are lodged in your grave and the people pour soil on you. Allah The Almighty said: {But you prefer the worldly life* While the Hereafter is better and more enduring} (Al-A’laa: 16-17). The Sunnah is (Prophetic deeds, actions, habit, way of life) the deeds for which you will be rewarded if you apply it but you won’t be punished if you leave it. The Sunnah is repeated day and night and is easy to be applied be every one of us. And I noticed that every person, if applying the daily prophetic deeds, will apply more than one thousand prophetic deeds per day in all fields of his life affairs

Ten sinful women

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

La`n (لعن: curse) means: expelling and driving someone away from the Mercy of Allaah.

The following are the ten sinful women or those women who are accursed and who will be removed from the mercy of Allaah تعالى:

1. Tattooing: the one who does it and the one who gets it done.

2. Plucking the eyebrows: the doers and the one who gets it done.

3. Artificially creating space between the teeth to look beautiful: the doers and the one who gets it done.

Narrated `Abdullaah (Ibn Mas`ood) رضي الله عنه: Allaah has cursed those women who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed, and those who remove their face hairs, and those who create a space between their teeth artificially to look beautiful, and such women as change the features created by Allaah. Why then should I not curse those whom the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has cursed? And that is in Allaah’s Book. i.e. His تعالى saying: {And what the Apostle gives you take it and what he forbids you abstain (from it).} [Surah al-Hashr (59):7] [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (4886, 5931, 5939, 5943, 5948) and Saheeh Muslim (5301) and there are more Ahaadeeth from Ibn `Umar and Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنهم]

4. Adding false hair: the provider of false hair and the one who gets it done.

Narrated Ibn `Umar and Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنهم: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has cursed the lady who lengthens her hair artificially and the one who gets her hair lengthened, and also the lady who tattoos (others) and the one who gets herself tattooed. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5933, 5934, 5937, 5940, 5942, 5947, ) and Saheeh Muslim (5298, 5300) and also reported on the authority of `Aaishah رضي الله عنها]

5. The woman whose husband is angry at her:

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنها: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “If a woman spends the night deserting her husband's bed (does not sleep with him), then the angels send their curses on her till she comes back (to her husband).” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3237, 5193, 5194) and Saheeh Muslim (3366, 3368)]

6. Those who imitate men:

Narrated Ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما: Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم cursed those men who are in the similitude (assume the manners) of women and those women who are in the similitude (assume the manners) of men. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5885)]

7. Those women who visit the graves:

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah and Hassaan bin Thaabit رضي الله عنهما said: “The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم cursed women who visit graves.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhee (1056) and Sunan Ibn Maajah (1574, 1575, 1576) and graded as “Hasan” (good) by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

8. Women who wail at the death of someone:

Narrated Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree رضي الله عنه: “The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم cursed the wailing woman and the woman who listens to her.” [Sunan Abu Dawood (3128) and graded as “Dha`eef” (weak) by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

It was narrated from Abu Maalik Ash`aree رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Wailing is one of the affairs of the Days of Ignorance, and if the woman who wails dies without having repented, Allaah will cut a garment of pitch (tar) for her and a shirt of flaming fire.” [Saheeh Muslim (2033)]

9. Muhallil and Muhallilal lahu and the woman who agrees to it:

Reported from `Alee, Ibn `Abbaas, Ibn Mas`ood رضي الله عنهم that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Curse be upon the Muhallil (the one who marries a divorced woman with the intention of making her lawful for her former husband) and upon the Muhallil lahu (the one for whom she is made lawful).” [Sunan Ibn Maajah (1934, 1935, 1936), Sunan Abu Dawood (2076), Sunan al-Tirmidhee (1119, 1120) and Sunan al-Nasaa’ee (3416) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

10. Dressed but naked:

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم having said: “Two are the types of the denizens of Hell whom I did not see: people having flogs like the tails of the ox with them and they would be beating people, and the women who would be dressed but appear to be naked, who would be inclined (to evil) and make their husbands incline towards it. Their heads would be like the humps of the bukht camel inclined to one side. They will not enter Paradise and they would not smell its fragrance whereas its fragrance would be smelt from such and such distance.” [Saheeh Muslim (5310)]


Remember O sisters! This is a fleeting world, but the everlasting life is of the Hereafter. So do not chase that which is temporary at the expense of the permanent bliss.

O sisters! Be dutiful to your Lord and be obedient to your husbands and protect yourselves from the Fire by doing charitable acts and by seeking much forgiveness.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O women! Give alms and seek much forgiveness, for I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-Fire were you (women).” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (304, 1462) and Saheeh Muslim (142) and the wordings are his]

اللهم أصلح نساء المسلمين وفتياتهم
اللهم زينهن بالحجاب والعفاف والحشمة والحياء
اللهم احفظهن أن يَـفـتِــنّ أو يُــفـتَــن يا ذا العطاء والمن
اللهم رد عن هن كيد الكائدين
والعدوان المعتدين
ومكر الماكرين
والحسد الحاسدين
يا رب العالمين

O Allaah! Set straight the matters of the Muslim women and their daughters.
O Allaah! Cover them with Hijaab, chastity, modesty and shyness.
O Allaah! Protect them from tempting (others) or being tempted.
O Allaah! Avert from them:
The deception of the deceivers;
The aggression of the aggressors;
The plot of the plotters;
And the envy of the envious.

Yaa Rabb al-`aalameen

Every Soul Shall Taste Death!

"Today we are caught up so much in this dunya we forget that one day we are going to be under the ground, and who knows that day could be tomorrow, Brother Jalal ibn Saeed gives a inspiring talk at a Janzah of a brother, he explains that in reality the purpose of the Janazah is not for the deceased but for those who attend the Janazah for them to wake up and realise we too will be in the grave sooner or later.

May Allah make the grave a garden of Paradise for all of us." (Ameen)

Please watch the video below for complete reminder. Jazak Allahu Khairan..

The Greatness of Allah

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) described the greatness of Allah in the most beautiful way:

"He is controlling the affairs of all the kingdoms. He commands and prohibits, creates and gives provision, and gives death and gives life. He raises and lowers people’s status, alternates night and day, gives days (good and not so good) to men by turns, and causes nations to rise and fall, so that one nation vanishes and another emerges.

His command and decree are carried out throughout the heavens and on earth, above it and below it, in the oceans and in the air. He has knowledge of all things and knows the number of all things. He hears all voices, and does not mistake one for another; He hears them all, in all the different languages and with all their varied requests and pleas. No voice distracts Him from hearing another, He does not confuse their requests, and He never tires of hearing the pleas of those in need. He sees all that is visible, even the walk of a black ant across a solid rock in the darkest night.

The unseen is visible to Him, and secrets are known to Him Whosoever is in the heavens and on earth begs of Him (its needs from Him). Every day He has a matter to bring forth (such as giving honour to some, disgrace to some, life to some, death to some, etc.)! [The Quran 55:29 interpretation of the meaning]. He forgives sins, eases worries, relieves distress, helps the defeated person back on his feet, makes the poor rich, guides the one who is astray and confused, fulfils the needs of the desperate, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, conceals faults, and calms fears. He raises the status of some and lowers the status of others. Even if all the inhabitants of heaven and earth, the first and the last of them, mankind and jinn alike, were to be as pious as the most pious among them, this would not increase His sovereignty in the slightest; if they all, the first and the last of them, mankind and jinn alike, were to be as rebellious as the most rebellious among them, this would not decrease His sovereignty in the slightest. If everything in heaven and on earth, the first and the last of them, mankind and jinn, living and dead, animate and inanimate, were to stand in one place and ask of Him, and He were to give them everything that they asked for, this would not decrease what He has by even an atom’s weight.

He is the First, before Whom there is nothing, and the Last, after Whom there is nothing. He is the Most deserving of being remembered, the Most deserving of being worshipped, the Most deserving of being thanked. He is the Most Compassionate of kings, the Most Generous of those who are asked. He is the King Who has no partner or associate, the One who has no rival, the Self-Sufficient Master, Who has no son, the Most High, and there is none like unto Him. Everything will perish save His face [Quran 28:88 interpretation of the meaning], and everything will vanish except His sovereignty. He will not be obeyed except by His permission, and He will not be disobeyed except with His knowledge. He is obeyed, so He shows His appreciation, and He is disobeyed, so he forgives. Every punishment on His part is justice, and every blessing from Him is a favour. He is the closest of witnesses and the nearest of protectors.

He seizes people by their forelocks, records their deeds and decrees the appointed time for all things. Hearts conceal nothing from Him, for secrets are known to Him. His gift is a word and His punishment is a word: Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, Be! and it is.

[Quran, 36:82 interpretation of the meaning].

(Adapted from al-Waabil al-Sayib, p.125)

You Would Come Crawling!

A short powerful reminder on the reward of reading Fajr Salat & Isha Salat in the Masjid.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "If they knew the merits of Salat after nightfall (`Isha') and the morning (Fajr) Salat, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so.''

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Ibn Mas'ood said: "At the time of the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ we used to think that no one failed to attend As-Salah in congregation but a hypocrite or one who was sick."

~ Saheeh Muslim (654)

A Message To The Young Muslims

"Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu, 

My Name Is Ishaq Mustaqim, Ive Been A Muslim Now For 2 Years, Before I Never Thought I Would Ever Be A Muslim, I Have A Message For The Young Muslim, And Even If You're Not Muslim, You Should Listen To What I Say, Insh Allah For The Young Muslim, That Are Far From The Religion and That Are Doing Like Illegal Stuff, If You're Involved In Crime and You Think You Will Never Get Caught, And Even If You're Not Going To Get Caught Right Now, I Have A Message For You Me, Before, I Lived In A Criminal Life For A Long Time and Since Im A Muslim I Stopped All That, Its 2 Years Now, Im Doing Like, Everything That Is Allowed but My Past Came Back, Because The Past Always Comes Back and Even If You See People That Never Get Caught, You're A Muslim, So You Know Whats Going To Happen After,If You Die and You Didnt Repent, Thats Even Worse I Hope, I Ask Allah, I Pray To Allah That It Never Happens To You Because Thats Really Bad.

Now In The Time That You're Gonna Watch This Video, Because In 2 Weeks, I Will Have To Pay For My Mistake I Did 7 Years Ago, 7 YEARS AGO!!! Its A Long Time, But The Past Always Comes Back and Inshallah, I Will Have To Face Jail, Like My Lawyer Said: That Was Going To Have Like Between 4-6 Years and Thats Something I Really Really Dont Want For You, So If You're Involved In Crime or In Bad Things or You Think Its Cool, Or You Want To Do Those Things To Get Money Because You Think Money Is Important, Youre Going The Wrong Way, My Brothers Seriously, Even Sisters, Seriously, I Love You Too Much For You To Do Things Like That, Can Go To Jail, Get Killed, Theres No Other Way or Even If You Dont Get Caught, Its Even Worse, On The Day Of Judgement!!! So Please InshAllah, Make Dua For Me, Not Dua Like, Dont Ask That I Dont Go TO Jail, But Just Ask Allah That He Gives Me Whats Best Because Sometimes Things Happen Life, That You Think Its Bad For You but Its A Good Thing and Sometimes Things That Happens You Think Its Good, but Seriously, Its Bad For You, Like CRIME, BAD MONEY (Haram Way) You Think Its Good For You, You Think You'll Get A Good Life but Im Telling You, Money Will Not Make You Happy.

I Lived 10 Years Of Luxuary Life and Now For 3 Months Of My Life, I Have To Pay For 4-6 Years, And Those 3 Months The Crime That I Plead Guilty, Its A Fraud Of $700,000 So Dont Think, That Money Will Make You Happy Because Since Im A Muslim, I Tasted The Happines, That Nothing In Life, Even Now, Im Working On A Halal Job and Before I Was Able To Do In 1Day, The Amount Of Money Im Doing In 1Year, The Happiness That Islam Gives Me, Nothing Else Gives Me, So InshAllah, Think About What I Just Said, Inshallah I Make Dua For You and Make Dua For Me, and Make A Good Decision, Inshallah, Assalamu Alaikum"

Basis of Islamic Upbringing

A) The relation with Allah
The most central and pivotal fundamental is the relation with Allah; In other words, our aim is to develop the personalities of our children to the end that they will be conscious of their responsibility to Allah

Almunamy said, in Fayd Al-Qadeer 2/140: “He who reaches [i.e. the pleasure of Allah] has gained everything and he who misses his besought lord (Allah) has missed everything.”

The essence and goal of all the messages is to make the human conform to the divine, which is the natural course and only one that will grant us humans success and happiness in both lives.

B) Treating the human being as a whole (body and soul)
Allah said, "(Remember) when your lord said to the Angels: “Truly I am going to create man from clay”. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by me, then you fall down prostrate to him.” [38/71]

This makes Islam works on the refinement-without suppression-of the genuine human inclinations and directing them for the well being of the individual and the society.

The examples of this concept in the Islamic teachings are many, including how Islam addressed our desires of food and sex. With regards to sex for instance you find that Islam didn’t consider it filthy or disgraceful as long as it is done in wholesome way that will protect the honor and rights of both parties, and – equally important- the rights of the fruits of these relations, the children. So when that issue is addressed with the child at the appropriate time, the parent will make sure s/he will respect that this desire is part of the making of their child and make the child feel normal and wholesome having it, but exhort him to exercise it in a way that is wholesome and conducive to the well being of themselves, their partners, children and the society at large.

This concept should make us more balanced in our raising of the kids, not ignoring their need of food, clothes, shelter and the different means of decent living – which may vary in different cultures and places – at the same time we realize that we are not raising cattle, and that our kids need emotional and spiritual sustenance as much as they need the physical one.

Also, we will try to teach them about their Deen, without ignoring the importance of math and science and the other fields of beneficial knowledge, which will help them earn a living and function in life in a way that will help them and their ummah.

C) Moderation
Narrated by Anas bin Malik: “A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, ‘where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven.’ Then one of them said, ‘I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever.’ the other said, ‘I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast.’ the third said, ‘I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever.’ Allah’s Apostle came to them and said, ‘Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion is not from me [not one of my followers].” (Al-Bukhari/4776)

Islam doesn’t only teach us moderation in actions or worship, but even in feelings that some may think are beyond our control. The Messenger of Allah said: Love those you love with moderation, for they may be your foes one day. And hate those you hate with moderation for they may become your beloved one day.” (S.J. 178, Ahmad from Ali)

In other words, moderation is the way of Islam in all things and one of the most important concepts and pillars of Tarbiyat is Islam.

D) Knowing and respecting the capabilities of man and striking a perfect balance between the potential and goal.
Allah said:

[67/14] Should not he who has created know? And he is the most kind and courteous (to his slaves) all aware (of everything).

You need to learn about your child’s capabilities (strengths and weaknesses) because each individual has his own fingerprint and personal print and map. You need to learn the map of your child’s mind and the keys to all the doors.

Some people do a lot of good deeds but at the same time do a lot of bad ones those have the power of doing great actions but lack the power of abstinence from bad ones some people can fast every other day but do not give a lot of Sadaqah, so Allah gave us a variety of worships and made 8 doors for the heavens. The companions of the prophet were not all scholars or great commanders, yet they all used their potential to the maximum in the work of righteousness and in the service of their Deen.

Your son may excel in math and not in social studies so enhance his math and help him with social studies without undue pressure on him to excel in this subject as he does in the other, also if he is truthful but selfish commend him for his truthfulness and try to enhance it by showing him that the truthful one will eventually win and work with patience on his selfishness while knowing that he may not wind up being a very generous person but at least he should pay his Zakat.

The balance of the child’s potential and the parents’ objectives is quiet essential for good parenting.

E) Habits characters and personal inclinations and traits can be changed
Many people think that personalities and personal traits are set in stone and can never be changed such as nervousness and miserliness, however Islam believes that all these are changeable not only that, Islam makes it mandatory on the person to change himself which indicates that change is possible Allah said:

Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. And since Allah made obligatory on us to control our anger then it is understood that this is within our capacity. [2/286]

Also the Prophet said: ”Becoming knowledgeable is but by seeking knowledge and, becoming patient and wise is by training oneself to be so and, he who seeks good will be given it and, he who seeks bad will be given it.”

So when Allah commands us to control our anger no one can say ‘I can’t because I am a nervous person’. You should emphasize this concept to your child and, don’t give up on him and, continue to work with him on his “disappointing” personal traits to get the best out of him/her.

Muhammad (pbuh) - A Mercy for Mankind and All Others

Alhamdu-li-llah wa as-Salatu wa as-Salamu ‘ala Rasool-il-llah,

Can we ever say enough about the greatest of Allah’s creations and the most noble of His servants? Certainly, we can’t. That is not because we attribute to him divinity, for that would be the greatest betrayal to his legacy, which was all about the worship of the one true God (exalted be He), who is distinct from His creations and who didn’t share His divinity with any of them. Our failure to properly describe the greatness of the Messenger of Allah stems from our own incapacity to grasp the different aspects of it, and properly express what we believe about his character. The following are glimpses of his character and preaching that show how he was a mercy for all existences, sent by their Lord, the Most Merciful.

HIS BIRTH

Our most beloved Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace), the last Prophet and Messenger, was born in the Bani Hashim neighborhood in Makkah on Monday morning, the ninth of Rabi‘ Al-Awwal, in the year of the Elephant Event, i.e. the twentieth or twenty-second of April, 571 CE.

HIS CHARACTER

‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: “Whenever Allah’s Apostle was given the choice of one of two matters he would choose the easier of the two as long as it was not sinful to do so, but if it was sinful, he would not approach it. Allah’s Apostle never took revenge over anybody for his own sake but (he did) only when Allah’s legal bindings were outraged, in which case he would take revenge for Allah’s sake.” (Bukhari.) ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said that he used to repair his shoes, sew or mend his dress and to do what ordinary men did in their houses. Milking the she-sheep and catering for himself were some of his normal jobs. He would pray: “O Allah, grant me life as a poor man, cause me to die as a poor man, and resurrect me in the company of the poor.” (Tirmidhi, Baihaqi).

HIS MESSAGE AND HOW IT CHANGED THE WORLD

In the following pages, we will embark on mentioning a few examples of the Messenger’s conduct and preaching. I hope that after reading the following pages, our love for him will grow and we shall become more aware of the great impact of his message on humanity. We will also see that he was truly, as Allah indicated, sent as a mercy for all worlds.

PREACHING MERCY FOR ALL:

MERCY WITH PARENTS

The Prophet taught good conduct towards ones parents, saying, “The Lord’s good pleasure results from a father’s good pleasure, and the Lord’s displeasure results from a father’s displeasure.” (Tirmidhi.) Mu’awiyah ibn Jahimah reported, Jahimah came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! I intend that I should enlist in the fighting force and I have come to consult thee. He said “Hast thou a mother?” He said, “Yes.” He said: “Then stick to her, for Paradise is beneath her two feet.” (Nisai.) He was once asked: “O Messenger of Allah, who is most deserving of friendly care from me?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Your mother.” The questioner asked who came next, and he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Your mother.” He was asked again who came next and he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Your mother.” And when He asked who came next, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Your father.” (Bukhari, Muslim).

MERCY WITH THE WIFE

He enjoined compassion towards ones wife, saying, “The believer should not harbor hatred towards his wife. If he dislikes something in her, then surely he will be pleased with another quality in her.” (Muslim.)

MERCY WITH THE FAMILY

About the importance of good conduct towards ones family, he said, “Among the believers who show most perfect faith are those who have best disposition and are kindest to their families.” (Tirmidhi). He emphasized maintaining good relations with the family. “One who cuts ties of relationship will not enter Paradise.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

MERCY WITH THE CHILDREN

“If anyone cares for two girls till they grow up, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection thus,” and he joined fingers. (Muslim). This was within the same culture and generation that daughters were so devalued that they had frequently been buried alive by their own parents.

MERCY WITH THE ORPHANS

“I and the one who takes responsibility for an orphan, whether his own kin or of others, will be in Paradise thus,” and he pointed his forefinger and the middle finger with a slight space between them. (Bukhari).

MERCY WITH THE WOMEN

“Act kindly towards women, for they were created from a rib and the most crooked part of the rib is its top. If you attempt to straighten it you will break it, if you leave it alone it will remain crooked: so act kindly towards women.” In this hadeeth the Prophet forbids men from forcing women to be like themselves. The bent they have is most suitable for the functions of motherhood which requires emotions to be put in front of reason. (Bukhari, Muslim.)

He also said, “Verily women are the full sisters of men” (Abu Dawood & al-Tirmidhi: Saheeh al-Jame’ 2333). There is no stronger statement that can further affirm gender equity. In delivering Allah’s message, he also gave women the right to inheritance, choosing their husbands, getting separations from them, owning and managing their property and many more that were not given to them during his time by any nation.

MERCY WITH THE POOR AND CAPTIVES

He established the believers’ responsibility towards the weak of their societies. “Feed the hungry, visit the sick and free the captive.” (Bukhari.)

MERCY WITH THE SICK

Abu Hurairah (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whenever a Muslim visits a sick brother (Muslim) or merely goes to meet his brother, then Allah says: ‘You are holy; your walking is holy; you have arranged your abode in Jannat.’” (Tirmidhi.)

MERCY WITH THE SERVANTS

Anas said: “I served the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) for ten years and he never said to me, ‘Shame!’ or ‘Why you do such and such?’ or ‘Why did you not do such and such.’” “A person who has a female slave in charge and takes steps to give her a sound education and trains her in arts and culture, and then frees her and marries her, he will be doubly rewarded.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Nikah).

MERCY FOR THE OUTCASTS AND LOWER CLASSES

The Prophet gave a speech during the days of Tashreeq in Hajj and said, “O people know that your Lord is One and your father is one. Let it be known that there is no virtue of an Arab over a non-Arab, or for a black over white, or white over black, except by piety and righteousness.” He then recited: “O people we have created you from a single male and a single female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other. Verily the most noble of you before Allah is the most righteous. Certainly Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Reported by Ahmad after Jabir).

MERCY FOR THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL

The Prophet taught respect for the dignity and privacy of others. “O ye who believe! Let not a folk deride a folk who may be better than they (are), let not women (deride) women who may be better than they are; neither defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. Bad is the name of lewdness after faith. And whoso turneth not in repentance, such are evil-doers.” “O ye who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! some suspicion is a crime. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Ye abhor that (so abhor the other)! And keep your duty (to Allah). Lo! Allah is Relenting, Merciful”

THE SEVERITY OF PUNISHMENT

If some one wants to look impartially at what is called the severity of punishment in the Islamic law, they need to compare the statistics of theft, rubbery and murder in Mecca and New York City. The punishment of a few deviant members of the society will deter many from deviation which is ultimately good for those with such tendencies and the society at large. This is a form of mercy towards those who would otherwise become their innocent victims.

MERCY FOR HIS UMMAH (NATION)

The Prophet taught the brotherhood and mutual support, both with his words and in his conduct. “The Prophet is closer to the believers than they are to their own selves.” [Sûrah al-Ahzâb: 6] He said, “Believers are to one another like a building whose parts support one other.” He then interlaced his fingers. (Bukhari, Muslim).

MERCY WITH THE NON-MUSLIMS

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that when Allah’s messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked to invoke a curse on the polytheists he replied, “I was not sent as one given to cursing; I was sent only as a mercy.” (Muslim). “If someone entrusts a person with his life and then that person killed him then I am clear of the killer even if the victim is a disbeliever” (Nisa’i) “He who harms a non Muslim harms me, and he who harms me harms Allah.” (At Tabarani) The Prophet stated in his contract with the Christians of Najran, “No man from among them may be held accountable for the violations of another of his fellows.” (Abu Yusuf in Alkharaj)

MERCY WITH THE ANIMALS

The Prophet (peace be upon him) truly was a mercy not only to all humanity, but even to animals – to beasts and birds. He said: “There is a reward for all the good that you do for anything possessing a living heart.” (Sahîh al-Bukhârî ) He also mentioned to us the story of a prostitute who gave water to a thirsty dog and who was forgiven by Allah and admitted into Paradise. On the other hand, the Prophet (peace be upon him) informed us that another woman entered Hell because she imprisoned a cat without feeding it or letting it out to eat until it starved to death. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw a sparrow in her nest lamenting the loss of her chicks which had been stolen by someone, he said: “Who has caused her to grieve over her chicks? May Allah curse the one who caused her to grieve over her chicks.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “No sparrow is killed without cause except that it complains to Allah about it on the Day of Judgment.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade the killing of any animal for mere sport. “Verily Allah has prescribed proficiency in all things. Thus, if you kill, kill well; and if you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters.” (Muslim).

MERCY FOR THE WHOLE ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING THE INANIMATE THINGS

“Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it” said the Prophet (May Allah bless him and give him peace), after their defeat at the hands of the pagans by ‘Uhud. (Bukhari & Muslim)

MERCY FOR ALL

Those who count on mercy from their Lord must be merciful. “Allah will not show mercy to him who does not show mercy to others,” Prophet Muhammad said (Bukhari, Muslim). Do you see now how he was mercy not only for mankind, but for all creation? (May Allah bless him and give him peace)

Written by: Dr. Hatem al-Haj

Edited by: Sisters Aisha and Mahabba

- See more at: http://www.drhatemalhaj.com/tazkiyah/864/#sthash.aoJyZ7eB.dpuf

The Benefits of Trials and Tribulations

Ibn Rajab concludes that if the person truly realizes and understands the above, "he will know that the bounty that comes from Allah to a believer due to his trials is greater than the bounty that comes from Allah during his times of ease."

Some say, "Are not the hardships and afflictions that people face simply a sign that either there is no God or that God is not really a merciful one?" If one were to give thought to the positive effects of trials and tribulations, one would not ask such a question. Ibn Rajab mentions the following benefits of trials and tribulations:

1. Trials and tribulations are a means by which Allah removes sins from a person.

2. Facing trials and tribulations in the proper manner, with patience, is a great source of reward and Allah's pleasure.

3. Trials and tribulations make a person recall the sins that he has committed. This should lead him to repentance and reform.

4. Trials and tribulations soften a person's heart and make her submit to Allah. A person who never faces hardship may become haughty, arrogant and cold-hearted.

5. It is through trials and tribulations that a person can experience the characteristic of patience.

6. Trials and tribulations makes a person realize that he cannot rely solely on himself or even others. He can rely on Allah. Allah is the only true source of help and assistance.

After mentioning some of the above points as well as others, Ibn Rajab concludes that if the person truly realizes and understands the above, "he will know that the bounty that comes from Allah to a believer due to his trials is greater than the bounty that comes from Allah during his times of ease."

Compiled From:
"Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi" - Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo, pp. 793, 794

Secret Sins Of A Believer

Astagfirullah wa atub ilayh... Oh Allah! i am repenting for my sins sincerely,

Please forgive our sins and hide our sins here and in hereafter as well.

Muslim Jihad Exposed

Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism. In the Quran, God has said:

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 just dealers. (Quran, 60:8). 

The Prophet Muhammad used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children, and he would advise them: {...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.} And he also said: {Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.} Also, the Prophet Muhammad has forbidden punishment with fire. He once listed murder as the second of the major sins, and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, {The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.} 

Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad said: {A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.} He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet was asked, "Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?" He said: {There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.} Additionally, while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad said: {When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.} 

In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. 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, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.

Watch the video for more details:

Playing Games With The Mighty Lord

"Look Whats Happening Today In Our Society, You Speak To A Muslim, You Remind Him About Allah, Everybody Says: No Allah Will Forgive Me, Allah Will Pardon Me, Allah Knows What Good Deeds I Do, You Dont Even Pray and You're Talking About The Good Things That YoU Do, A Person Who Cheats Allah (swt) Theres No Point In Saying I DONT CHEAT AGAINST PEOPLE, I DONT LIE TOWARDS PEOPLE, I DONT COMMIT ANYTHING WRONG, 

The Biggest Sin, The Biggest Crime After Shirk With Allah (swt) To Associate Partners With Allah (swt) Is To Disobey Him, Leaving The Prayer, As We Find Inside This Ayah: A Person Who Abondands The Prayer Is Heading Towards Jahannam, We Dont Live In A Muslim Environment But In A Muslim Country, Who Ever Leaves Salah, That Person Has Committed Disbelief If You Live In A Muslim Environment, Because We Dont Live In A Muslim Environment, Many Of Us Thinks, Praying Is For Religious, Who Keeps A Beard, Who Goes To The Mosque, An Elderly Person or Comes To Age Of 50, 60 AS-SALAH Is For Every Single Muslim, Every Single Muslim Has To Pray 5x A Day When They Get To Age Of Puberty And They Havent Lost There Sense, Has The Ability To Comprehend and To Understand and In Good Health and State, They Have To Offer Their Prayer..."

Watch the video for complete reminder:

Benefits of giving Zakaah & Sadaqah

Allaah تعالى says:

 وَمَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّن شَيْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ 

...

{And whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allaah’s cause), He will replace it. And He is the best of providers.}

[Surah as-Saba’ (34): 39]

Imam Ibn Katheer رحمه الله says in his Tafseer (interpretation) of the above mentioned verse: "Whatever you spend in the ways that Allaah سبحانه و تعالى has commanded you and permitted you, He will compensate you for it in this world by giving you something else instead and in the Hereafter by giving you reward."

Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Every day two angels come down from Heaven and one of them says, 'O Allaah! Compensate every person who spends in Your cause,' and the other (angel) says, 'O Allaah! Destroy every miser.'"

[Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 2, Kitab az-Zakat, Hadith 522 and Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم also said: "You gain no victory or livelihood except through (the blessings and invocations of) the poor amongst you." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Kitab al-Jihad, Hadith 145 and Sunan Nasa’i]

Spending In The Path Of Allah

"And This Is The Nation My Dear Brothers and Sisters, People Are Suffering Out There and Don't Allow The Duniya To Decieve You, Because Muslims Has A Concept, Its Called Barakha, A Barakah, When You Spend For The Sake Of Allah, Allah Is The One Who Gives and Allah Is The One Who Increases and Allah Is The One Who Puts The Barakah Allah Promises, He Says: If You Do Shukur Then I Will Increase, What Does Shukur Means? Generally,You Know The Asians, I Don't Know About The Rest But They Say: Shukur Alhamdulillah, Thats It The Optimum Shukur Is That You Spend and You Utilize What Allah Has Given You For His Pleasures That Is Shukur, That Is The Optimum Shukur. The Prophet (S.A.W) Said, Imaam Tirmidhi Relates In The Jami, He Said: Three Things I Taken Oath Upon, No Mans Wealth Will Decrease If He Spends In The Path Of Allah..."

In the time of Prophet (S.A.W), the Prophet (S.A.W) came home and he asked Aisha (R.A): Has anybody come to the house? And she said: A man came but all we had was a bit of food for you oh Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) so i kept it for you. And the Prophet (S.A.W) said: No No Aisha, what you would have spent is that you would have kept that for me, because it would have been by Allah and it would have been stored. Whatever you have would perish, but whatever is stored by Allah will remain and this had a profound impact on the Aisha (R.A) and after the demise of Prophet (S.A.W) a beggar came to the house of Aisha (R.A) and her slave opened the door, Barira (R.A), and the beggar said: Oh family of Messenger of Allah, give me something and she said we have nothing, and Aisha (R.A) was listening to this and Aisha said: who is it? and Barira (R.a) said: It's a beggar, and all we have is a handful of barley for you to open the your fast with and it was at that time of Asar, and Aisha (R.A) said: give it, and Allah will provide and she gave it. Comes Magrib time and there is no food, and Aisha (R.A) opened her fast with some water and she began her Magrib sallah and Barira (R.A) was sitting there, and she's sarcastically saying: Oh Allah will provide, Allah will provide. And then there is a knock on the door and a man came and he gives a goat as a gift and Aisha (R.A) finished the sallah, and she said: Oh Barira, Who is it? and she said: It was a man who lives in the area, By Allah, He has never ever given us anything before but today he bought us a goat and Aisha (R.A) said: Oh Barira, Isn't that goat better than the handful of the wheat that you had? and she said something which really signifies the Imaan of these people, she said: I swear by Allah, None of you can be a true believer until his trust in Allah is stronger than that which he has in the palm of his hand. You see it, but your trust in Allah is stronger that which you have in your hands and we see the duniya and may Allah (SWA) make our beliefs stronger in the Akhirah than it is in the duniya. May Allah (SWA) give us an Imaan which makes us realize the fallacy of the duniya and the deception of the duniya as well. (ameen ... )

Victory In Unity

"Mankind was one nation, believing in Tawheed, then they differed. Some of them believed and some disbelieved. So Allah sent the Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, so whoever believes will enter Paradise and whoever disbelieves will enter Hell. The conflict is still going on between belief and disbelief, truth and falsehood, and will continue until Allah inherits the earth and everyone on it. Islam is the religion for all of mankind, and Allah has commanded us to convey it to all people. This can only be achieved if we are strong, and strength is based on faith and unity. Hence Allah has commanded all the believers to adhere to His religion and to be united, and not to be divided. 

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur'an), and be not divided among yourselves [Aal 'Imraan 3:103]

 Division, differences and disputes are the cause of the ummah's defeat, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Saabiroon (the patient)" [al-Anfaal 8:46].

Unity and coming together are among the basic principles of Islam, and there are many aspects of unity in Islam, such as One Lord, one Book, one Prophet, one religion, one Qiblah, one Ummah. In order to achieve the unity of the Ummah, Islam urges us to adhere to the jamaa'ah (the group which follows the Qur'an and Sunnah). The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) explained that the hand of Allah is with the jamaa'ah, and that whoever deviates from that will be in Hell. Allah has enjoined coming together for all acts of worship in order to achieve this unity. Allah addresses the Ummah as one group in all rulings to indicate that they are one Ummah, like one body. There is no difference between them; the commands and prohibitions are addressed to all."

Umar ibn Khattab on the way to Jerusalem

When Umar ibn Khattab was on his way to collect the keys of the city of Jerusalem he had made a deal with his servant that they would take turns in riding (one day each) while the other walks in front. The journey itself was very long and when they were close to Jerusalem not only was it Umar’s turn to lead the camel but because of the length of the journey his clothes were dirty and his appearance dishevelled.

Abu Ubaydah ( 1 of the 10 promised jannah) leader of the Army met him at the gates and when he saw rushed to Umar to advise him, the Romans lived in a lavish culture and he because of this he felt that Umars appearance as the leader of the muslims was not appropriate in front of the well dressed rich Romans. When Umar finished listening he struck the chest of Abu ubaydah and said.

“I wouldn’t expect this to come from you. We were a people who were humiliated then Allah honoured us with Islam. If we seek honour any other way, Allah will humiliate us.” 

Unfortunately we live in a world that is now built on appearance; everyone is concerned about how they are perceived by others. People often find themselves doing things for no other reason just to please others, sometimes going as far as compromising on their values and beliefs. We need to remember as Muslims our honour lies in pleasing Allah alone, we should hide or cover different parts of our belief out of fear that we may be seen as strange. This is the relgion of Allah the true complete religion and never should we compromise on this. May Allah Increase us all in Honour and servitude to him.

Do they seek with them 'izzah (honor)? Rather, to Allah indeed belongs all honor

[An-Nisaa’ 139] Quran

Worse Than Dajjal !

Abu Saeed reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to us while we were discussing about Dajjal and said, "Should I not inform you of that which I fear for you even more than the dangers of Dajjal? It ...is the hidden Shirk (Riya); A person stands to pray, and he beautifies his prayer because he sees the people looking at him." (Sunan Ibn Majah vol. 2, #3389)

The primary cause of riya is a weakness in Iman (Faith). When a person does not have strong faith in Allah, he will prefer the admiration of people over the pleasure of Allah.

There are three symptoms that are indicative of riya, and it is essential that a believer avoid all of them.

1. The love of Praise - As mentioned in a hadeeth of the first three people being thrown into the hellfire; the scholar (who taught for fame), the martyr (who fought for fame), and the person who gave his money in charity (so people would say he is generous). All three of these people desired the pleasure of people over the pleasure of Allah. The person who desires the praise of people must feel some pride in himself, for he feels himself worthy of being praised. There is a danger, therefore, of him becoming arrogant and boastful.

2. Fear Of Criticism - No one likes to be criticised. The dislike of criticism regarding religious practices may be divided into two categories:

a) The first category is that of a person who neglects a commandment of Allah in order to avoid the criticism of his peers.
b) The second category is that of a person who obeys certain commandments of Islam, not for the sake of Allah, but because he fears people will look down on him and criticise him if he does not do it. For example, a man may make his formal prayers in the mosque because he does not want people to criticise him for praying at home, or to think that he is not praying at all.

3. Greed for people's possessions - If a person covets what other people possess, whether it is rank, money or power, then he will wish them to envy him similarly. For example, if he is jealous of a position of a certain person in society, he will try by every possible means to attain the same position. Such desires lead people to spend their lives putting on a show for other people so that they will admire their rank, money, or power.

Compiled From:
"Riyaa: Hidden Shirk" - Abu Ammar Yasir al-Qathi

Thanking Allah Night & Day

"And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah , you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful." (14:34)

"Your Lord has decreed : "The more you thank Me, the more I give you. But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe." (14:7)

All good things that come our way, and that we often take for granted, come from God. This message has been conveyed in the Quran. Consequently, one of the true means of expressing our worship of our Creator is through the acts of "Appreciation" and "Gratitude" to God. So be of those who thank Allah (SWT) if you want true happiness and blessings from Allah.

Whenever there's a calamity, it's either a punishment or a test. If one is on a straight path then the calamity is a test but if one is on the wrong path then it's a punishment. Similarly, whenever one receives blessings it may be a reward or a test when one is on a straight path."

By Sheikh Bilal Assad 

Enslaved To Social Norms?

"So We Can Be A Slave To Society As Well and We See This Even In Our Asian Culture, Maybe Not You Guys, Because You're The Pious Type, Mashallah Tabarakallah but Lets Be Honest, In Many Types Of Our Family, If You Go To A Wedding, What Do You See? You See People Who Are Being Pulled Over Their Lifes, Spending Money, Thousands (3x) On Wedding Dresses and Golds and Thousands People Are There, Half Of Them They Dont Even Know, They're Not Even Related, They Somehow Used To Comb One Of Their Pet Rabbits Hair, You Know, Thats How Distance They Are and Then They're There, Its All About Show Off and How Much Gold You Have, Where You Gonna Go, The Mahar, All Of These Stuff and You Know God Forbid One Aunty Wearing The Same Wedding Outfit, She Wore Last Year, La Hawla Wala Quata Illah Billah, It Will Be Day of Judgement Scenario You Cant Be Seeing Her In The Same Shoes "I Aint Wearing The Same Shoes" Do You See The Point? Its All About Status and What You Look Like And This Is A Social Norm In Our Own Community.

We've Adopted The Bollywood, Hinduistic Kinda Culture, And We've Made Nikkah So Hard, Wallahi We Made ZINA Easy and Nikkah Hard, Wallahi, I Know, I See Youth In Student, They Find It So Hard, We've Made ZINA/FRNICATION Easy and Marriage Difficult" and also we have other issues considering the socail norm, he has to be a docter, if he not that clevver an engineer, if he's not that clevver a Lawyer, if he is not that clevver Mufti Saab. Isnt it ? like the deen comes on the bottom of the list and if you wanna marry someone. Even i have seen in practicing sisters, Niqaab, Gloves, shoes, Nets, Everything covered Right? and they will be like: Oh i want hime to be a docter and deen is like 4th, whats wrongwith these people? We have been socialized, Isn't it? This cast Hindi system kinda culture permiatted Even among the pious people, Wallahi there is a Hadith, to the best of my knowledge,I can be corrected obviously, In Tirmidhi, Where the Prophet (s.a.w) said and i'm Paraphrasing: If someone comes to your daughter with good morals and you reject him, There will be Fitna and Fasaad in the world. And he said: What if he doesn't have any money? and you know How He (s.a.w) Replied: If someone comes to your daughter with good morals and you reject him, There will be Fitna and Fasaad in the world and repeated it again. what is the Prophet (s.a.w) indicating here? That thisis the most important thing, not the money, Money comes and goes but yet we have that social norm in our culture, that if he is not of a high status, its terrible.

By Brother Hamza Tzortzis