Being God Conscious leads to good manners

Let us remind ourselves that we should try to inculcate into ourselves, the good characteristics of the Rasool (s.a.w.).

In Surah Ahzab Chapter 33 vs 21, Allah says:

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.”

If we believe that we are to return to Allah, we will avoid being abusive to each other and having bad manners as we will have to answer to Allah for these things. We tend to have a mindset of “These people don’t benefit me so I don’t care how I act around them”. Those being conscious of Allah will not think like this.

Allah will question us about not feeding the poor as mentioned in the hadith. Do we not think we will also be questioned about the people we abuse or oppress?

When it comes to those who remember Allah, how does it relate to us having good characteristics? Those who remember Allah, not just by the tongue but in their hearts, if something were to happen, someone says or does something, automatically our reactions would be what Allah would want us to do.

How can our hearts be beating for Allah but we break the hearts of others for our nafs and curse others? Our actions cannot be contrary to Allah. Whenever we become animalistic, it is because our heart is not remembering Allah. From the hadith we learn that when people commit sins, at the time of that sin their imaan leaves their hearts.

Loving Allah connects to good behaviour. When we love someone, we would not want to hurt anyone close to that person. If someone close to them abuses you, you would not retaliate out of fear for hurting the person you love. What about Allah? The people in constant love with Allah would not do actions to bring his displeasure.

We are the representatives of Allah on earth. People of other religions often say that humans were created in the “face of God”. Islamically we do not take this literally. The face of Allah is the pleasure of Allah. When you say you are the face of a company, you do actions in accordance with that company.

Human beings were created in the best of forms and have been given the best example in terms of conduct and manners.

Our words and actions would be straight as our hearts that beat for Allah would be reflected in our actions. We hear what Allah wants us to hear, we see what he wants us to see and say what Allah wants us to say. Our hands, feet and tongues act in accordance to what Allah wants. If not, we should seek refuge in Allah from the Satan whispering into our hearts.

Compensation for breaking a promise

Today we live in a world of broken promises and lies. In islam this is a major sin. What does Allah say about making promises? It is important to know as we live in a time of hypocrisy. Do you know what happens when we lie and break promises? All the blessings we get will go to that person. You think you’re robbing the person and he goes with all of your blessings.

Allah says that when we lie, or promise and make an oath, if it is broken, we must feed 10 poor people. Some of us may live lives where we would have to feed 10 people every day. This is the Qur’an Chapter 5, verse 89. It is not just presidents who lie in campaigns and elections. Muslims are lying similarly. This should not be so. Do not spoil your ibaadah by making promises and not fulfilling them.

Allah says, Chapter 5 vs 89:

”Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful.”

Allah will not take us to task for jokes among friends but promises must be kept. Many of us break promises and while we pray and fast, wonder why we don’t see fruits of our ibaadah. Allah says he will hold us to oaths we did not fulfil. First we must feed 10 poor people based on how you eat and feed your family. We cannot be living in million dollar houses and feeding with cheap fast food. If you cannot do that, clothe them in complete clothing suitable for salaat, similar to what you wear. We often want the best for ourselves but ask for the least possible amount when giving to the poor. Finally, the option exists to free a slave.

Only if none of these options are possible, then you fast for three days. It is not that you break an oath and choose to fast because it is easy. These are the methods of compensations put forth by Allah but better than all of this is to fulfil the promise.

How many deaths do we have to see to believe that people die? We can die tomorrow. Let’s get up and do what we have to do! Fulfil promises and pledges! People we broke promises to, we should ask for forgiveness before we have to do it on the day of Judgement. If we die without their forgiveness, all of our blessings would go to them.

 

YOU ARE BLESSED DONT MISS OUT ON ALLAAH SWT MERCY 

 

In the Holy Quran (2:185)

The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.

Allah refers to the Qur’an as a guide for the entire mankind and makes things clear. It can guide us between right and wrong and give us a better judgement between right and wrong. In addition to the good deeds that we should be doing, we should also spend time in the Qur’an.

Every chapter in the Qur’an besides surah Tauba begins with Bismillah. It means to begin in the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. Allah has 99 attributes, but he uses the same to begin every surah.

It is out of Allah’s mercy that he forgives us and saves us from the fire of hell. Not our fasting, salaat and Hajj that gives us Jannah. One man can pray for 40 years and still sin so much that he gets nothing out of it. One man can accept islam and die instantly and be forgiven due to the mercy of Allah. Without praying a single salaat, he can go to Jannah. Allah’s mercy is beyond our comprehension.

In his book, Allah reminds us constantly of his mercy. In the hadith, Rasool (s.a.w.) tells us how Allah says his mercy exceeds his anger. Every day, every minute and moment we receive the mercy of Allah. Let us not lose this opportunity. We constantly listen to surah Rahman.

The prophet (s.a.w.) says that out of Allah’s mercy, only 1% has been dedicated to this world. 99% Allah has kept for the akhirah. We think we live in good homes and drive nice cars. This is not even a fraction of what Allah’s mercy in this world.

If all the wealthy people in the world were to take all their money, put it together and give it in charity, it would still not make up 1% of Allah’s mercy. It still would not be able to give live. The life we live, the air we breathe, the sun, the moon, the fishes, the mountains, everything we have in this life, all the human kind and animal kingdom put together does not even equal 1% of Allah’s mercy. Could you then imagine the mercy of Allah? We cannot perceive it.

We should not think that our charity is anything compared to the mercy of Allah. Allah says that when we give charity, we should not follow it with injury. Some people give charity and proceed to talk down, embarrass and insult the person receiving it. This is forbidden. Allah gives to even those who don’t worship him without this.

Allah’s mercy is beyond our imagination. Do not lose out on this! Use every opportunity to gain the mercy of Allah! We hear the kind of blessings we get for praying salaat in jamaat, we hear the blessings we get to pray in Saudi Arabia.

Everything we can do, Qur’an, salaat, charity, ibaadah, let us take this opportunity before we are in desperate need of it.

Allah alone has control over life and death

 

There was a conference where the overall theme was medicine and medical students would bring their questions on God, religion and science. These were the future physicians so there were talks about religious diets, male and female interaction, euthanasia etc but there was one interesting question: “What would you advise a physician who has tried everything, but the patient still died?”

The response was “I think that question answers itself”. “That is the beautiful proof in itself that if the doctor with all the inventions and medical knowledge cannot save the patient, then God is truly in control”

It doesn’t matter our knowledge, our abilities etc. We believe that Allah has written the lifespan of a person. It doesn’t matter what we do, we cannot extend life, but we can treat patients to make them healthier. Allah created us and the food around us. The Prophet (s.a.w.) tells us of a healthy life, for us to eat healthy. The Qur’an tells us of the food Allah provides but death is a totally different concept.

We eat processed food because we get it in our time, and we wish to ignore the different seasons for different fruits and vegetables that could prevent us from illnesses. There is a quote about “Eat healthy food as a medicine otherwise we will eventually eat our medicine as our food”. Islam is beneficial for our health, but we do not practice this. We should make effort for our health but at the end of the day, Allah is in charge.

Life and death are from the signs of Allah for us to understand that he is in control.

Chapter 25, vs 3:

“And they will not have control over death nor life nor resurrection”

Whatever we become, it’s important to hold on to our faith in Allah so we do not become like those doctors who get frustrated when their patients die despite them

Another interesting verse:

Chapter 36, vs 68-69

“And he to whom We grant long life We reverse in creation; so, will they not understand?”

Human beings should ponder over the fact that when Allah gives long life to someone, he brings back deterioration in that person. He brings him back to how he was in the beginning as a baby. There is a famous English saying “Once a man, twice a child”. When you’re a baby, you have legs but can’t walk, a tongue but can’t walk, hands but can’t feed yourself etc. It doesn’t matter our wealth, knowledge, science or degree we have.

There is an interesting quote “As you go up in life (with your degrees, wealth, success), do not look down at people as one day when we are coming down, they will be going up”

Let us be realistic and have faith in Allah. This is the reality of life.

Satan misleading people who are not sincere

We begin by reminding ourselves of the love and unity among the brothers and sisters in the ummah. We are reminded that we are one ummah, but when issues were brought up in the past, we find people arguing amongst each other. Our message is not that we have to agree upon everything but to acknowledge that each side has their opinions while we look for ways to unite. We as muslims would have non-muslim friends who we have completely different opposite lives to, yet we don’t disunite with them. We use every opportunity to give dawah. The Sahabas Ajmeén showed mercy to a man who was a constant drunkard. It does not mean the man was supported in his drinking but there was no need to curse and abuse him. We must look at our own selves. We have differences of opinion in our deen which are allowed. Are we going to disunite with every person who doesn’t have the exact opinions as us? No. Within the Qur’an and Sunnah we have choices in Islam. The Messenger never ate onions but allowed the Sahabas to do so. He didn’t because he was in constant communication with Jibraeel (AS). He told them not to eat them when going to the masjid out of courtesy for the angels and brothers and sisters, for them not to get the bad scents. We are not here to discuss the details but we are not to disunite on the basis of differences of opinion. Having different preferences does not mean to hate one another. The Prophet (s.a.w.) even found ways to unite with the disbelievers. He would never disunite even with his uncle who was a non muslim. Where is our Qur’an and Sunnah and Islam? 
Surah Imran Ch 3 vs 105: “And do not be divided among yourselves after clear signs have been received.” If we base our actions on sincere intentions, we would never look for reasons to disunite. This is why the first hadith in books is about sincerity. Islam is a way of sincerity. When we do things for ourselves, we open ourselves up to pride and arrogance and that’s how we cause disunity and lose the blessings of what we’re doing. Everything that we do should be for ALLAH only and we should try to do things in the way the Rasool would do them. 
Surah Zumar Ch 39 vs 11: “Say: Certainly ALLAH has commanded us to obey him with Ikhlas.” We are reminded of the story about how Satan refused to bow to Adam (AS) due to his arrogance. Satan has vowed to misguide the servants of Allah and stand in the path of our good deeds. Whatever good deed we intend, Satan can come to us and try to corrupt our intention, making us do it for show. The important lesson to note is that even Satan admits that those servants who are sincere, he wouldn’t be able to tamper with them. ALLAH mentions this incident in many places in the Qur’an and reminds us that when our intentions change, we can become a follower of Satan. From Abu Huraira (RA), the Prophet said: ALLAH does not look at your faces nor your wealth but he looks at your hearts. ALLAH says in the Qur’an that the servants who are sincere are truly on the straight path. A man who gives one date in the path of Allah is better than the man who gives mt Uhud in gold without sincerity. This is the importance of Ikhlas. 
To end, anything that we do, whether it be in our professional and family lives, do it for the pleasure of ALLAH as the Qur’an says that ALLAH has not created us except that we worship Him.

Inshaa Allaah / MaaShaa Allaah

 

Why Disunite over Mawlid/Meelad

Majority of scholars have agreed that the Prophet (S.A.W.) was born on the 12^th of Rabbiul Awwal. It is wise to remind ourselves about him. He was Rahamatul-lil-Aalameen (Mercy to mankind)

 “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Chapter 21 vs. 107)

He was a universal messenger.

On the 12^th of Rabbiul Awwal the Muslim world is in conflict. It is not about the birth of the Prophet (S.A.W.) or that we must love him but as to whether or not to celebrate his (S.A.W.) birthday. Millions of Muslims criticize and condemn each other, calling each other Kuffar (Disbelievers) over this. Muslims kill each other in countries that have top Qur’aanic reciters and the best Islamic universities in the world. Some scholars even teach Muslims to defame and destroy others.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) says “One of the signs of the Day of Judgement will be that people will be reciting Qur’aan but it will reach up to their throats and go no further.”

The Hadith speaks of people who talk about the Qur’aan and recite it but do not follow the teachings and rulings that Allah has prescribed for Mankind to follow. Nations that came before us were destroyed in similar manners because they neglected what Allah has instructed them do. Ultimately, Muslims will eventually destroy ourselves. Historically, Muslim groups have killed more Muslims than anyone else. Rasool (S.A.W.) warned us that this would happen and today we are seeing it happen before our eyes.

So how could we fight over the birth of the Prophet (S.A.W.)?

Groups kill each other over differences in opinion and these are the same Muslims who want to try to straighten America yet we can’t even straighten our own homes.

“And We have not sent you but unto the whole of mankind, a Bearer of glad tidings and a Warner, but most of the people do not know (it).” (Chapter 34 vs 28)

Muslims worship Allah (SWT) alone but are taught to love the Rasool (S.A.W.). We should love him more than we love our own selves, parents and spouses. Hazrat Umar (RA) spoke about how much he loves the Rasool (S.A.W.) yet hadn’t had complete Imaan until he loved the Rasool (S.A.W.) more than he loved himself.

“If you love Allah (SWT) then follow Rasool (S.A.W.)” (Ch 3 vs 31)

We can’t follow him if we do not love him. One of his titles was Habibullah. The beloved of Allah (SWT).

Issues are on the rise which are causing people to refrain from attending their local masjid. Masjids today have become a place of disunity. We should allow the love of the Rasool (S.A.W.) to bring us together, not separate us when one masjid celebrates Mawlid and the other doesn’t.

Presidential candidates have the bitterest debates but when it comes to the inauguration and laws of the nation, they unite and work together. They debate and hate but in the end they still unite.

Because of differences in opinions, Muslims refuse to greet their fellow Muslims, shake their hands, and pray with them to the same God we all pray to. This is the work of Shaytaan disuniting the Ummah.

 “Certainly Allah (SWT) and his angels send salutation upon the prophet (S.A.W.). All of you who believe, send salutations upon him.” (Chapter 33 vs 56)

We must present salutations on the prophet (S.A.W.) especially on Fridays as it reaches him immediately. Special angels are appointed for this duty.

Today groups claim to do certain actions out of love for the Rasool (S.A.W.) and others claim to avoid these same actions out of love. Both sides present Daleel (proof).

For those who don’t celebrate Mawlid, they cite the fact that the Prophet (S.A.W.) didn’t do it. This does not mean that they do not love him (S.A.W.) and we have no right to call them Kuffar.

On the other hand, there are people who go beyond the limits in celebrations but this also doesn’t make them Kuffar. We should be people of the middle path.

This should not be used as an excuse to avoid the masjids and our brothers and sisters in Islam. This disunity, hate and enmity should not exist. If someone says they love the Rasool (S.A.W.) and wants to invite others to talk about the Rasool (S.A.W.), it should not be discouraged. We should do this every day so nothing is wrong with doing it at this time. The Prophet (S.A.W.) didn’t do it but didn’t forbid us. We have an issue if people go to extravagance. So many disasters against Islam and Muslims yet we fight over this issue.

 “Do not be like those people who after they have been educated and have received clear signs, make divisions. And the people who make division, for them is a very dreadful punishment” (Chapter 3 vs 105)

People take pride in dividing the Ummah over the love for the Rasool (S.A.W.). The one who united people. When Hind and her servant killed Hamza (RA), his uncle, she took his organs and chewed it out of hate for the Muslims. When they accepted Islam, the Prophet never said a bad word to them. He never called them Kuffar or made enemies out of them. People chased him and wanted to kill him. When he conquered Makkah, he was merciful to them. This proves that something is wrong with us as some of us seem to be filled with pride and ego. We think we’re better Muslims due to our lineage and culture but we are nothing in the sight of Allah (SWT).       

Hazrat Umar RA Narrated an incident in Bukhari. There was a man named Abdullah whose nickname was “Donkey” and who drank alcohol often. Because he was always punished and beaten for drinking, one day in front of the Prophet (S.A.W.), a man said to the Sahabas “This man is always punished and always drinking.” and called the Prophet (S.A.W.) to curse him with the punishment of Allah (SWT).

This man was drinking alcohol which is clearly haram yet the prophet (S.A.W.) forbade them by saying “Do not curse him for by Allah (SWT). I know that this man loves Allah (SWT) and his Messenger”. He (S.A.W.) The man was still punished for drinking but was not cursed. People make the smallest of mistakes and hypocrites call them kuffar and hate them. Are we better than the Rasool (S.A.W.)? Whose Islam do we follow when we divide the Ummah and curse each other? Let’s not fool ourselves.

In conclusion, make a promise to yourselves that starting from today that you will avoid backbiting and slandering. We should not curse each other regardless of how we show love of the Rasool (S.A.W.). The Rasool (S.A.W.) loved people. He would smile and laugh and was a mercy to the entire mankind. We call each other Kaafir and try to destroy each other.

May we come together in the obedience of Allah (SWT) and for the love of the Rasool (S.A.W.).

Muslim Satanic culture vs Islamic Marriage

The Prophet (S.A.W.) says “Marriage is half of faith”

We see that in marriage a person becomes more patient, responsible, practical and becomes more dutiful to Allaah (S.W.T.). These are the benefits of marrying for the sake of Allaah (S.W.T.). If we marry for the sake of Allaah (S.W.T.), we will live how he wants and if not, we will see no need to follow the path of Allaah (S.W.T.).

If we want to marry for the pleasure of Allaah (S.W.T.), we’d want to find a spouse for the pleasure of Allaah (S.W.T.). A spouse who loves and obeys Allaah (S.W.T.) and the Rasool (S.A.W.). This person will want to make us live a life for the pleasure of Allaah (S.W.T.) and the entire family will do so. If we don’t marry for the pleasure of Allaah (S.W.T.) then we marry for society, for the pleasure of society and out of concern for what people will think. Society will say “He/she is such and such” and we shall never be truly happy, even in our own homes. Even worse, it may cause us to do such things that are not for the pleasure of Allaah (S.W.T.): Living unIslamically and doing unIslamic things which causes greater unhappiness.

In Surah Rum:

“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (30:21)

There is love and mercy in the marriage that Allaah (S.W.T.) describes but we live in a society that shows preference for the materialistic things and look down on those who do things for the pleasure of Allaah (S.W.T.), even though the latter brings Barakat.

If you marry for the material possessions, you will live for only that and it will eventually be taken from you e.g. Divorce. This is the reality worldwide.

Adam (AS) was given paradise and still was unhappy so Allaah (S.W.T.) (s.w.t.) gave him a wife. Don’t look to attain the Dunya before getting married. Find someone to build with and love each other for the sake of Allaah (S.W.T.). If we lack Barakat in our marriage, we should check ourselves for any wrong intentions or if we looked for the wrong qualities. What we sow is what we reap.

In some western countries up to 70% of children are born out of marriage. We are become heedless of Allaah (S.W.T.)’s commands. In the muslim world, many muslims look for a spouse for their children upon their children reaching 15. They understand that children belong to Allaah (S.W.T.) and it is their responsibility to bring them up the way that Allaah (S.W.T.) wants as they will have to answer to Allaah (S.W.T.).

Nowadays we encourage the young to go after the Dunya before marriage and cry when they end up with the wrong spouse. Parents remind themselves on what material things they gave their children, thinking it will get them a better spouse but the spouse will not necessarily have more imaan.

Once upon a time the quality of getting a spouse was love for Allaah (S.W.T.) and the Rasool (S.A.W.).

The Prophet (S.A.W.) says that there are 4 things that people look for when getting married. They look at the person’s background, beauty and wealth but a true muslim looks for Taqwa and Piety.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) says “The best amongst you is he who is best to his family.”

And (S.A.W.) says “Marriage is my practice and whoever doesn’t follow my practice doesn’t belong to my Ummah”

The verse in Surah Rum shows that Allaah (S.W.T.) has established marriage for love and peace if only we marry for his pleasure.

There are those who say revelation is only for those 1400 years ago and not for today when talking about marriage from a Qur’aan and Sunnah point of view.

The Rasool (S.A.W.) and the Qur’aan was meant for all time and the Sunnah is the solution to all problems as his lifestyle is the example of the Qur’aan. We bash other religions but fail to see our own flaws in following our own religion.

Satan causes us to put culture in front of marriage and confuses us. Because of culture, marriage looks difficult and expensive. If there is no money then there is no marriage. This isn’t in accordance to Sunnah. Eve (Hawwa) didn’t request money or property in Jannah from Adam as mahr.

Don’t let culture corrupt your Islam. It makes marriage hard and people prefer to commit adultery and fornication. What you follow is not Islam, it is the culture of our countries. Some places are already seeing the consequences.

If parents make you disobey Allaah (S.W.T.) and his Rasool (S.A.W.), you don’t have to obey them. Allaah (S.W.T.) and his Rasool (S.A.W.) comes first. Don’t put your parents before Islam. Respect for parents and disobedience to Allaah (S.W.T.) is not right.

The best example is in the Rasool (S.A.W.). Men would offer gold, property and camels to marry Fatima (RA) but he refused as he was not a worshipper of the Dunya and wealth. He wanted someone righteous for her.

Hazrat Ali (RA) came to him to make a proposal and the Rasool (S.A.W.) asked “What do you have as mahr?” and Hazrat Ali (RA) said “I have nothing”

This was the marriage proposal for the woman who would be the queen of Jannah and is a lesson to young men not to be afraid to make proposals.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) smiled and instructed Ali (RA) to sell his shield and use that money as mahr. This is the mahr of Fatima (RA) who is the queen of paradise.

It is important to note as a final point that when Ali (RA) made the request, the Prophet (S.A.W.) went to Fatima (RA) and asked if she accepted and she said yes. We must stop forcing our daughters to marry, especially for wealth when they want to be married for the pleasure of Allaah (S.W.T.) and find someone with Imaan.

We are not better than the Rasool (S.A.W.) and his daughter and we have no right to force someone to marry, especially for society.

GIVING CHARITY

HAS MORE BLESSINGS WHEN ONE IS

ALIVE & HEALTHY

Stick to her [his mother] for indeed Jannah lies beneath her feet.’  In the commentary of this particular Ahadith, Rasoolullah SAW has said that “Curse be upon that individual who does not use his/her parents as an opportunity to enter Jannah!  In MANY Ahadiths, the Rasool SAW of ALLAH SWT has reminded us abundantly about His love and connection to His parents despite losing His father 6 months before His birth.

There is Ahadith of Rasoolullah SAW mentioning seven deeds that benefit us after we have passed away. 

1) Knowledge that we teach and spread

2) When we leave a righteous child who does good deeds

3) The pages of the Qur’an that person a leaves and people can benefit from

4) Building masjids

5) Building a place where people can sleep and rest

6) Building a well, or opening a stream of water

7) Lastly, that person who gives sadaqah/charity while he/she is in good health. (Fee Sabeelillah)

In the Qur’an, in Surah Al-Anbiya 21:35

Every person shall taste death!  This ayat is a prime example of our imaan, and what is promised by ALLAH SWT.  Every soul SHALL taste death.  However, how can we benefit when this promise is upheld by ALLAH SWT.  Seven benefits are mentioned by Rasoolullah SAW. Interesting enough, the topic of parents and death are so interesting that each and every single one of us are tied into each topic.  Parents and death are given every soul in this earth despite your beliefs. Definitely we all have parents, and definitely we will all pass away one day.  The most interesting thing is that; Do we pay heed to the versus of this Qur’an?  Rasoolullah SAW has mentioned umpteen times to remind ourselves of death in great quantity.  The point is how many of us really pay heed to this warning?  Rasoolullah SAW recommended the remembrance of death as a form of soul purification.  It is natural phenomenon because we have been created from goodness, and that goodness will look forward to meet its Creator, ALLAH SWT one day, whom we know we MUST meet. It will also produce an inner fright and fear to avoid sins in order to prevent the distraction of the connection between ourselves and ALLAH SWT. It will produce the fear of punishment of the grave. On one occasion, Hadrat Uthman RA went by the graveyard and cried so much that the tears dripped down onto his beard.  The witnessing Sahabas asked why are you crying so much? Death is but a natural reality and the day of judgment would be far more dreadful.  Hadrat Uthman said that he recalls that Rasoolullah SAW said that the grave is the first stop in the journey after death. Once Rasoolullah SAW stopped a woman from going to the graveyard, and this Ahadith is misapplied by authorities. That was an isolated, exclusive incident particularly for that specific woman.  She was stopped because that particular woman was crying and grieving beyond the normal limitations and because of her over passionate fervent wailing and weeping, the Rasool (SAW) of Allah SWT stopped her from visiting the grave.  Subsequently, it was clarified by Rasoolullah SAW that men and women should visit the graveyards!  If women are not allowed to visit the cemetery, how would they benefit from the reminder of the first step of the journey after death?  Hence, it is advocated to see the reality of this life.  It is advocated to see how lonely this piece of land (grave) really is, despite your wealth, your fame and name.  However, there ARE some fiqh considerations of mixing the genders during the burial etc. When we hear of the virtues of making dua and doing good for your parents and loved ones once they have passed away, do we pay heed to this?  Truly a reminder benefits the believers.  The believers are those who have imaan.  Who are the people with imaan?  The Qur’an answers this my brothers/sisters in Surah Anfal 8:2 Only the believers (are) those who when Allah is mentioned feel fear their hearts, and when are recited to them His Verses, they increase them (in) faith, and upon their Lord they put their trust. We all claim to be believers by name, by county, by praying salah, by fasting, by performing Hajj, by giving zakat, and we truly think we have imaan.  When Allah SWT is being mentioned, when Allah SWT commands and verses are being mentioned, their hearts tremble.  Fear comes into their hearts and they tremble!  Does the reminder of Allah SWT and HIS (SWT) Rasool (SAW) bring fear into your hearts?!  Are we really obeying the commands?  When Allah SWT is being mentioned the fear is brought into their hearts, and when the verses are being recited their imaan gets stronger.  The faith of such people are strengthened by do we do when we hear the commands and the words of Allah SWT?  Excuses are presented in every way to apply why we shouldn’t pay heed.  If you have strong imaan, your imaan will only get stronger.  If you weak imaan, your imaan will only get weaker.  The three things are mentioned in this ayat is when Allah SWT is mentioned, 1) your hearts tremble, 2) their imaan gets stronger, 3) lastly such people will put their trust in Allah SWT.  When we hear what Allah SWT commands to do and what not do.  When we hear when Allah SWT commands, and we do not fulfill HIS SWT command, that is a sign of weak imaan.  That is the synopsis of this verse.  We only obey the commands of Allah SWT purely for the sake of Allah SWT, not worrying about what society will think of us. Technology has come so far that being reminded isn’t a problem.  So many texts, so many emails, so many websites, so many you-tube videos, so much Qur’an apps on our phones, MASHALLAAH! Do we develop fear of Allah SWT, elevate our imaan and to follow the Sunnah of our Beloved Rasool SAW?  It does not matter what knowledge you have on your phones, how many books you have in your home, it does not benefit us unless we pay heed to it’s teachings, and extract imaan from them and implement them into our hearts and lives.  The Arabs had the Rasool SAW of Allah SWT. It didn’t make them better.  If we don’t pay heed to the commands of Allah SWT, and HIS (SWT) Rasool SAW, then we are no better than the disbelievers during the time of the Prophet SAW!  Allah SWT judges based on your imaan, and purity of your heart.  When we start obeying and practicing, that is when our imaan starts to increase. In another ayat, Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69 - And those who strive for Us, We will surely, guide them (to) Our ways. And indeed, Allah surely (is) with the good-doers. Those who strive to do good things for the sake of Allah SWT, then Allah SWT opens ways to much more good.  So one good deed leads to another good deed.  As long as you make the intention to do good, Allah SWT opens the doors and removes the barriers from you succeeding in that goodness.  Our lifestyle, our businesses, our families will come in the path of Allah SWT however, we must make that effort!  Lastly, Allah SWT says that when we strive to do good, then Allah SWT is with us!  Allah SWT will be our protector, our guard, our companion.  So why are we not prompt to obey the commands of Allah SWT?  Why do we prolong in doing good?  Why do we procrastinate and make excuses when Allah SWT is promising us guidance and companionship and success in this life and the hereafter?!  That is why we fail, because we have confidence, and reliance on people, and wealth and not Allah SWT.  The more good we do, the more our sins will fall away.  Rasoolullah SAW once asked His sahabas, “if there is a river in front of your home and you were to take a bath in that river 5x’s a day, would there be any dirt on you? The Sahabas answered “no”.  “Similarly if we pray our salah 5x’s a day, our sins will be washed away like the dirt being washed in that river”.  So similarly if we have shortcomings, and we don’t make a change the sin becomes stagnant and will not eradicate from our hearts.  Why do we stop ourselves from participating in goodness altogether?  When Allah SWT has given you so much health, bounties, wealth? Does Allah SWT stop giving? No! Then, why do we limit ourselves to give back in HIS SWT cause?!  We make millions of excuses and go break the promise to Allah SWT, but Allah SWT NEVER breaks HIS (SWT) promise when HE (SWT) gives us!  Let us not be under the curse of Rasoolullah SAW, by not taking advantage of our parents, while they are alive to get into jannah.  Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mother, and a fathers anger is Allah SWT’s anger.  Out of all the sins that people commit in this world, there is one sin that a person will have to be re compensated in this world before they die is: He who does not obey the commands of the Qur’an and the Sunnah pertaining to his/her parents.  They will compensate it in this world, and the hereafter.  Death is a reminder of what is inevitable.  Sadaqah jaariyah is when one continues to receive blessings after they have passed in their graves.  So brothers/sisters do good deeds so the parents that have passed away may continue to receive blessings in their graves by giving charity in their name.  Do thing Fee Sabeelillah (for the sake of Allah SWT) in their names while they are alive and healthy so they may benefit from the blessings.

 

GIVING CHARITY HAS MORE BLESSINGS WHEN ONE IS ALIVE AND HEALTHY

 

ALHUMDULILLAH. 

Allahumma Salay Wa salim Ala Nabiyi Na Wa' Ala Alihi Wa Salimu Tasleema.

 

فَالْزَمْها فاِنَّ الجنّةَ تَحْتَ رِجْلَيْها ‘Stick to her [his mother] for indeed Jannah lies beneath her feet.’ 

 

In the commentary of this particular Ahadith, Rasoolullah SAW has said that “Curse be upon that individual who does not use his/her parents as an opportunity to enter Jannah!  In MANY Ahadiths, the Rasool SAW of ALLAH SWT has reminded us abundantly about His love and connection to His parents despite losing His father 6 months before His birth.

 

There is Ahadith of Rasoolullah SAW mentioning seven deeds that benefit us after we have passed away. 

 

1) Knowledge that we teach and spread

2) When we leave a righteous child who does good deeds

3) The pages of the Qur’an that person a leaves and people can benefit from

4) Building masjids

5) Building a place where people can sleep and rest

6) Building a well, or opening a stream of water

7) Lastly, that person who gives sadaqah/charity while he/she is in good health. (Fee Sabilillah)

 

In the Qur'an, in Surah Al-Anbiya 21:35

 

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَنَبْلُوكُم بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ

Kullu nafsin tha-iqatu almawti wa nablookum bialshsharri waalkhayri fitnatan wa-ilayna turjaAAoona

 

Every soul (will) taste [the] death. And We test you with [the] bad and [the] good (as) a trial; and to Us you will be returned.

 

Every person shall taste death!  This ayat is a prime example of our imaan, and what is promised by ALLAH SWT.  Every soul SHALL taste death.  However, how can we benefit when this promise is upheld by ALLAH SWT.  Seven benefits are mentioned by Rasoolullah SAW. Interesting enough, the topic of parents and death are so interesting that each and every single one of us are tied into each topic.  Parents and death are given every soul in this earth despite your beliefs. Definitely we all have parents, and definitely we will all pass away one day.  The most interesting thing is that; Do we pay heed to the versus of this Qur’an?  Rasoolullah SAW has mentioned umpteen times to remind ourselves of death in great quantity.  The point is how many of us really pay heed to this warning?  Rasoolullah SAW recommended the remembrance of death as a form of soul purification.  It is natural phenomenon because we have been created from goodness, and that goodness will look forward to meet its Creator, ALLAH SWT one day, whom we know we MUST meet. It will also produce an inner fright and fear to avoid sins in order to prevent the distraction of the connection between ourselves and ALLAH SWT. 

It will produce the fear of punishment of the grave.

 

On one occasion, Hadrat Uthman RA went by the graveyard and cried so much that the tears dripped down onto his beard.  The witnessing Sahabas asked why are you crying so much? Death is but a natural reality and the day of judgment would be far more dreadful.  Hadrat Uthman said that he recalls that Rasoolullah SAW said that the grave is the first stop in the journey after death.

 

Once Rasoolullah SAW stopped a woman from going to the graveyard, and this Ahadith is misapplied by authorities.  That was an isolated, exclusive incident particularly for that specific woman.  She was stopped because that particular woman was crying and grieving beyond the normal limitations and because of her over passionate fervent wailing and weeping, the Rasool (SAW) of Allah SWT stopped her from visiting the grave.  Subsequently, it was clarified by Rasoolullah SAW that men and women should visit the graveyards!  If women are not allowed to visit the cemetery, how would they benefit from the reminder of the first step of the journey after death?  Hence, it is advocated to see the reality of this life.  It is advocated to see how lonely this piece of land (grave) really is, despite your wealth, your fame and name.  However, there ARE some fiqh considerations of mixing the genders during the burial etc.   

 

When we hear of the virtues of making dua and doing good for your parents and loved ones once they have passed away, do we pay heed to this?  Truly a reminder benefits the believers.  The believers are those who have imaan.  Who are the people with imaan?  The Qur'an answers this my brothers/sisters in Surah Anfal 8:2

 

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

Innama almu/minoona allatheena itha thukira Allahu wajilat quloobuhum wa-itha tuliyat AAalayhim ayatuhu zadat-hum eemanan waAAala rabbihim yatawakkaloona

 

Only the believers (are) those who when Allah is mentioned feel fear their hearts, and when are recited to them His Verses, they increase them (in) faith, and upon their Lord they put their trust.

 

We all claim to be believers by name, by county, by praying salah, by fasting, by performing Hajj, by giving zakat, and we truly think we have imaan.  When Allah SWT is being mentioned, when Allah SWT commands and verses are being mentioned, their hearts tremble.  Fear comes into their hearts and they tremble!  Does the reminder of Allah SWT and HIS (SWT) Rasool (SAW) bring fear into your hearts?!  Are we really obeying the commands?  When Allah SWT is being mentioned the fear is brought into their hearts, and when the verses are being recited their imaan gets stronger.  The faith of such people are strengthened by the remembrance of Allah SWT!  What do we do when we hear the commands and the words of Allah SWT?  Excuses are presented in every way to apply why we shouldn't pay heed.  If you have strong imaan, your imaan will only get stronger.  If you weak imaan, your imaan will only get weaker.  The three things are mentioned in this ayat is when Allah SWT is mentioned, 1) your hearts tremble, 2) their imaan gets stronger, 3) lastly such people will put their trust in Allah SWT.  When we hear what Allah SWT commands to do and what not do.  When we hear when Allah SWT commands, and we do not fulfill HIS SWT command, that is a sign of weak imaan.  That is the synopsis of this verse.  We only obey the commands of Allah SWT purely for the sake of Allah SWT, not worrying about what society will think of us.

 

 

 

Technology has come so far that being reminded isn't a problem.  So many texts, so many emails, so many websites, so many you-tube videos, so much Qur’an apps on our phones, MASHALLAAH!

Do we develop fear of Allah SWT, elevate our imaan and to follow the Sunnah of our Beloved Rasool SAW?  It does not matter what knowledge you have on your phones, how many books you have in your home, it does not benefit us unless we pay heed to it's teachings, and extract imaan from them and implement them into our hearts and lives.  The Arabs had the Rasool SAW of Allah SWT. It didn't make them better.  If we don't pay heed to the commands of Allah SWT, and HIS (SWT) Rasool SAW, then we are no better than the disbelievers during the time of the Prophet SAW!  Allah SWT judges based on your imaan, and purity of your heart.  When we start obeying and practicing, that is when our imaan starts to increase.

 

In another ayat, Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69

وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

Waallatheena jahadoo feena lanahdiyannahum subulana wa-inna Allaha lamaAAa almuhsineena

 

And those who strive for Us, We will surely, guide them (to) Our ways. And indeed, Allah surely (is) with the good-doers. 

 

Those who strive to do good things for the sake of Allah SWT, then Allah SWT opens ways to much more good.  So one good deed leads to another good deed.  As long as you make the intention to do good, Allah SWT opens the doors and removes the barriers from you succeeding in that goodness.  Our lifestyle, our businesses, our families will come in the path of Allah SWT however, we must make that effort!  Lastly, Allah SWT says that when we strive to do good, then Allah SWT is with us!  Allah SWT will be our protector, our guard, our companion. 

 

So why are we not prompt to obey the commands of Allah SWT?  Why do we prolong in doing good?  Why do we procrastinate and make excuses when Allah SWT is promising us guidance and companionship and success in this life and the hereafter?!  That is why we fail, because we have confidence, and reliance on people, and wealth and not Allah SWT.  The more good we do, the more our sins will fall away.  Rasoolullah SAW once asked His sahabas, “if there is a river in front of your home and you were to take a bath in that river 5x's a day, would there be any dirt on you? The Sahabas answered “no”.  “Similarly if we pray our salah 5x's a day, our sins will be washed away like the dirt being washed in that river”.  So similarly if we have shortcomings, and we don't make a change the sin becomes stagnant and will not eradicate from our hearts.  Why do we stop ourselves from participating in goodness altogether?  When Allah SWT has given you so much health, bounties, wealth? Does Allah SWT stop giving? No! Then, why do we limit ourselves to give back in HIS SWT cause?!  We make millions of excuses and go break the promise to Allah SWT, but Allah SWT NEVER breaks HIS (SWT) promise when HE (SWT) gives us! 

 

Let us not be under the curse of Rasoolullah SAW, by not taking advantage of our parents, while they are alive to get into jannah.  Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mother, and a fathers anger is Allah SWT's anger.  Out of all the sins that people commit in this world, there is one sin that a person will have to be re compensated in this world before they die is: He who does not obey the commands of the Qur’an and the Sunnah pertaining to his/her parents.  They will compensate it in this world, and the hereafter.  Death is a reminder of what is inevitable.  Sadaqah jaariyah is when one continues to receive blessings after they have passed in their graves.  So brothers/sisters do good deeds so the parents that have passed away may continue to receive blessings in their graves by giving charity in their name.  Do thing Fee Sabeelillah (for the sake of Allah SWT) in their names while they are alive and healthy so they may benefit from the blessings.

 

Living for the Hereafter

instead of

the Dunya

Summarized by Sis. R. Mohammed, Florida USA

Life is an interesting paradigm. Most of the time, we can’t wait to get through the work day, school day, family get-togethers, or whatever we’re doing. We can’t wait for end of day, for Friday, for the weekend. Sounds familiar right? It’s a repetitive pattern of life we foster. But what is lost on us is the fact we have one day less in our life, one day less to achieve our pre-ordained destiny. It is also one day closer to the grave, to the hereafter, to answer for our good and bad deeds, right? So why are we such in a rush to get the end of our lives? Have we accomplished everything we would like in this life and prepared accordingly for the hereafter? It is important to reflect every now and then, to ask ourselves the question: how do we spend our time: the days, the hours, the minutes?  The reality is we cannot extend our life more than it is written for us by Allaah (SWT).  As the years go by, it is important to understand what we’re doing with our life? In general, we tend to concentrate heavily on the materialistic aspects that make us successful in this life:  degrees, diplomats, properties, businesses, marriages? Granted, Allaah (SWT) tells us in the Qur’aan, all of these are necessities or Zarooriyat (Urdu) and to enjoy all these things. But while doing so, Allaah (SWT) also tells us don’t forget to prepare spiritually for the hereafter. Allaah tells us, recommends to us and guides us on how to invest for our life in the next life. Today, many parents only advise and prepare their children on how to succeed in this life or Dunya, but not how to succeed in the next life. The truth of matter is, if something goes wrong in this life, we can get help from various sources like our family. But if we die today, there is no one to help us through to the Jannah or heaven: no father to help his son, no wife to help her husband, children to help their parents. On the Day of Judgement, we are on our own, brothers and sisters.  And as such we are duly responsible to prepare for our judgement day. Now there is caveat or exception in this case: a child can help a parent on Judgement Day if and only if, that parent invested in having that child memorize the Qur’aan and live by Qur’aan. On the Day of Judgment, the parents of that child will wear a crown and Allaah (SWT) will intercede, and give permission to save parents. And why?Simply because the parents invested and prepared that child spiritually by learning and living by the Qur’aan. So brothers and sisters, heed the advice of Allaah (SWT) and make the necessary change. Surah Hashr, chapter 59, verses 18-21 tells us: “Oh ye who believe, do your duty to Allaah – declare Shahada, pray Salah, give Zakat, perform fast and carry out Haj”. These are basic pillars of Islam, the foundation of Islam. But it’s only the foundation. There’s a letter called “Waw” in Arabic, and it literally means “and”. So Allaah (SWT) instructs us to do our duty or carry out the five pillars of Islam. And in addition to the five pillars, we must also invest our tomorrow, that is, develop and maintain our Iman or faith and Islamic lifestyle. So on the Day of Judgment, besides the five pillars, what can we do to prepare ourselves for our tomorrow? As noted in the hadith (Bukhari / Muslim): every child is born a Muslim, in total submission to God. Some parents take their children off the path of God for the sake of the Dunya. And on the Day of Qiyamah or Judgment, those parents and children will become enemies because they were busy fighting for the Dunya. So beware parents of what you teach your children in this life: don’t prepare your children only for the Dunya, but also teach them about Allaah and the Quran, and prepare them also for the hereafter. To put things in perspective, ask yourself if you and your children are prepared to answer the following five questions on the Day of Judgement:

1. What did you do in your youth? (Did you learn the Quran etc. ?)

2. How have you spent your life? ( Did you live by five pillars of Islam and practice Iman etc.?)

3. What have you done with the knowledge I gave you? (Did teach others about Islam etc.)

4. How did you earn your money or wealth? (Was it halal or haram, did you steal from anyone etc.?)

5. How did you use your wealth that Allah gave you? (Did you give zakat, perform dawah etc.?)

According to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) (Hadith reference), everyone will have to answer these five questions on the Day of Judgement. Allaah (SWT) gave us these questions ahead of the Day of Judgement so we can better prepare ourselves, brothers and sisters.

Yes, Allaah (SWT) has given us permission to enjoy the beautiful things in this world, the Dunya. But he also tells us don’t only invest in the Dunya, but make sure to prepare our children and ourselves for the hereafter and guide them on the “SiratulMustaqeem” or right path.  Live a life of Imaan. Allaah  (SWT) has provided the framework for Imaan, namely, the Qur’aan. 

 

MAKE ALLAAH YOUR PRIORITY

Summary of Khutbah written by Sis. Staci Brody / Florida USA

Dear Readers,

As we approach the coming months of Ramadan and Dhu al-Hijjah, it is important for us to recognize and prioritize our duties to Allah SWT. Although it is easy to fall into the habit of spending our time trying to obtain merely transient success, it is necessary that we also take the time to reflect on how our conduct and actions will contribute to our success not only in this world, but also in the hereafter. One of the most profound ways we can realize Allah SWT’s mercy is through the execution of good deeds. Allah SWT says in the Holy Quran, “And those who believe and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers of paradise, they will dwell therein forever” (2: 82). Keeping this in mind, it is essential to understand that it does not matter what your status, good or bad, may be in this world, but rather, when it comes to death, the only memento of worth that any of us will bring to the grave with us will be the good deeds in which we performed. The five pillars of Islam (declaration of faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage) are among the most sublime actions any human being can fulfill during their lifetime. The Hajj (pilgrimage) is such a substantial act that it actually removes the sins of the performer and cleanses one so much that, SubhanAllah, after performing Hajj, Prophet Muhammad SAW says that it is like the pilgrim becomes as pure as a newborn baby. With the potential to receive this extraordinary blessing, it comes as a surprise that some Muslims choose not to perform Hajj, as instructed by Allah SWT. In the Holy Quran (3:97), Allah says, “And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” This verse has a two-fold meaning. First it addresses whom the pilgrimage is obligatory for, which is those who have the ability (health and financial means), and next it declares the self-sufficiency of God. Therefore, if you have the resources and the health to perform Hajj, then you should not procrastinate to do so.  Going back to the unpredictability of life and death discussed earlier, it is crucial to realize that to die without performing Hajj, when you had the ability to do so (according to the Hadith) is like dying as a “Jew or Christian”. This is not meant as an insult to either religion, but rather a point to be made that although Jews, Christians, and Muslims are all People of the Book, and all technically perform the first four pillars of Islam, Muslims are the only people Allah SWT commanded to perform Hajj, as a requirement of their religion. For this reason, do not simply make the intention to perform Hajj in your lifetime, but rather make it a priority because there is a chance you could fall ill, lose your wealth, or have some other difficulty in the future which prevents you to go. Lastly, in the world today Islam is being attacked from many angles. It is our responsibility as Muslims, more than ever, to spread the proper message of Islam to others who are misguided about Islam’s true message.In the Holy Quran (5:67), Allah tells the Prophet SAW, “O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people.” As Muslims, we cannot be afraid to speak up against evil in the world. In the last sermon of Prophet Muhammad SAW, he states, “Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people”. Granted that Prophet Muhammad SAW is the most excellent example we have of good character and righteous deeds, we should all strive to make it our duty to spread the message of Islam, just like our beloved Prophet SAW did. Assuredly, by taking on this responsibility, the popularity and spread evil messages will cease. As Muslims, it is essential that we remain steadfast in fulfilling our duties to Allah SWT.  This includes performing good and righteous deeds as well as completing the five pillars that have been ordained to us. Only then can we expect to receive the mercy and blessings of Allah SWT and obtain true success, both in this world and in the hereafter, InshaAllah, Ameen.

 

QUR’AANshould bePRIORITY

Summary of Khutbah written by Bro. Al Mustapha / Florida USA

My friends, Allah (SWT) has blessed us with so many countless bounties such as life, Islam, Quran, Prophet Muhammad SAW,Imaan, Taqwa, health, spouses, kids, careers, wealth, houses; the list is never ending, Al-Hamdulillah! Many of us are familiar with chapter 55 of the Quran where Allah (SWT) repeatedly asks us, ‘which is it of the favors of your Lord do you deny’? Of course we can never deny any of Allah’s favors although many of us mistakenly do so by our actions. Of all the bounties we were blessed with the first bounty Allah (SWT) mentions in Surah Rahman is Al Quran. Just imagine the great importance and priority He has placed on this great Quran, and the importance of seeking the knowledge, reciting, reading, and understanding this blessed Quran. Unfortunately one of the ways we might be denying the favor of this Quran is by us placing more priority on going to academic classes and seminars and also by sending our children to the universities while we barely send them to learn to recite the Quran. Many of us also don’t make the sacrifice to learn to recite the Quran nor do we attend the free tafseer classes being offered at the Masjid which will increase our understanding. By our actions we show that the blessed Quran which is at the top of Allah’s list might unfortunately be at the bottom of our list, Astagfirullah! Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said some people are elevated by the Quran and others are downgraded by it. Those who recite and read and study the Quran will no doubt be elevated by it and those who neglect or disrespect the Quran may be downgraded by it, may Allah (SWT) protect us and our families from being downgraded, Ameen.  We should also remember that the very first verse of the Quran which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was ‘Iqra’ which was the command (not a request) to read or recite…’in the name of your Lord and Cherisher’. Some of us as a last resort do send our children to Sunday Madrassah but that is only for 3 to 4 hours a week, meanwhile we send them to academic school five days a week, where is our priority my friends? Also, many times when they come on Sundays they reach late and haven’t reviewed or done their homework from the previous week due to the amount of school homework they have to do daily. So where are we as parents placing the priority in our life versus where Allah (SWT) wants us to place the emphasis and priority? In addition, the message we send to our kids is that school work comes first and Quran studies comes after and we are constantly placing many other things as priority over the Quran. The correct way is we should try our best to send our children to Islamic schools or at the very least send them to daily Madrassah and we should review their work with them.Also, if we as parents can’t recite the Quran properly how can we review or even pray salaah properly? We too must try to attend recitation, tafseer, fiqh and seerah classes during the week.  As Muslims, we and our children must know and accept that Allah’s Quran is the #1 priority and we must place the correct level of importance required by Allah (SWT) when it comes to His blessed book. The amount of Quran we know will also determine our level in Jannah and how pleased Allah is with us. My friends, if we don’t give the Quran priority in our lives as commanded by Allah SWT and we choose to learn it and recite it and understand it only when we choose to and when we have extra time, we should then beware! We would be technically saying to Allah (SWT) that the Quran is not a priority for us and that it is in fact at the bottom of our list. In return, it’s possible that Allah may also not give us priority in life and may place us at the bottom of His list! May Allah always protect us and place us at the top of His list, ameen. Allah (SWT) says in hadith Qudsi, ‘I am with you the way you think I am with you’, so how we remember Allah is how He will remember us, if make very little time for Him in our life He may make very little time for us. If we put His Quran as a priority in our lives He will no doubt make us a priority. When we connect with Allah (SWT) thru daily salaah and thru reciting and understanding the Quran, great thing happen my friends and many doors open for us and our families in this life and in the hereafter.  Remember the parents of every Hafiz will each be given a crown to wear in Jannah by Allah (SWT)! My friends, let us make the sincere intention today to change our attitude and our performance in life, let us make every effort to ensure that we and our children learn to recite and understand the Quran or learn to recite more of it on a daily basis and let us also never miss another salaah. Let us also strive to have better behavior and character, and to more closely emulate the life of the noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW). In this way we will hopefully do much better in the sight of Allah by giving greater priority in our lives to Him and His Quran and His last Prophet, Insha Allah. May Allah give us the guidance, motivation and ability to implement these critical changes in our lives today, Ameen.

 

Yursa (Ease)

vs.

USRa (Difficulty)

Summarized by Sis. R. Mohammed, Florida USA

Brothers and sisters, everyone wants a life free of hardship and difficulties. But this is never the reality, is it? Life itself is a concept of duality: yursa (ease) and ursa (difficulty). Both are part and parcel of human life! It is important as Muslims who believe in the Qur’aan and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) to live a life with belief and faith in Allaah (SWT). Allaah (SWT) is the one who makes yursa (ease) for us and has promised to make every ursa (difficulty) followed by ease, prosperity and success.  And Allaah (SWT) tells us in the Qur’aan, Chapter 94, Surah Al-Inshirah – “Fainnama’alusriyusra Inna ma’al ‘usriyusra”: “that certainly with every difficulty comes ease”. Allaah (SWT) is telling us in Chapter 94, if we can endure the hardships and stand firm against the miseries we are faced with, then with patience and Imaan, he will always provide a solution, a way out, a relief, a way that leads to ease and happiness. There is always going to be some challenging situation, something that tries to discourage us and break our faith in Allaah (SWT). But we must remain firm in our faith and believe that Allaah will take care of us! We can take a look at two examples in history.

1. First, is that of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). The prophet always had a positive demeanor and greeted everyone with “Alhamdulillah ‘alaakulihaal” translated as “all praise and thanks are only for Allaah (SWT) in all circumstances”. He never depicted himself as depressed, worried or angry. Yet despite his positive demeanor, his Imaan was tested when his two young sons died and people began ridiculing him, stating his God was displeased with him and he had no heir to continue legacy. But Allaah (SWT) revealed to him in Chapter 108, Surah Al Kauther, verses 1-2: “Innaaa’tainakalkauthar, Fasalli li rabbikawanhar”, translated as “surely Mohammed (SAW), we have given you an abundance of goodness, therefore turn to your lord with prayer and sacrifice.” Mohammed (SAW) was told not to worry about the two sons he had lost (ursa). But rather look at the abundance or “kauthar” Allaah(SWT) had given him (yursa), that is, the millions of followers in the world to continue the legacy and fellowship of Islam.

2. The second example is that of Adam and Hawwa (Eve). When Allaah (SWT) created Adam, he gave him paradise. Then Allaah (SWT) created a wife for him, Hawwa, because he was lonely and needed tranquility and a companion in his life. Allaah (SWT) gave them permission to everything in paradise, the only exception being the ‘tree’. They were forbidden to eat from the tree. Satan saw an opportunity to exploit Adam and Hawwa’s weaknesses. And what did Satan do? And what did Satan do? He began creating doubts in Adam and Hawwa minds’ and they begin asking themselves: ‘why is Allaah (SWT) forbidding us from going to that tree? If we go to that tree, will we become powerful?’ And what happened? Adam and Hawwa became preoccupied with the forbidden tree and forgot all the great positive bounties or yursasAllaah (SWT) had bestowed on them. That was the beginning of Adam and Hawwa’sdemise.Remember, anytime you have doubt in your Imaan, in Allaah (SWT), you create a niche for Satan’s work to prosper and grow! This is why it is so important to remain steadfast in your belief. When things are bad, ask Allaah (SWT) to correct it and remove it from your life. And be firm! For example, consider the tarika or methodology of making dua to Allaah (SWT): when you ask Allaah (SWT) for something, do not ask with doubt, for example: maybe Allaah (SWT) will grant me my desire. When you ask Allaah (SWT) for something, it’s not about if, when, could, should.  When you ask Allaah (SWT) for something, you should know, without a doubt, you are asking Allaah (SWT) the most high, the greatest, who can give you whatever he wants: “kun fia kun”- “be and it shall be”. That is type of Imaan you should have. This is because Allaah (SWT) is the greatest, most powerful and his mercy is unlimited.andsisters, don’t live your life preoccupied with the negative aspects of daily living. Focus on positive aspects of your life, on what Allaah (SWT) has given you, has blessed you with: whether it be your health, family, wealth, job, education and so forth. We have much to be grateful for! Do not be discouraged or disheartened about the one two impediments in your life! Be patient and steadfast in your Imaan. Remember Allaah (SWT) has promised that there will be ease after the difficulty, that there is more abundance to come, more success to come, more peace to come, whether it be in this dunya or the hereafter. That is Allaah’s (SWT) promise to you!

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