Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (saas) said, “I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assemble better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a fathom’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “No man does a wrong action then performs Wudu and does his Wudu well, then performs two Rakaat and seeks Allah’s forgiveness, but that He will forgive him.” [Ahmad]
Similar is Allah’s promise in the Quran: “Except the one who repents and believes and does good deeds, then Allah will replace the evil deeds of such people by good deeds, and Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.” [Surah Al-Furqan, Ayat 70]
A true repentance will not only remove the bad deed from your record, but will actually convert it into a good deed. Once you have realized your mistake, make Wudu properly and then pray two Rakaat seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
Pride is something that has become the norm and backbone of society especially in the developed world. I say this having been fortunate to travel to many places around the globe.
I can say the most humblest of people and most giving are those that have the least. Now, what does that tell you of mankind?
Pride, arrogance and greed are fuel to the fire. We all have elements of this and that's why its ever so important to cleanse one's heart and lower soul (nafs al lawwama).
May Allah guide us and make us noble servants and keep us away from pride, arrogance and greed. Ameen.
Bismillaah Alhamdulillaah Wassalatu Wassalamu Ala Rasulillaah
Wa Ba’d [As To What Proceeds]
In this life of poverty, hardship and trials, Abdullah asked his father [Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal] one day, “Abi, when will we ever relax?” His father, one of the greatest revivers of the Sunnah, a role model for all Muslims looked him in the eye and said, “With the first step we take into Jannah.” Rahimahullah Al-Imam Ahmad! ♥
Once a man saw in his dream, that a lion was chasing him. The man ran to a tree, climbed on to it and sat on a branch. He looked down and saw that the lion was still there waiting for him. The man then looked to his side where the branch he was sitting on was attached to the tree and saw that two rats were circling around and eating the branch. One rat was black and the other one was white. The branch would fall on the ground very soon. The man then looked below again with fear and discovered that a big black snake had come and settled directly under him. The snake opened its mouth right under the man so that he will fall into it. The man then looked up to see if there was anything that he could hold on to. He saw another branch with a honeycomb. Drops of honey were falling from it. The man wanted to taste one of the drops. So, he put his tongue out and tasted one of the fallen drops of honey. The honey was amazing in taste. So, he wanted to taste another drop. As he did, he got lost into the sweetness of the honey. Meanwhile, he forgot about the two rats eating his branch away, the lion on the ground and the snake that is sitting right under him. After a while, he woke up from his sleep. To get the meaning behind this dream, the man went to a a pious scholar of Islam. The scholar said “The lion you saw is your death. It always chases you and goes where ever you go. The two rats, are the night and the day. Black one is the night and the white one is the day. They circle around, coming one after another, to eat your time as they take you closer to death. The big black snake with a dark mouth is your grave. It’s there, just waiting for you to fall into it. The honeycomb is this world and the sweet honey is the luxuries of this world. We like to taste a drop of the luxuries of this world but it’s very sweet. Then we taste another drop and yet another. Meanwhile, we get lost into it and we forget about our time, we forget about our death and we forget about our graves.”
“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers ___evildoers), and (there is) forgiveness from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers __ good‑doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment”
There are seven whom Allaah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade
The Prophet said:
There are seven whom Allaah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two men who love each other for Allaah's sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but be says: 'I fear Allaah', a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allaah in private and so his eyes shed tears.'
Narrated by Abu Hurairah & collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (english trans.) vol.1, p.356, no.629 & Saheeh Muslim (english trans.) vol.2, p.493, no.2248
In this beautiful Hadeeth, the Prophet spoke about small acts of worship which result in such a huge reward: shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His Shade [1]. This may not seem like much at first but then reflect upon the following Hadeeth:
'On the Day of Resurrection, the sun would draw so close to the people that there would be left a distance of only one mile. The people will be submerged in perspiration according to their deeds, some up to their ankles, some up to their knees, some up to the waist and some would have the bridle of perspiration and, while saying this, the Messenger of Allaah put his hand towards his mouth.'
Narrated by al Miqdaad ibn Aswad & collected in Saheeh Muslim (eng. trans) vol.4, p.1487-8, no. 6852}.
And in another Hadeeth, some will be submerged in sweat
'seventy arm-lengths in the earth.'
Narrated by Abu Hurairah and collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (eng. trans.) vol.8, p.353, no.539) and Muslim (eng. trans.) vol.4, p.l487, no.6851
So who would want more then, on this Day, than to be under the Shade and protection of Allaah Azza wa Jal
Let us examine now the characteristics and virtues of these seven categories of people who will be worthy of such an exalted position on the Day of Gathering.
1. 'A Just Ruler...'
The concept of Justice in Islaam is very important and it is something which the Muslim - Ruler and the ruled - must apply in all matters without exception. Justice means to give each the right he deserves: Muslim or non-Muslim, relative or stranger, friend or enemy. Allaah says:
'...And do not let hatred cause you to act unjustly, that is nearer to piety
[Soorah al-Maa'idah (5):8].
Unfortunately, even if we admit this in theory, we quickly forget it in practice. So we find that when we speak about our friends and loved ones, we praise them beyond reason and when we speak about those whom we hold difference with, we can find no good in them and we just capitalise on their bad points. This is far removed from the justice which Allaah loves and gives great reward for, as mentioned in the following Hadeeth:
'The doers of justice will be on thrones of light at Allaah's Right Hand - and both of Allaah's Hands are Right Hands"
- those who were just in their Ruling, with their families and in all that over which they were given authority [2].
The Prophet assigning to Abdullah ibn Mas'ud the open spaces in Medina between the dwellings and palm gardens of the Ansar, and when the Banu Abd ibn Zuhrah said,
"Remove from us the son of Umm Abd (Ibn Mas'ud),"
replying,
"Why then did Allah send me. Allah does not bless a people among whom a weak man is not given his right."
Baghawi transmitted it in Sharh as-Sunnah. Sunan at-Tirmidhi no.3003
The concept of justice is most important for the Ruler, since he is in charge of his people and the primary disposer of justice in the land. For this reason, the Ruler is given special mention as one of the seven who will be honoured with Allaah's Shade.
2. 'A youth who grew up in the worship of Allaah...'
The great scholar, Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee (d.131H) said,
'From the success of a youth is that Allaah guides him to a scholar of the Sunnah.'
Hasan - Reported in Sharh Usoolis-Sunnah of al-Laalikaa'ee (no.30).
Indeed, it is a great blessing from Allaah for a youth h be guided towards worship and be befriended by the righteous, since it is in youth that a person is most vulnerable to the temptations of life and liable to drift away from the Islaamic Path. This becomes apparent when we look at society around us and we see that most of the worldly distractions, such as music, games, clubs, fashion etc. are all specifically targeted at the young. 'You're only young once!' they are told, which is why many Muslims nowadays waste their youth thinking that they will pray, wear hijaab and go on Hajj, etc. when they are old, as if they have a guarantee of longevity from Allaah! How well we would do to heed the Prophet's advice when he said:
'Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied and your life before your death.'
Saheeh - Narrated by Ibn Abbaas & collected in al-Haakim & others. Authenticated by Shaykh 'Alee ibn 'Abdul Hameed in Forty Hadeeth of the Call and the Caller.
3. 'A man whose heart is attached to the mosques...'
There is great encouragement in the Sunnah for men to pray in the mosques and the reward associated with it is tremendous [3]. Not only does it make the person eligible for Allaah's Shade on the day of Judgement, but,
'he does not take a step [towards the mosque except that because of it, he is raised by one rank and one sin is removed from him. Then when he prays, the Angels do not cease supplicating for him [for] as long as he remains at his place of Prayer [sayings]: O Allaah send blessings upon him, O Allaah have mercy upon him...'
Narrated by Abu Hurairah & collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (eng. trans.) vol. 1 p.352 no.620).
It must be emphasised here however, that all the Hadeeth encouraging the men to be attached to the mosques are not intended to lead one to the conclusion that Islaam is a Religion which should be confined to the mosques, as many people imagine. Nonetheless, the mosque should be at the heart of the Muslim community, and the role of those in authority of the mosques is vital here. They are the ones mainly responsible for making the mosque a welcome refuge for the Muslims, rather than an arena for politics and power struggles as many seem to have become these days. And we seek Allaah's refuge from this!
4. 'Two men who love each other for Allaah's sake, meeting for that and parting upon that....'
Having mutual love for the sake of Allaah is one of the great doors leading to the good of the Hereafter and a cause of tasting the sweetness of Eemaan in this world. Loving one another for Allaah's sake means that the Muslim does not love another except for the correctness of his Deen. So it does not matter what the person looks like, what he wears, how rich or poor he is, where he comes from, or what the colour of his skin is - perhaps you dislike everything about him, but you love him for his Eemaan: this is loving for Allaah's sake.
'Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent says: 'Those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory will have pillars of light and will be envied the Prophets and martyrs.'
Saheeh - Collected in Sunan at-Tirmidhee & Musnad Ahmad (5/336-7).
SubhanAllaah! Imagine being envied by Allaah's chosen Messengers and those who were slain in His Path! Such is the reward of those who love one another for Allaah's sake.
5. 'A man who is called by a woman of beauty and position but he says: 'I fear Allaah...'
This world is full of temptations which lead to burning in the Fire and amongst them is that which comes from women. Many a man has led his soul into destruction on account of the lure of a woman which is why the Prophet warned his Ummah specifically about this. He said,
'The world is sweet and green and verily Allaah is going to install you as successors upon it in order to see how you act. So avoid the allurement of women: verily the first trial for the Children of Israa'eel was caused by women.'
Narrated by Aboo Sa'eed al-Khudree & collected in Saheeh Muslim (eng. trans.) vol.4, p.1432, no.6606
The most important provision which we need to protect ourselves from this and all other temptations in life is the fear (khawf) of Allaah. This fact is alluded to in the following Qur'aanic Aayah:
'And as for him who feared standing before his Lord and restrained himself from impure evil desires, verily Paradise will be his abode.'
[Soorah an- Naazi'aat (79):40 1].
6. 'A man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity...'
This describes the type of person who goes to great lengths to protect himself from ar-Riyaa. Ar-Riyaa means to do deeds in order to earn the praise and recognition of people. This sin destroys all the benefits that lie in righteous deeds and brings on a serious punishment for the one who commits it. It is particularly dangerous because it is in man's nature to desire and enjoy the praise of others. Thus, great care has to be token to ensure that one's intentions begin and remain pure whenever good actions (such as charity) are being done. Not like what we see today where we have mosque notice boards announcing who gave what to whom, why and when! Allaah warns:
'O you who believe! Do not render vain your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men and he does not believe in Allaah nor in the Last Day.'
[al-Baqarah (2):264]. May Allaah preserve us from this.
7. '...A man who remembered Allaah in private and so his eyes shed tears.'
Our noble Prophet informed us:
'If you knew what l knew, you would laugh little and weep much.'
Narrated by Aboo Hurairah and Anas & collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (eng. trans.) vol.8, p.326-327, nos.492 and 493
Crying is not a sissy' thing to do. The Prophet, who was the best of all creation, would weep as would all of his Companions. Tears are a genuine expression of fear of Allaah's Punishment and of our sincere love and awe of Him. But how often do we remember Allaah in seclusion and are then moved to tears? How much do we laugh and how little do we weep? The Prophet said,
'There is nothing more beloved to Allaah than two drops and two marks: A tear shed due to fear of Allaah, and a drop of blood spilled in the path of Allaah. And as for the two marks, then a mark caused in the path of Allaah, and a mark caused by fulfilling one of the duties made obligatory by Allaah..
Hasan - collected by at-Tirmidhee and al-Mishkaat (3837)
Alhamdulillaah, through these seven types of people mentioned in the Hadeeth, we have been given clear signposts of the way to attain Allaah's pleasure and satisfaction. So dear brothers and sisters in Eemaan, devote yourself to being one amongst those seven, for indeed fortunate will be those who are granted Allaah's Shade on the Day when there will be no shade but His.
SubhanAllah, Tafseer of Surah ad-Dhaariyaat Ayaat 20-23 from tafseer of Ibn Katheer
Allah the Exalted and the Blessed said:
And on the earth are signs for those who have faith with certainty'
Allah says that there are signs on earth that testify to the might of the Creator and His boundless ability. These signs include what Allah placed on the earth, the various plants, animals, valleys, mountains, deserts, rivers and oceans. He also created mankind with different languages, colors, intentions and abilities, and a variety among them, differences in the power of understanding and comprehension, their deeds, and ultimately earning happiness or misery. Allah put every organ in their bodies in its rightful place where they most need it to be. So He said؛
'And also in yourselves. Will you not then see'
Qatadah commented, "He who thinks about his own creation will realize that he was created with flexible joints so that it is easy for him to perform acts of worship.''Allah the Exalted said next,
'And in the heaven is your provision'
meaning, rain,
'and that which you are promised'
meaning Paradise. This was said by Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid and several others.Allah said:
'Then by the Lord of the heaven and the earth, it is the truth, just as you can speak'
Allah is swearing by His honorable Self, all of the matters of the Judgement, Resurrection, and Recompense that they have been promised shall certainly occur. Therefore, it is the truth, there being no doubt about it, so do not doubt its coming, just as you do not doubt that you can speak When he would talk to one of his friends, Mu`adh used to say: "What I am saying is as true as your being here.''
Tafseer of Surah ad-Dhaariyaat Ayaat 20-23 from tafseer of Ibn Katheer
Abu Hurayra (RA) said, "A believer is the mirror of his brother. When he sees a fault in it, he should correct it." Bukhari
Learn, Practice and Teach the meaning of this verse
“And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine...” [al-Talaaq 65:2,3]
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that." Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 70, Number 545
"And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often that you may succeed."
The Holy Quran (62:10)
"Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear."
Abdullah bin Busr (ra) reported Allah(swt) enjoined the believers to always remember Him and He praised them for doing so as Allah(swt) said:
O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance. And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and 'Asr prayers].
[Quran Surat Al-'Aĥzāb 33:41, 42)that one of the Companions said:
"O Messenger of Allah! There are many ordinance of Islam for me. So tell me something by which I may hold tight. He (saw) said, "Your tongue should always be busy remembering Allah"
Imam Ahmad 4/188 190 At Tirmidy 3375 Ibm Majah 3793
The Significance and Tafsir of the Last Two Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah
Tafsir Ibn Kathir
The Messenger (Muhammad ) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allâh, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say,
“We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers” – and they say, “We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).”
(Al-Baqarah 2:285)
Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned.
“Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maulâ (Patron, Suppor-ter and Protector, etc.) and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”
(Al-Baqarah 2:286)
The Virtue of These Ayah From Ibn ‘Abbas ” who said:
“While Jibra’eel (Gibrael) ” `May Peace be upon him’ was sitting with the Prophet !, he heard the opening of a gate above him. So he raised his head and said: `This is a gate from the shies that has opened today, which has never opened before this day.’ So an angel descended from it (the gate). So he Jibra’eel ” said: “This is an angel that has descended to the earth, which has never descended except today. He gave Salam and said: ‘Receive glad tidings [Oh Muhammad ! with two lights which have been given to you, that have never been given to a Prophet before you: The Opening of the Book (i.e. Surat Al- Fatihah) and the end of Surat Al-Baqarah. Never do you read a letter from either of the two (Surahs) except that you are given it.( Which means that you are given its reward (i.e. the reward of recitation))
(Reported by Muslim) (Taken from Mukhtasar Sahih Muslim with Shaykh AI-Albani's editing, p.553, Hadith no. 2094.)
Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Allah said,
(Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say,) "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers.'')
Therefore, each of the believers believes that Allah is the One and Only and the Sustainer, there is no deity worthy of worship except Him and there is no Lord except Him. The believers also believe in all Allah's Prophets and Messengers, in the Books that were revealed from heaven to the Messengers and Prophets, who are indeed the servants of Allah. Further, the believers do not differentiate between any of the Prophets, such as, believing in some of them and rejecting others. Rather, all of Allah's Prophets and Messengers are, to the believers, truthful, righteous, and they were each guided to the path of righteousness, even when some of them bring what abrogates the Law of some others by Allah's leave. Later on, the Law of Muhammad, the Final Prophet and Messenger from Allah, abrogated all the laws of the Prophets before him. So the Last Hour will commence while Muhammad's Law remains the only valid Law, and all the while a group of his Ummah will always be on the path of truth, apparent and dominant. Allah's statement,
(And they say, "We hear, and we obey'') means, we heard Your statement, O our Lord, comprehended and implemented it, and adhered to its implications.
((We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord) contains a plea and supplication for Allah's forgiveness, mercy and kindness.
Allah's statement, (Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope) means, Allah does not ask a soul what is beyond its ability. This only demonstrates Allah's kindness, compassion and generosity towards His creation. This Ayah is the Ayah that abrogated the Ayah that worried the Companions, that is, Allah's statement,
(And whether you disclose what is in yourselves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it.)
This indicates that although Allah will question His servants and judge them, He will only punish for what one is able to protect himself from. As for what one cannot protect himself from, such as what one says to himself - or passing thoughts - they will not be punished for that. We should state here that to dislike the evil thoughts that cross one's mind is a part of faith. Allah said next,
(He gets reward for that which he has earned) of good,
(And he is punished for that which he has earned) of evil, that is, concerning the acts that one is responsible for.
Allah then said, [mentioning what the believers said] while directing His servants to supplicate to Him, all the while promising them that He will answer their supplication:
(“Our Lord! Push us not if we forget or fall into error,”) meaning, “If we forgot an obligation or fell into a prohibition, or made an error while ignorant of its ruling.” We mentioned the Hadith by Abu Hurayrah, that Muslim collected, wherein Allah said, “I shall (accept your supplication).” There is also the Hadith by Ibn `Abbas that Allah said, “I did (accept your supplication).”
(Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians),) means, “Even if we were able to perform them, do not require us to perform the difficult deeds as You required the previous nations before us, such as the burdens that were placed on them. You sent Your Prophet Muhammad , the Prophet of mercy, to abrogate these burdens through the Law that You revealed to him, the Hanifi (Islamic Monotheism), easy religion.” Muslim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said that Allah said, “I shall (accept your supplication).” Ibn `Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah said that Allah said, “I did (accept your supplication).”
There is the Hadith recorded through various chains of narration that the Messenger of Allah said,
(I was sent with the easy Hanifiyyah way.)
(Our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear) of obligations, hardships and afflictions, do not make us bear what we cannot bear of this.
(Our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear.)
We mentioned that Allah said, “I shall (accept your supplication)’‘ in one narration, and, “I did (accept your supplication),” in another narration.
(Pardon us) meaning, between us and You regarding what You know of our shortcomings and errors.
(And grant us forgiveness) concerning what is between us and Your servants. So do not expose our errors and evil deeds to them.
(Have mercy on us) in what will come thereafter. Therefore, do not allow us to fall into another error. They say that those who commit error need three things: Allah’s forgiveness for what is between Him and them, that He conceals these errors from His other servants, and thus does not expose them before the servants, and that He grants them immunity from further error.” We mentioned before that Allah answered these pleas, “I shall,” in one narration and, “I did,” in another narration.
(You are our Mawla) meaning, You are our supporter and helper, our trust is in You, You are sought for each and every type of help and our total reliance is on You. There is no power or strength except from You.
(And give us victory over the disbelieving people) those who rejected Your religion, denied Your Oneness, refused the Message of Your Prophet , worshipped other than You and associated others in Your worship. Give us victory and make us prevail above them in this and the Hereafter. Allah said, “I shall,” in one narration, and, “I did,” in the Hadith that Muslim collected from Ibn `Abbas.
Further, Ibn Jarir recorded that Abu Ishaq said that whenever Mu`adh would finish reciting this Surah,
(And give us victory over the disbelieving people), he would say “Amin.”
Posted by: KING-slave of ALLAH ! on: April 27, 2010
At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery, it is a time when Muslims should continue being Muslims, only better Muslims.
I would say to my dear brothers and sisters in Islam “don’t be Sad”; if you are on the true religion – believing in One God and all the Messengers sent to mankind, then don’t be sad.
Allah says in Quran:
“…Bear with patience whatever befalls you….” (Qur’an 31:17) and “Be not sad, surely Allah is with us.”
(Qur’an 9:40)
Our Prophet (pbuh) said:
“Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath.”
[Tirmidhi]
Being sad is not encouraged in Islam
“So do not become weak, nor be sad…”
(Qur’an 3:139)
“And grieve not over them, and be not distressed because of what they plot.”
(Qur’an 16:127)
Sadness prevents one from action instead of compelling one towards it. The heart does not benefit through grief. The most beloved thing to the devil is to hinder the worshipper in the path of Allah. The Muslim must repel sadness and fight in any way that is permissible in Islam.
Allah is sufficient for us
“Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs. So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the owner of Great Bounty.”
(Qur’an 3:173-174)
“And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed…”
(Qur’an 5:23)
“O you who believe! Seek help in patience and the prayer…”
(Qur’an 2:153)
By leaving your affairs to Allah, by depending on Him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree, by thinking favourably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help, you reap some of the greater fruits of faith. When you incorporate these qualities, you will be at peace concerning the future, because you will depend on your Lord for everything. As a result, you will find care, help, protection and victory.
Pre-ordainment
“No calamity befalls on earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees – before We bring it into existence.”
(Qur’an 57:22)
The pen has dried, and the pages have been lifted: all events shall come to pass have already been written. Whatever has befallen you was not meant to escape you, and whatever has escaped you was not meant to befall you: if this belief were to be firmly ingrained in your heart, then all hardships and difficulty would become ease and comfort.
The Prophet (pbuh) said,
“Whoever Allah wishes good for, He inflicts him (with hardship).”
[Bukhari]
For those who are afflicted with disaster, glad tidings await them: so remain patient and happy with your Lord.
“He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned.”
(Qur’an 21:23)
“Verily, with hardship there is relief”
(Qur’an 94:6)
“Perhaps Allah may bring victory or a decision according to His Will.”
(Qur’an 5:52)
Prophet Ibrahim (‘alayhissalam) did not feel its heat because of the help he received from Allah.
“We (Allah) said : O’ fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim.”
(Qur’an 21:69)
The sea would not drown Prophet Moses (‘alayhissalaam) because he uttered in confident, strong and truthful manner:
“Nay verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me.”
(Qur’an 26:62)
And the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhu):
“..Be mindful of Allah, you will find Him before you. Get to know Allah in prosperity and He will know you in adversity… And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.”
[Tirmidhi]
Accept life as it is
If you read the Qur’an you will see that all the Prophets went through trials and tribulations. Life is a test so let us learn from the best examples of our Prophets.
“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty, ailments and were shaken.”
(Qur’an 2:214)
We should know that if we are pleased with our Lord, He will be pleased with us. And if you are pleased with your Lord no matter what the situation is, then you will find that you have earned your Lord’s pleasure. On the other hand, there are hypocrites whom Allah rejects their deeds. They are displeased with what Allah sends down and they hate seeking His pleasure; thus their deeds are performed in vain.
Your recompense is with Allah
When Allah, the Exalted takes something away from you, He compensates it with something better, but only if you are patient and seek His reward.
Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said,
“Whoever loses a loved one from the people of this world and then seeks recompense with his Lord, will be compensated with Paradise.”
Those who are in this world and are close to Allah will be raised in the highest of heaven:
“Peace be upon you, because you peresevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!”
(Qur’an 13:24)
Truly, the life of this world is short and its treasures are few. O’ afflicted ones, if you are patient you lose nothing; and though you may not perceive it, you are profiting.
Extract honey but do not break the hive
“Repel (the evil) with one which is better, then verily! He, between whom and you there was enmity (will become) as though he was a close friend.”
(Qur’an 41:34)
“….and harm them not. And put your trust in Allah.”
(Qur’an 33:48)
Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said,
“Verily, Allah ordered me to keep relations with those that cut off, forgive the ones who does an injustice with me, and to give to those who withhold from me.”
“Those who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves the good-doers.”
(Qur’an 3-134)
Remembrance of Allah
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
(Qur’an 13:28)
“Therefore remember Me and I will remember you…”
(Qur’an 2:152)
We should not be surprised when we hear that people who remember Allah are at peace. What is truly surprising is how the negligent and unmindful survive without remembering Him.
Allah says in the Qur’an,
“They are dead, lifeless and they know not when they will be raised up.”
(Qur’an 16: 21)
Truly, He is near when supplicated: He hears when he is called and He answers when He is invoked, so humble yourself before Him and ask of Him sincerely. Repeat His beautiful names, and mention Him alone as worthy of worship. Mention His praises, supplicate to Him: you will find then – by the will of Allah – happiness, peace and illumination.
“So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the excellent reward of the Hereafter.”
(Qur’an 3:148)
Loving Allah, knowing Him, remembering Him, seeking peace in Him, singling Him out for complete love, fear, hope and dependence – these qualities when combined in a person, constitute a sort of heaven on earth. These are qualities that bring peace to those who love Allah, a sort of peace that has no comparison in this world.
It is important that a special relationship exists in the heart between the slave and his Lord, a relationship that allows the slave to feel so close to his Lord that he requires no other. Thus, he finds company when he is alone, and he tastes the sweetness of remembering Him and supplicating to Him. Allah’s slave will continually face hardship and difficulty until he dies, but if he has a special relationship with his Lord, all of the hardships of life will become easy for him.
The prayer….the prayer – we must return to our mosques
“O’ you who believe! Seek help in patience and the Prayer.”
(Qur’an 2:153)
By earnestly performing the five daily prayers, we achieve the greatest of blessings: cleared off our sins and increase in rank with our Lord. Prayer is a potent remedy for our sickness, for it instills our faith in our souls.
As for those that keep away from the mosque and away from prayer, for them is unhappiness, wretchedness and an embittered life.
“For them is destruction and Allah will make their deeds vain.”
(Qur’an 47:8)
Take a moment to reflect
O whose mind has wandered in grief, O’ you whose eyes are loaded with tears; relax and know that your Creator aids, and that His mercy will bring you peace. And know that your reward is secure with He Who doesn’t disappoint the one who seeks to please Him. Be at peace, for after poverty comes joyous meeting, and after sleeplessness comes sound rest. O you who are oppressed in the lands, who suffer from hunger, pain, sickness and poverty, rejoice in the knowledge that you will soon be satisfied with food and that you will be happy and in good health.
Let us make these supplications, their purpose being to eliminate hardship, anxiety and grief:
“There is no worthy of worship except Allah, the Ever Forbearing, the Most Great. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. There is none worthy of worship One Who sustains and protects all that exists, there is none worthy of worship except You, and by Your Mercy do we seek Your aid.”
“Verily, along with every hardship is relief, verily, along with hardship is relief. So when you have finished (your occupation), devote yourself for Allah’s worship. And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your) intentions and hopes.”
[TMQ 94:5-8]
References: The Noble Qur’an (Muhsin Khan/Muhammad Hilali Translation)
Don’t Be Sad – Shaykh ‘Aaidh Al-Qarni
This is the publishers note:
At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery and within, comes this heartening book rooted in the commandments of Allah (swt), the Sunnah and the excellent guidance and examples of the Muslims that have come before us.
Don't Be Sad is an absolute must-read for all people. It is full of practical advice on how to replace sadness with a pragmatic and ultimately satisfying Islamic outlook on life. It exposes to the modern reader how Islam teaches us to deal with the tests and tribulations of this world.
So, take heart and hold firmly onto the rope of Allah (swt).
This personally is an excellent book, which I have on my bookshelf and always proves useful when I have a down day, and it never fails to pick me up. It is a MUST for all Muslims and Non Muslims alike. More so now we have dipped into the Recession, with growing financial worries and job insecurity, this book serves as an brilliant reminder to focus upon what is important.
On the authority of Al-Miqdaam ibn Maadiy-Karib who said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah saying:
“No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Aadam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath.”
[Ahmad, At-Tirmidhee, An-Nasaa'ee, Ibn Maajah - hadeeth saheeh.]
Ibn Masaweh, a Muslim doctor, said after reading this hadeeth:
“If the people only used these words, they would avoid all diseases and maladies and the clinics and pharmacies would be idle.”
Another doctor, Al-Harith ibn Kalada said:
“That which has killed mankind is the introduction of food on top of food before it has been digested.”
As for spiritual benefits: humbleness of heart, strength of understanding, lessening of lower desires, lessening of personal opinions and anger, while overeating induces the opposites of all of those. Al-Hasan Al-Basree said:
“O, son of Adam, eat with one third of your stomach and drink with one third and leave one third of your stomach to breathe so that you may think.”
Ibn Umar: A man said to Ibn Umar:
“Shouldn’t I bring you some jawarish?” Ibn Umar said: “What is that?”He said: “Something which aids in digesting your food after you eat.” Ibn Umar said: “I have not eaten to being full for four months. That is not because I am not able to do so, but I was with a group of people who were hungry more than they were full.”
Not reaching your goals: Muhammad ibn Wasi said:
“Whoever eats little will understand and make others understand and will be clear and humble. Overeatingweighs a person down and keeps him from much of what he wants [to accomplish]. “
Al-Hasan Al-Basree:
“The test of Aadam, alayhis-salaam, was food and it is your test until Qiyama.”
And, it used to be said:
“Whoever takes control of his stomach gets control of all good deeds.”
And:
“Wisdom does not reside in a full stomach.”
One day, Al-Hasan offered some food to his companion who said:
“I have eaten until I am no longer able to eat.”
To which Al-Hasan said:
“SubhaanAllaah! Does a Muslim eat until he is no longer able to eat?”
Allaah grants this world to those whom He loves and those He does not love but only grants hunger to those whom he loves.
Ash-Shaafi’ee said:
“I have not filled myself in sixteen years because filling oneself makes the body heavy, removes clear understanding, induces sleep and makes one weak for worship.”
In Bukhaaree and Muslim:
“The believer eats with one stomach while the kafir eats with seven stomachs.”
Meaning: The believer eats with the manners of Islam and in moderation, while the kafir eats based on desires and gluttony and so he eats with seven stomachs.
Also:
“Food for one is enough for two and food for two is enough for three and food for three is enough for four.”
Also: From Aa’ishah:
“The family of Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) never filled themselves with wheat bread three days in a row from the time he came to Madeenah until he passed away.”
A Muslim should not merely follow his appetites. Allaah said:
“Then, they were followed by generations who neglected the prayer and followed their appetites. They will encounter a pit of fire except for those who repent…”
[Maryam 59-60]
The best generations did not:
“The best generation is my generation, followed by the one after them then the one after them. Then will come a people who bear witness but are not asked to bear witness, who swear oaths but do not fulfill them and fatness will appear among them.”
[Bukhaaree and Muslim]
From Abee Barza that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said:
“My greatest fear for you is the appetites of transgression with regard to your stomachs and your privates and the inclinations which lead astray.”
[Ahmad and others and its narrators are people of saheeh]
Hasad (jealousy and envy) is among the most destructive emotions which a man may develop toward his fellow human being. With Hasad, a person will wish evil for others and will be happy when misfortune befalls them. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned against envy by comparing it to fire that completely burns the wood.
He (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood.”
[Abu Dawud]
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“There has come to you the disease of the nations before you, jealousy and hatred. This is the ‘shaver’ (destroyer); I do not say that it shaves hair, but that it shaves (destroys) faith…”
[At-Tirmidhi, No. 2434]
Hasad can take a person into disbelief because he may conclude that Allah has not been fair with him, while Allah is the Most Just. The person may forget all of Allah’s mercy and blessings bestowed upon him.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“They are enemies of Allah’s bounties.” When asked, “Who are they?”, he replied: “Those who envy people for what Allah has given them of Bounty.”
[At-Tabarani]
Allah through His Absolute Wisdom gave some people more wealth, intelligence, beauty, strength, and children than others. Discontentment comes from the slave’s ignorance of his Lord. If he recognizes his Lord with the attributes of Perfection, he would not be discontent and as a result would not develop Hasad. A believing Muslim should be content with what Allah has destined for him. Imam Ibn Qayyim said: “It (contentment) opens the door of peace and security for the slave.
“Allah favored some of you over others with wealth and properties- Do they deny the favors of Allah?”
[Noble Quran 16:71]
“Do they envy men for what Allah has given them of His Bounty?”
[Noble Quran 4:54]
“It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the mercy of your Lord is better.”
[Noble Quran 43:32]
This means that the mercy of Allah is better than the convenience of the world. Material things of this life do not make one superior over another. True superiority lies in Taqwa (righteousness and fear of Allah).
Allah said:
“Surely, the most noble of you to Allah is the most God-fearing.”
[Noble Quran 49:13]
“And the Hereafter with Your Lord is (only) for those who have Taqwa.”
[Noble Quran 43:35]
What belongs to the transient world is of no significance at all before Allah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“If this world were worth a mosquito’s wing before Allah, He would not give a disbeliever a drink of water. “
[At-Tirmidhi]
In order to discourage envy, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Do not look to those above you. Look to those below you, as it will more likely remind you of Allah’s favors bestowed on you.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
On another occasion, he said:
“If one of you looks at someone wealthier and better built than him, he should also look at someone of lower standard than himself.”
[Sahih Muslim]
Good envy
What Islam permits in contrast to Hasad (destructive jealousy) is Ghibtah (envy that is free from malice). It means that a person neither wishes for misfortune to fall on others nor does he hate the blessings with them. He desires for similar blessings without having any ill-feeling toward others.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Envy is allowed in two cases: a man whom Allah has given the Quran and who recites it throughout night and day; and a man on whom Allah has bestowed wealth who gives it away night and day.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also explained what is allowed to be said:
“I wish I were given what he was given and did with it what he did.”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The similitude of the people of this Ummah is like that of four individuals. One whom Allah has given wealth and knowledge, so he handles his wealth with knowledge.
One whom Allah has given knowledge but not wealth, and he says, ‘Lord, should I have wealth like so-and-so, I would have handled it like him.’ So they both have the same reward. Such a person loves to have wealth like others so he can do good like others without wishing that others lose their wealth.
“Another man whom Allah gave wealth but no knowledge spends it in disobedience to Allah.
And last, a man whom Allah has not given knowledge or wealth but who says, ‘Should I have wealth like so-and-so, I would spend it in the way he does.’ So, both will have the same sin against them.”
Is God "Love"? Why Doesn't God Stop the Evil? Is there a God? Can God do anything? Is there any other god or power besides Almighty God? - Imam Muzammil Siddiqi, former president of the ISNA -
Indeed Allah is All-Powerful (Al-`Aziz) and He is able to do all things (Allahu 'ala kuli shayin qadir). The Quran has mentioned this hundreds of times. Quran also says,
"Glory be to Allah, the best Creator"
(Al-Mu'minoon: 14) But then the question comes why do pain and sufferings exist in the world. We find sickness, old age and death. We see things that are ugly, people who are insane and foolish. There are storms, earthquakes, floods, draught and famine. We also see people commit sins, show disloyalty, unfaithfulness, greed and insincerity. We see people commit rapes, murders; they fight and make wars. We know all these and many more problems. There are evils caused by human beings and there are natural disasters.
There are suffering for individuals and there are those that involve a large number of people. But we also know that this is not the whole story. Besides all these negative things, we also see beauty, health, prosperity, life, birth, wisdom, intelligence, growth and progress. We observe goodness among people, faith, sincerity, charity, love and the spirit of sacrifice. We notice a lot of virtue and piety. It is wrong to see one side of the coin and not to see the other side.
Let us ask this question to understand Allah's ways in His creation. The Quran tells us that good, evil and whatever happens in this world happens by Allah's Will (mashiat Allah). Only Allah knows fully His Will. We finite beings cannot grasp fully His infinite Will and Wisdom. He runs His universe the way He deems fit. The Quran tells us that Allah is Wise and everything that Allah does is right, just, good and fair. We must submit and surrender to His Will. The Quran has not given us all the details about Allah's Will, but it has enlightened us with the guidance that is useful and sufficient for us. There are several points that we should keep in our mind to understand this issue:
1. First of all, Allah did not make this world a permanent world. This is a temporary world and everything here has a time limit. When its times comes it will die, come to an end and finish. Neither the good things of this world are forever, nor the bad things eternal. We are here for a short time and we are being tested. Those who will pass this test will find an eternal world that is perfect and permanent. Those who will fail this test shall see the evil consequences of their sins and corruption.
The prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, told us,
"This worldly place is a prison to the true believers, and a paradise to the disbelievers."
2. Allah has placed a physical law and a moral law in this universe. Allah allows suffering to occur when one or more of these laws are broken. The physical law is based on cause and effect. Sickness comes if one does not take care of ones health or is exposed to infections. A car accident occurs when one is not alert, or drives in a careless manner, or if the cars are not checked, roads and freeways are not made and kept in right shape, or the traffic laws are not right or not properly enforced. Study of causes and effects is very important to facilitate safeguards. Even here we should keep in mind that Allah often saves us and He does not let us suffer from every negligence. How many times it happens that we are not careful and still we reach safely to our destinations. The way people drive in some cities, it is a miracle that more accidents do not happen and more people do not suffer. Allah says:
(Allah) Most Gracious! It is He Who has taught the Quran. He has created man: He has taught him speech (and Intelligence). The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed; and the herbs and the trees both (alike) bow in adoration. And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice), in order that you may not transgress (due) balance. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance. It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures."
(Ar-Rahman:1-10)
The way we exceed the measures set by Allah and violate His laws of "cause and effect" is incredible. It is really the mercy of Allah that we are saved. Strictly speaking, the question should not be why does Allah allow suffering, but how much Allah protects us and saves us all the time in spite of our violations and negligence. The Quran says:
"If Allah were to punish people according to what they deserve, He would not leave on the back of the (earth) a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: when their Term expires, verily Allah has in His sight all His servants."
(Fatir:45)
But sometimes Allah does punish people because of their violations of His laws whether they are physical or moral. The Quran tells us that many nations and communities were destroyed because of their sinful lifestyles:
If they treat thy (mission) as false, so did the Peoples before them (with their Prophets), the People of Noah, and Ad and Thamud. Those of Abraham and Lut; and the Companions of the Madyan people; and Moses was rejected (in the same way). But I granted respite to the Unbelievers, and (only) after that did I punish them: but how (terrible) was My rejection (of them)! How many populations have We destroyed, which were given to wrong-doing! They tumbled down on their roofs. And how many wells are lying idle and neglected, and castles lofty and well-built?"
(Al-Hajj: 42-45)
3. Suffering can also be a test and trial for some people. Allah allows some people to suffer in order to test their patience and steadfastness. Even Allah's Prophets and Messengers were made to suffer. Prophet Ayyub is mentioned in the Quran as a Prophet who was very patient. Good people sometimes suffer but their sufferings heal others and bring goodness to their communities. People learn lessons from their good examples. Martyrs die for their faith, soldiers give their lives for their nations and this brings liberation and freedom for their people.
4. Allah sometimes allows some people to suffer to test others, how they react to them. When you see a person who is sick, poor and needy, then you are tested by Allah. Allah is there with that suffering person to test your charity and your faith. In a very moving Hadith Qudsi (Divine Hadith) the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
Allah will say on the Day of Judgment,
"O son of Adam, I was sick and you did not visit Me." He will say, "O my Lord, how could I visit You, when you are the Lord of the Worlds?" Allah will say, "Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was sick and you did not visit him? Did you not know that if you had visited him, you would have found Me there?" Allah will say, "O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not." He shall say, "O my Lord, how could I feed you and you are the Lord of the Worlds?" And Allah will say, "Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was in need of food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that if you had fed him, you would have found that to have been for Me?" "O son of Adam, I asked you for water and you did not give Me to drink." The man shall say, "O my Lord, how could I give You water, when You are the Lord of the Worlds?" Allah will say, "My servant so-and-so asked you for water and you did not give him to drink water. Did you not know that if you had given him to drink, you would have found that to have been for Me?"
(Muslim, Hadith no. 4661)
Prophet `Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, is also reported to have said something similar in the Injeel (Gospel or New Testament of The Bible). (See Matthew 25: 35-45)
So, in summary we can say suffering occurs to teach us that we must adhere to Allah's natural and moral laws. It is sometimes to punish those who violate Allah's natural or moral laws. It is to test our faith in Allah and to test our commitment to human values and charity. Whenever we encounter suffering we should ask ourselves, Have we broken any law of Allah? Let us study the cause of the problem and use the corrective methods. Could it be a punishment? Let us repent and ask forgiveness and reform our ways. Could it be a test and trial for us? Let us work hard to pass this test. Believers face the sufferings with prayers, repentance and good deeds. The non-believers face the sufferings with doubts and confusions. They blame Allah or make arguments against Him. May Allah keep us on the right path, Amen!
Allah Almighty knows best. - [credit to: Dr. Muzamil Saddique and www.IslamOnline.net] Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi is the director of the Islamic Society of Orange County and (former) President of the Islamic Society of North
Trials and tribulations are a part of life. We do not like them; we do not like to go through them; but eventually we accept them. Even if we pray, fast, pay our zakat and do all different forms of ibadat we still get tested. Sadness sometimes fills our hearts. We could be the best of practicing Muslims, yet poor and unable to put food on our table. We could be rich yet lonely, or young yet unhealthy.
It is in these instances that shaytan starts toying with our head. We look at what others have, especially the non-Muslims, and our core gets rattled. The shaytan ignites a fire that gets our blood boiling, hopelessness and frustration set in, and we ask “Oh Allah, why me?! Why am I being punished?”
Psychologists tell us that human beings go through five stages of emotion when struck with a calamity. Understanding the different stages of grief minimizes the first four stages (which are denial, anger, bargaining and depression) and gets us to the final stage – which is acceptance. I went through these stages on many different occasions, as I am sure you have.
I am not a psychologist nor am I trying to refute the works of psychology, but I would nonetheless like to offer a different view, a Qur’anic view, on how to deal with life’s trials.
Though we do not have a say in when we are born nor in when we die, life has a clear beginning and a clear end. What is sometimes unclear is the journey between the two points. For Muslims, however, the journey could not be any clearer. Allah says in Surat Adh-Dhariyat:
“And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)”
(Qur’an, 51:56).
Now think back to the first paragraph of this article. You might think to yourself, “I pray five times a day, I fast during Ramadan and pay my zakat, yet I have an ill child, or still can’t find a job, or this stressor or that.” You begin to wonder why you are going through this and why you are being “punished.” Before you know it, shaytan takes the helm and you are on a slippery slope of anger and denial.
Before falling down that slope, one must take a deep breath and ponder the following question: is it punishment or is it a manifestation of what Allah has told us in Surat Al-Ankabut:
“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits…”
(Qur’an, 2:155)
Tribulations are a part of life but that doesn’t make them easy. We still grieve — but how could we not? We are, after all, a very emotional creation. So how does one cope with adversity? There are many ayat in the Qur’an that talk about different mechanisms of coping such as patience, faith, prayer and acceptance. But what I find the most profound and the most comforting is what Allah says in Surat Al-Baqarah:
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…”
(Qur’an, 2:286).
If you stand back and take a look at the whole picture, you will realize that what you have when faced by a tragedy is a choice. Will you go through the stages of grief, denying Allah’s destiny and the wisdom of His plan for you? Or will you realize that what you are going through is something you know you can handle? Whatever trial comes your way is something that Allah has planned and which He has guaranteed you can handle. This ayah is comforting because I, as a faithful mu’min who believes in Allah and His wisdom, know deep in my heart that although the sadness is cumbersome it will not be overwhelming; that although the times might be tough, I am tougher; and that whatever comes my way will go away; and that eventually I will face my Lord whom, I hope, will be pleased with me as I am pleased with Him.
So when you go through a difficult situation, be it the inevitable death of a loved one or the loss of a job or just a flat tire on the side of the highway, take a deep breath and say:
"And if all the trees on the earth were pens and the sea (were ink), with seven seas behind it to increase it, yet the Words of Allah would not be exhausted. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise."
As ash from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano continued to keep European airspace shut down over the weekend [Sat 17th-Sun 18th April 2010), affecting millions of travelers around the world, some government agencies and airlines clashed over the flight bans. Some restricted airspace is now beginning to open up and some limited flights are being allowed now as airlines are pushing for the ability to judge safety conditions for themselves. The volcano continues to rumble and hurl ash skyward, if at a slightly diminished rate now, as the dispersing ash plume has dropped closer to the ground, and the World Health Organization has issued a health warning to Europeans with respiratory conditions. Collected here are some images from Iceland over the past few days. (35 photos total)
Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur'ân) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?
(Surah Fusilat; 41:53)
Verily, they are in doubt concerning the Meeting with their Lord? (i.e. Resurrection after their death, and their return to their Lord). Verily! He it is Who is surrounding all things!
(Surah Fusilat; 41:54)
Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Do you verily disbelieve in Him Who created the earth in two Days And you set up rivals (in worship) with Him? That is the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists.”
(Surah Fusilat; 41:9)
He placed therein (i.e. the earth) firm mountains from above it, and He blessed it, and measured therein its sustenance (for its dwellers) in four Days equal (i.e. all these four 'days' were equal in the length of time), for all those who ask (about its creation).
(Surah Fusilat; 41:10)
Then He rose over (Istawâ) towards the heaven when it was smoke, and said to it and to the earth: "Come both of you willingly or unwillingly." They both said: "We come, willingly."
(Surah Fusilat; 41:11)
Then He completed and finished from their creation (as) seven heavens in two Days and He made in each heaven its affair. And We adorned the nearest (lowest) heaven with lamps (stars)[] to be an adornment as well as to guard (from the devils by using them as missiles against the devils). Such is the Decree of Him the All-Mighty, the All-Knower.
(Surah Fusilat; 41:12)
This is the Majesty of our Creator. When He wills something he says” be” and it is.
This is just an sign, that nobody can do anything about natural disasters no matter how much we try and no matter how much we think we have progressed Tehcnologically and Scientifically.
In the Glorious Qur'an, Allah Says in Surah Al-Hashr:
He is Allâh, beside Whom Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
(Surah Al-Hashr; 59:22)
He is Allâh beside Whom is Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allâh! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.
(Surah Al-Hashr; 59:23)
He is Allâh, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names[] . All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
(Surah Al-Hashr; 59:24)
And you will see the mountains and think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds. The Work of Allâh, Who perfected all things, verily! He is Well-Acquainted with what you do.
[This is an extract which I have heard before and was reminded recently on email about - not sure of the source, however the analaogy from the story is a great reminder to All of us of our temporal state in the Dunya].
Bismillaah Alhamdulillaah Wassalatu Wassalamu Ala Rasulillaah
Wa Ba'd [As To What Proceeds]
In this life of poverty, hardship and trials, Abdullah asked his father [Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal] one day, “Abi, when will we ever relax?” His father, one of the greatest revivers of the Sunnah, a role model for all Muslims looked him in the eye and said, “With the first step we take into Jannah.” Rahimahullah Al-Imam Ahmad! ♥
Once a man saw in his dream, that a lion was chasing him. The man ran to a tree, climbed on to it and sat on a branch. He looked down and saw that the lion was still there waiting for him.
The man then looked to his side where the branch he was sitting on was attached to the tree and saw that two rats were circling around and eating the branch. One rat was black and the other one was white. The branch would fall on the ground very soon.
The man then looked below again with fear and discovered that a big black snake had come and settled directly under him. The snake opened its mouth right under the man so that he will fall into it.
The man then looked up to see if there was anything that he could hold on to. He saw another branch with a honeycomb. Drops of honey were falling from it. The man wanted to taste one of the drops. So, he put his tongue out and tasted one of the fallen drops of honey. The honey was amazing in taste. So, he wanted to taste another drop. As he did, he got lost into the sweetness of the honey.
Meanwhile, he forgot about the two rats eating his branch away, the lion on the ground and the snake that is sitting right under him. After a while, he woke up from his sleep.
To get the meaning behind this dream, the man went to a a pious scholar of Islam. The scholar said
"The lion you saw is your death. It always chases you and goes where ever you go. The two rats, are the night and the day. Black one is the night and the white one is the day. They circle around, coming one after another, to eat your time as they take you closer to death. The big black snake with a dark mouth is your grave. It's there, just waiting for you to fall into it. The honeycomb is this world and the sweet honey is the luxuries of this world. We like to taste a drop of the luxuries of this world but it's very sweet. Then we taste another drop and yet another. Meanwhile, we get lost into it and we forget about our time, we forget about our death and we forget about our graves."
“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evildoers), and (there is) forgiveness from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good‑doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment”
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy
All Praises are due to Allaah, and may the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be showered upon the Noble Messenger.
To Proceed: Allaah says in Soorah al-’Asr:
“By the ‘Asr, Indeed all of mankind is in a state of loss, Except those who have eemaan, Conduct righteous actions, Call each other to the Truth, And call each other to having patience.”
‘Asr here means time. So there are three opinions as to what it is:
The time from the creation of the world till the Day of Judgement The duration of the Prophethood of Muhammad SAW Salaat-ul-’Asr
When Allaah says ‘By the ‘Asr’, He is making an oath. So Allaah is swearing byal-’Asr. Allaah can swear by anything He wants, as He can use anything to be His witness. However, we as Muslims, are not allowed to swear by anything or anyone except by Allaah, His Names or His Attributes. The Prophet SAW said:
“Whoever swears by other than Allaah has indeed committed kufr [disbelief] or shirk [polytheism].”
So this is a prohibition for us to swear by anything or anyone except Allaah. Then Allaah says:
“Inna al-insaana la fee khusr”
[Indeed mankind is in loss]
Here Allaah could have said: “Al-Insaanu fee khusr” [mankind is in loss]
But, rather, He emphasised this sentence by the addition of ‘inna’ and ‘la’. This is only done if this there is some doubt or rejection of the sentence. In the Arabic language one would not use ‘inna’ or ‘la’ except if someone may have doubt in what is being said. So one would emphasise what he is saying by adding these two words. Likewise, it is not necessary to use the ‘la’, as Allaah could also have just used ‘inna’: “Inna al-insaana fee khusr” So He added the ‘la’ for extra emphasis. So Allaah emphasised the fact that mankind – the human race as a whole – are in loss, in three ways:
Using an oath Using ‘Inna’ Using ‘la’ He did this due to the fact that the kuffaar [disbelievers] rejected the fact that they would be in loss unless they possessed the four qualities mentioned later in the soorah. So the emphasis means that we pay special attention to what is coming next. We should want to know how we can be excluded from the general rule of being in a state of loss. So Allaah then says: “Except those who have eemaan”
Eemaan can be loosely translated as faith. However, a definition of eemaan, as stated by Shaykh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, would be: “Eemaan is statement and action – statement of the heart and the tongue, and action of the heart, the tongue, and the limbs. It increases with obedience [of Allaah] and decreases with disobedience.”
So we can see that eemaan consists of five parts:
Statement of the heart: This is known as tasdeeq, or the firm beliefs that a person holds, which admits no doubt, whatsoever. E.g.: with respect to Allaah, His Angels, Books, Messengers, Qadr [Predestination], the Last Day etc.
Statement of the tongue: This is when a person proclaims his belief, eg when he says: ‘I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah’.
Action of the heart: This refers to the different states and feelings of the heart. Things like love, hope, fear, reliance and trust in Allaah, etc.
Action of the tongue: Things like making dhikr of the tongue, such as saying subhaanAllaah. Or like giving da’wah – enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, etc..
Action of the limbs: Things like salaah, zakaah, sawm, hajj etc.
As eemaan consists of these different parts, we should see that it would not remain constant. One’s strength of belief increases and decreases, his love, hope, fear, etc increase and decrease. Therefore, we should see that eemaan increases with obedience to Allaah, and decreases with disobedience. Next Allaah says:
“And do righteous actions”
So here Allaah has separated eemaan from righteous actions by saying: “Except those who have eemaan and do righteous actions.” Does this mean that eemaan is separate from actions. Does this not mean that actions are not part of eemaan as mentioned above? The answer is no. Here Allaah is emphasising action. So He mentions a general point [eemaan] followed by a specific [actions]. This can be shown by the next aayah:
“And enjoin each other to the Truth.”
Enjoining each other to the Truth is da’wah. Giving da’wah is from the ‘righteous actions’. So Allaah mentioned da’wah to emphasise it from the many ‘righteous actions’. In a similar way, Allaah says:
“Say, whoever is an enemy to Allaah, the Angels, the Prophets, Jibreel and Mikaa`eel; then Allaah is an enemy of the disbelievers”
[Baqarah, 2:98]. Here, Allaah mentions the angels and then later on mentions Jibreel and Mikaa`eel. But Jibreel and Mikaa`eel are both angels. So why did Allaah mention them? This is, as we mentioned, in order to emphasise Jibreel and Mikaa`eel, as some people did indeed hate these two angels. So likewise, Allaah mentions actions after eemaan – even though actions are part of eemaan – due to the fact that some people would reject the fact that they must do righteous actions, and that belief is enough! As we often hear from some people who make excuses for their neglecting compulsory good deeds: “But God knows what’s in my heart” or “It is what’s in my heart that counts”…. As for the righteous action, then it has two conditions:
It must be founded upon a correct intention. That is: it must be done sincerely for the sake of Allaah. It must not be done to show off, or for the purpose of any saint, or other individual. The proof of this is the statement of the Prophet SAW:
“Indeed actions are but by intention, and every man shall get what he intends.”
It must be done according to the Sunnah of the Messenger SAW. The proof of this is the statement of the Prophet SAW: “Whoever introduces something in this affair of ours [ie Islaam], then it will be rejected.”
Then Allaah continues:
“And enjoin each other to the Truth.”
This means da’wah, or calling others to Islaam. So it is not enough to have the correct beliefs and righteous actions. One must call to that. The Messenger SAW said:
“Narrate from me even if it is an aayaah.”
There are a number of conditions of da’wah:
Correct Intention: As we mentioned earlier, every good deed must be founded upon a correct intention, due to the statement of the Prophet SAW:
“Indeed actions are but by intention, and every man shall get what he intends.”
Da’wah is not excluded from this.
Knowledge: One must have knowledge of what he is calling to and how to call to it. Allaah says:
“Say [O Muhammad]: This is my path. I call to it UPON SURE KNOWLEDGE, I and those who follow me.”
Wisdom: Allaah says:
“Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and a good admonition.”
So we should be gentle at times, and harsh at other times. We should employ tadarruj [graduation] not giving all of Islaam at once. Da’wah can be of many types: with the pen by writing books, giving advice, giving speeches…
Practising what we preach: Allaah says:
“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do?”
Allaah completes the Soorah by saying:
“And enjoin others to having patience [Sabr].”
There are three categories of Sabr:
-Sabr in being obedient to Allaah -Sabr against being disobedient to Allaah -Sabr against the Qadr [predestination] of Allaah, such as when calamities occur etc.
So we ask Allaah ta’aalaa to make us of those who have eemaan, do righteous actions, call to that, and then have patience.
And all Praises belong to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds.
prevalent culture There is a prevalent culture among Muslims where they only view the Qur'an as a way of gaining reward for reciting out loud the Arabic words correctly. Such people think that they hold the Qur'an in high esteem, but this only keeps them away from studying the Qur'an as they should. Parents teach their children how to pronounce the Arabic words and send their children to evening schools to learn to recite the Qur'an correctly. Such people do not deny the importance of the Qur'an, but their idea of the role of the Qur'an is extremely mistaken and shallow. It is merely to either gain reward for each letter recited or to validate Salah by reciting some short chapters. Members of this majority group may even enjoy listening to recitations of the Qur'an, not because of the message in the Verses, but to appreciate the melody, or for relaxation purposes!
What Islam is, is merely everything else they hear outside of the Qur'an. Such people consider themselves highly religious, while they hold such an ignorant approach to the Qur'an. They recite the Qur'an frequently, but the recitation does not have any bearing on them. Then, they take all their religious guidance from outside the Qur'an - they think those practices amount to fulfilling their duty to the Qur'an. Many of such ignorant people's ideas and practices are even against what the Qur'an has to say, while they are not aware of it - or are aware of it but deliberately ignore thinking about it, laying excuses such as 'I am not knowledgeable enough' or 'I am a laymen, more knowledgeable people have said this, who are you and me to question?'
Real purpose of the Qur'an is to give guidance
The real purpose of the Qur'an is to give guidance to the individual human being who has been created to worship Allah. The Qur'an's guidance is in its meanings, not in the pronunciations of its Arabic letters. The guidance of the Qur'an is a mercy, cure and light for the true believers as it reveals many unknown secrets such as Allah's power, reasons to happening of events around us, and the true nature of Allah's religion. The Qur'an has been necessarily made easy to understand. But this majority have been bereft from this blessing, all while they are deceived into thinking they are following religion perfectly as they are fulfilling their own idea of what the purpose of the Qur'an is.
"We have sent down to you a Book containing your message. Do you not understand?"
(Qur’an 21:10)
Thinking one is fulfilling their obligations toward the Qur'an by simply carrying out rituals such as prayer and fasting, without making the effort to find out what the Qur'an actually says about religion is a great deception. This is because the Qur'an is a Book to reflect upon, to learn from and to gain the necessary insight and wisdom it gives to be a real believer, this is a duty upon anyone who wants to be a Muslim. One cannot possibly be a true Muslim without having necessary knowledge and understanding of the Qur'an. If one only learns about the Qur’an from books written about the Qur’an, written by people, and does not feel the necessity to learn from the Qur’an directly himself, he is only deceiving himself. Allah mentions this ignorant approach in the words,
“Or do you have another book which you study?”
(Qur’an 68:39).
Worship based on make-believing that Qur'an is being followed in the flow of the majority and under blind trust of leaders without a personal attachment to the Qur'an and knowledge of the Qur'an, holds little or no value in Allah's sigh.
Let us ask ourselves: how much do we know about the Qur'an? Not superficial knowledge like the number of chapters or verses, or which city a chapter was revealed in, but the message in its Verses and their many intricacies and secrets. How much wisdom have you gained from the Qur'an? Have you read the entire Qur'an even once in your own language? How many times a day do you refer to the Verses of the Qur'an as you lead your day to day life? Are you sure whether any of your outlooks are from the Qur'an, or is your religion muddled?
“The words of your Lord are complete in its truth and justice. Nothing can change His Words – He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. If you obeyed most of those on earth, they would lead you away from the path of Allah. They follow nothing but speculation – they are merely guessing.”
(Qur’an 6:115-116)
"This too, is a blessed Book which We have sent down – follow it, and be conscious of your Lord, so that you may receive mercy – lest you say, ‘Books were sent to two communities before us: we were not aware of what they studied’, or ‘if only the Book had been sent down to us, we would have been better guided than them.’ Now your Lord has brought you clear evidence, guidance, and mercy. Who could be more wrong than someone who rejects Allah’s Revelations and turns away from them? We shall repay those who turn away with a painful punishment."
(Qur’an 6:155-157)
It is clear that being heedless of the Qur'an will lead to losses in this life and the Hereafter as Allah will call all people into account their level of adherence to the Qur'an.
“Surely, the One who decreed the Qur’an to you will summon you to a predetermined appointment. Say: 'My Lord is fully aware of who it is that brings the guidance, and who has gone astray.' "
(Qur’an 28:85)
Follow the Book of Allah
As stated in the verse, all people are responsible for adhering to the way of life decreed by Allah in the Qur'an. Without direct knowledge of the Verses, practicing alleged claims about the Qur'an and following the majority, may not have any value in the sight of Allah.
Many people who do not have any Quranic insight or wisdom spread claims about the Qur'an's verses which are a far cry from the verses' true meanings. They usually get away with it as their audience have also been conditioned to simply follow 'sayings' about the Qur'an, rather than the Qur'an.
It is only when one opens his eyes and begins to comprehend the Verses of Allah, can he begin to follow the Book of Allah and hope to become a true Muslim.
"...Indeed there has come to you from Allah a Light and a Clear Book. With it Allah guides whoever follows His good pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from the darkness into the light by His permission: He guides them onto a straight path"
(Qur'an 5:15-16)
All Muslims must consider their position in religion in relation to the Qur'an. Reciting the Qur'an without a sincere effort to understand the verses directly will not enlighten the human soul.
Decorating a Rustic Home
-
Donec rhoncus quis diam sit amet faucibus. Vivamus pellentesque, sem sed
convallis ultricies, ante eros laoreet libero, vitae suscipit lorem turpis
sit ame...
Was America Attacked by Muslims on 9/11?
-
Was America Attacked by Muslims on 9/11? Much of America’s foreign policy
since 9/11 has been based on the assumption that it was attacked by Muslims
on th...
Fair and Lovely...
-
http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2013/aug/14/indias-dark-obsession-fair-skin
This article is just a tip of the iceberg of the issue surrounding ...
