Eight Things to Learn

One time a scholar asked one of his students, "You have spent a long time with me, what have you learned?"

He said I learned eight things:

First, I looked to the creation. Everyone has a loved one. When he goes to the grave, he leaves his loved one. Therefore, I made my loved one my good deeds; that way, they will be with me in the grave.

Second, I looked to the verse, "But as for him who feared to stand before his Lord and restrained his soul from lust," therefore, I struggled against my desires so I could stay obeying Allah.

Third, I saw that if anyone has something with him that is worth something, he will protect it. Then I thought about the verse,"That which you have is wasted away; and that which is with Allah remains," therefore, everything worth something with me I devoted to Him so it would be with Him for me.

Fourth, I saw the people seeking wealth, honor and positions and it was not worth anything to me. Then I thought about Allah's words, "Lo, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most aware of Allah, so I did my best to become aware of Allah in order to gain nobility in his sight.

Fifth, I saw the people being jealous towards each other and I looked at the verse, "We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world", so I left jealousy.

Sixth, I saw the people having enmity and I thought about the verse, "Lo, the devil is an enemy for you, so take him as an enemy", so I left enmity and I took the Satan as my only enemy.

Seventh, I saw them debasing themselves in search of sustenance and I thought about the verse, "And there is not a beast in the earth but the sustenance thereof depends on Allah", so I kept myself busy with my responsibilities toward Him and I left my property with Him.

Eighth, I found them relying on their business, buildings and health and I thought about the verse, "And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him", therefore, I put my trust only on Allah.

Translated by: Jamal Zarabozo

10 BEST DAYS

s-salaamu 'alaykum,

We pray this reaches you in the best of Imaan (faith) and health.

Just a friendly reminder....

As the sunset, we welcomed the last and final month of the Hijri year 1430. Many have embarked on a spiritually uplifting journey to fulfill an obligation (if one has the means to do so) and one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj (pilgrimage). Our prayers are with them and we pray Allah (swt) accepts their worship and efforts and that He (swt) Grants them a safe journey and return.

This month and its many blessings are not secluded to those able to perform Hajj, but a Mercy from Allah (swt) for all of mankind. For us these days are days to repent and do good deeds and strive for the Pleasure of Allah (swt). Also, not to forget the 9th of Dhul Hijjah also known as the day of Arafaat. It is reccomended and a Sunnah of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) that one fast on this day for it is a means for the expiation of one's sins for two years.

Fasting the Day of Arafaat:

"There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire as He does no the day of ‘Arafah. He comes close (to those standing on ‘Arafah) and then revels before His angels, saying: "What are these people seeking?" [Muslim]

Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of 'Ashura is an expiation for the year preceding it." [This is related by "the group," except for al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi]

The 10 Virtuous Day of Dhul Hijjah

Ibn 'Abbas reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these days [meaning the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah]." The companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, not even jihad in the way of Allah?" He said, "Not even jihad, except for the man who puts his life and wealth in danger [for Allah's sake] and returns with neither of them." [This is related by the group except Muslim and an-Nasa'i]

Ahmad and at-Tabarani record from Ibn 'Umar that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "There is no day more honorable in Allah's sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allah than those in these ten days. So say tahlil (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah: La ilaha ill Allah), takbir (Allah is the greatest: Allahu Akbar) and tahmid (All praise is due to Allah: alhumdulillah) a lot [on those days]." [Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shakir stated it is Sahih]

Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr]." [This is related by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]

Jazakumullahu Khayrun

We pray Allah (swt) Grants us the ability to make the most of these blessed days and keep those good deeds as a way of life after the passing of this month. Aameen

wa as-salaamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

I'm back!

Assalamu`Alakyam!! I'm back!! I don't know how frequently I'll be writing on this but inshAllah more often that I have been. I brought back the "comment" button :). That's it for now! Take care!

"Liberation" lies in empty beer bottles

Bismillah

As I go back and forth in time
I realize all that I have left behind
The dead weight that promised me all that this life could offer
It blind sided me and manifested into disaster after disaster
Oppression and blood shed, wide spread
Showing the whole world through smoke filled glasses

What appeared to be luring and attractive was nothing more
than twisted words that coexisted
They say liberation lies in empty beer bottles and intoxication
Not worrying about their self-preservation or even their salvation
To be truly free is to be filled with impurities and
mind altering states of so called "remedies"

You're self worth is defined by how many stares you get
Undressing you with their eyes as you adhere and smile to this criminal disgrace
There's no trace of modesty its a shame, reveal your body and put yourself up on display
Easily falling into temptation, shedding any amount of dignity left for a moment of sensation
Just 1 becomes 10 and I'm just talking about drinks. I'm talking about men.

With the ever lasting distractions
Enjoying the entertainment, idle talk and devils play.
Satisfaction is attained by the crude jokes and their impermissible ways
As they try to put the youth to sleep. Don't wake up, keep relaxing,
remain in your old ways
As time goes by, still chasing the illusion of happiness
Only causing the heart confusion and delusion
As the soul of humanity decomposes as all our morals decay and quickly fade away
As the faithful turn a blind eye. Voices remain silenced when the truth is shackled and chained
Its a tragedy that negatively affects us and ultimately will be the humiliation of our society.


"Nothing in the Universe has been created for idle sport and vain objectives.
Falsehood will vanish and the Truth will prevail [Quran] (21:16-18)."

A great month has arrived!

Ramadan Kareem everyone!

"Oh people! A great month is coming to you. A blessed month. A month in which there is one night that is better than a thousand months. A month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night.

Whoever draws nearer to Allah by performing any of the voluntary good deeds in this month shall receive the same reward as is there for performing an obligatory deed at any other time. And whoever discharges an obligatory deed in this month shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of Sabr (patience), and the reward for sabr is Heaven. It is the month of kindness and charity. It is a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased.

Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without the latter's reward being diminished at all."- Prophet Muhammad (saws) [Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]

---*SubhanAllah! && Aren't those kids just the cutest things ever :). On a side note, I've been thinking about writing in a journal/note book about my experience in Ramadan. InshAllah I plan on keeping record of every day that goes by. I considered doing it on blogger but I quickly ruled it out. Honestly I highly doubt I will every look back at my old posts. As far as the notebook I would be more likely inclined to flip through it in the future. It will include my goals, sins I want to stop, sunnah prayers, things to work on and overall my thoughts and feelings :). I think it will be a great way to track my progress!

Sahabi Story `Abu Mihjan

Abu Mihjan (radi-Allaahu 'anhu) was one of the companions of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam).

This Sahaabi was suffering from an addiction to drinking wine. He was brought and flogged, then brought and flogged again, but he knew that this problem did not relieve him of his duty to strive for the cause of Islam. So he went out with the Muslims to al-Qaadisiyyah as a soldier, seeking martyrdom on the battlefield. In al-Qaadisiyyah he was brought to the commander of the army, Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas, for having drunk wine. Sa’d detained him so that the Muslims ranks would be cleansed of such a person.

This detention was a harsh punishment which caused Abu Mihjan a great deal of anguish. When he heard the sounds of swords and spears, and the neighing of the horses, and he knew that the jihad had begun, and the gates of Paradise were open, he was filled with longing for jihad. He called to the wife of Sa’d ibn Abi Waaqqas saying,

“Let me go and I promise Allaah that if I come back safe and sound, I will put my own feet in the chains, and if I am killed, then you will be rid of me.”

She felt sorry for him, so she let him go, and he leapt onto a horse belonging to Sa’d which was called al-Balqa’. Then he picked up a spear and set off. He did not attack any group of enemy soldier but he scattered them. Sa’d was supervising the battle and he was surprised and said,

“This is the running of al-Balqa’, and the style of attack is that of Abu Mihjan, but Abu Mihjan is in chains.”

When the battle was over, Abu Mihjan went back and put his feet in the chains. The wife of Sa’d told him this wonderful story, so Sa’d admired this man and his care for Islam and his longing for jihad, so he himself went to this wine-drinker, released the chains with his own hands and said,

“Get up, for by Allaah I will never flog you for drinking wine again.”

Abu Mihjan said,

“By Allaah, I will never drink it again.”

--------------------------

-------------
Reference:

Author: Ibn Katheer
Source: al-Bidaayah wa-Nihaayah 9/632-633

No ones perfect!!!!

Asalamu Alakyam Waramatullahi Wabaraktuh.
Just because someone is religious doesn't mean their perfect (I take refugee in Allah). People need to understand no one is free from mistakes or blemishes other than Allah Subhana Wa Tala. As a Muslim we strive and struggle everyday to correct our intentions and strive in Allahs path. All I can say is if someone is trying than you should appreciate that and recognize that in itself is half the solution. No one fully changes in a matter
of weeks or even months for that matter and you can't expect someone too. It takes time, its a gradual process. People do not have a right to judge and criticize you in a negative manor. There's a big difference between nasheeha (advice) and putting someone down. When you say things that are meant to be vicious or condensing your hurting yourself and even worse the person you said that too. We aren't perfect and Allah says that verily man are created weak. I feel as If people have this image in their mind of how a person should be or act. And when a person doesn't fulfill their expectations they become outraged or looked down upon. SubhanAllah, that's when problems occur. However if a person gets mad and says things they shouldn't have. We shouldn't reply back in hurtful words but accommodate them. Accept that they are human and they are trying to be better and that's ultimately whats important. I believe we never stop growing spirituality, we are always in constant need of knowledge and guidance.

My advice is do not get discouraged, stay strong on your goals. Make dua for anyone who has harmed or oppressed you. Forgive your Muslims brothers and sisters, indeed that is the best way. Have mercy on others and Allah will have mercy on you.

Satan and his Army

Ramadan Goals :)

I read NeverEvers post about Ramadan Objectives. MashAllah, so I just added a few of mine. This will be my second real Ramadan, Al-Hamdulilah. Just a few goals I'm striving to achieve. Also right now is a good time to start fasting and preparing. Listening to lectures is always a good imaan booster! I highly recommend the Life of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu alahaya wa salam) by Sheikh Anwar Awalaki. And the Here After series is really good too, I still haven't finished it yet, inshAllah soon! SubhanAllah, the Sahabah (May Allah be pleased with them all) use to prepare 6months in a advance. Tommorow is a Monday you know what the means... its sunnah to fast on Mondays and Thursdays! :)

• Pray 5times a day on time
• Pray Taraweeh/Sunnah
• Go to Jummah every Friday
• Finish the Quran 4 times
• Give Charity
  
• Give Dawah
• Completely stay away from T.V, Music, Magazine etc.
• Reflect on the purpose of life
• Keep a positive attitude
• Be in a constant state of Taqwa
• Giving Zakat on time and energy
• Always renew my intentions

Keep your goals high but know everyone has limits. Sometimes focusing on the basics is the best way to uplift your Imaan and understand the virtues of this blessed month. Ramadan isn't about burning yourself out but spiritually and mentally growing. Be realistic and at the same time optimistic.

When the heart is clean indeed actions will follow in such a state of purity. Realizing I'm not only abstaining from food and water but my tongue, ears and eyes are fasting as well. Ramadan Kareem! (:

Tortured, Lies and Wrongly Imprisoned yet and unwavering Faith.

Ahmed Abu Ali may be among the few Muslim men today that posses the patience of Ayub and the nobility and resilience of Musa. He can teach our generation deep lessons about full faith and trust in the One Almighty God. Justice is near, brother. Praying for you and your family. May Allah SubhanAllah Wa Tala hasten his release and grant him and his family patience...Allahum Ameen.

His story is one of many:
Ahmed Abu Ali was born in 1981 in Houston, Texas and grew up in Falls Church, Virginia. In the summer of 2003, when Ahmed was only 22 years old, he was taking final exams in a Saudi Arabian university, and looking forward to returning home to his family in Northern Virginia for the summer.

But Abu Ali did not come home. Instead, Saudi law enforcement authorities forcibly removed him from his classroom and imprisoned him for twenty months-without charges or access to a lawyer. Later, After his family filed a habeas requesting his return, and the judge had ordered a partial discovery, Abu Ali did return to Virginia - but to face federal charges of conspiracy to aid and abet terrorism. Consider, first, that all of Abu Ali's alleged co-conspirators are unnamed. Some, it seems, have been convicted in connection with other Alexandria "terrorism" cases as well. Their "cooperation" with prosecutors could lead to reductions in their long sentences.

Consider, too, that typically, a conspiracy charge requires not just talk, but an "overt act." And here, the only acts the government alleges are purchases of a cell phone and a laptop.
So this case is really about talk. Yet much of the government's evidence regarding what Abu Ali allegedly talked about, comes from his interrogation by his Saudi captors and FBI agents, in a Saudi prison - interrogation that was not only unconstitutional, but interrogations where he was beaten and tortured.

Abu Ali was interrogated by the Saudis without any of the safeguards that Americans are afforded in U.S. court. He did not have the right to an attorney. He was not informed of his Miranda rights. And he was not protected against coercive self-incrimination. Additionally, a torture expert examined him and pronounced that he had been lashed and physically beaten.
Yet American prosecutors used Abu Ali's coerced "confession" against him in an American court. How did this happen?The Practice Of Unconstitutional U.S. Interrogations In Foreign Prisons Must End. Abu Ali's shocking treatment is the first that tests the notion that Americans can be imprisoned abroad by their government, interrogated by foreign and domestic law enforcement, and be denied all rights as coercive confessions are obtained to be used against them in a U.S. court. Although Ahmed is currently serving an untold number of years in prison, when convicting him, The Honorable Judge Gerald Bruce Lee pointed out that Ahmed's actions “did not result in one single actual victim.”"AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CONCLUDED THAT THE TRIAL OF US CITIZEN AHMED ABU ALI WAS FLAWED AS IT FAILED TO CONSIDER EVIDENCE ABOUT TORTURE IN SAUDI ARABIA."

His story is heart wrenching and the worst thing about it all is everyone knows he isn't the only one. There are thousands of our brothers/sisters going through the same trials. Please make dua for him and every brother/sister struggling for the sake of Allah. For more information about his statements in court click here

"A more firm conviction of faith and trust in Allah I have not seen in our generation. Be well Ahmed, help is indeed near and justice will prevail."

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الحمد لله رب العالمين
وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين

The Sha‘bān Letter

All praises are due to Allah the Exalted who has blessed us to be on the doorstep of Ramaḍān. Many of the pious predecessors used to spend months preparing for the efforts they were going to exert in the holy month of Ramaḍān. These are excerpts from the book, “Kanz An-Najāḥ wa As-Surūr” (The Treasures of Success and Happiness) regarding the greatness of Sha‘bān and some of the recommended things to do during this month.

(Please refer to your local mosque for when the month of Sha‘bān begins (either Thursday, July 23rd or Friday, July 24th) or check this website for updates: http://www.crescentwatch.org/cgi-bin/Cw/cw.cgi)

1. Repentance & Fasting:

It is highly recommended to repent frequently (tawbah) and increase in acts of worship, especially fasting. Whosoever prepares themselves with acts of worship and repentance in Sha‘bān will reap the benefits of those acts in Ramaḍān.

Usama ibn Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him, asked the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, “I have never seen you offer fast in a month as you do in Sha‘bān." The Prophet said, “It is a month people disregard that is between Rajab and Ramaḍān. In that month deeds are presented to the Lord of the Worlds, so I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” [Nasa'i].

2. Salutations Upon the Prophet (peace be upon him):

Sha‘bān is the month of the Prophet peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, for he said, “Sha‘bān is my month.”

It was in this month that the famous verse regarding sending blessing and peace on the Prophet was revealed:
{إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلاَئِكَـتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِيِّ يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ صَلُّواْ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُواْ تَسْلِيماً}
{Allah and His Angels send their blessings upon the Prophet, O you who believe send blessings upon him and salutations of peace} (33:56)

Therefore, it is highly encouraged to increase in sending one’s salutations upon the Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him. Scholars have said, “Rajab is the month of repentance, Sha‘bān is the month of sending salutations upon the Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, and Ramaḍān is the month of the Qur’an.”

3. The 15th Night of Sha‘bān:

On the relation of ‘Atā’ ibn Yasār, may Allah be well pleased with him, who said, “On the 15th night of Sha‘bān the Angel of Death, peace be upon him, copies down the names of all those who will die from that Sha‘bān to the next Sha‘bān...and there is no night after Laylat Al-Qadr better than the 15th night of Sha‘bān.”

Other hadiths also describe the 15th night as being the night in which Allah decrees everyone’s provisions, even after-worldly provisions (Paradise, Hell), therefore it is important to bring that night to life through Prayer, reading Qur’an, and repentance.

Related by Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be well pleased with him and his father, that the Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, said, “There are five nights on which du‘ā’ is not turned back: Friday eve, on the eve of Rajab, the 15th night of Sha‘bān, Laylat Al-Qadr, and on the eve of the two ‘Eids.”

It is also recommended to say the du‘ā’:

اللّهُمَ إنَّكَ عفوٌ كريمٌ تُحِبَّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَني، اللّهُمَّ إنّي أسْألُكَ العَفْوَ والعَافية والمُعَافَاةَ الدَّائِمة في الدِّين والدُّنيا والأخِرَة

Allahumma innaka ‘Afūwun Karīmun tuḥib ul ‘afwa fa‘afu ‘annī, Allahumma innī as’aluka al-‘afū, wa al-‘āfīyah wa al-mu‘āfāt ad-da’imah fī ad-dīni wa ad-dunyā wa al-ākhirah.

O Allah, You are Pardoning and Generous and You love to pardon, so pardon me. O Allah, I ask You for pardoning, good health [in body], and to be [spiritually] health always in my religion, and in this life, and in the hereafter.


It is also highly recommended to read Surah Yā-Sīn 3 times that night, each time with a specific intention:

1. The first time with the intention of Allah increasing the length of your life in worship and good deeds.

2. The second time with the intention of Allah protecting you from tribulations.

3. Lastly, with the intention of Allah not making you reliant on other people.

Clarification: “Giving life to the night” is said to be staying up most of the night in worship, although other scholars have said just one hour. Others have said just be determined to pray ‘Ishā in congregation and Fajr in congregation and that will fulfill “giving life to the night.”

May Allah bless us all and the whole Ummah throughout this month and bless us even more in Ramaḍān.

MashAllah! I didn't write this but I had to share. May Allah reward the brother who did. Ameen.
InshAllah you guy's will benefit from it as much as I did. BarakAllah ya feek.

A years worth of lessons.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
SubhanAllah another year closer to death and the grave. I just turned 18 and I just can't get over how fast time passes by. I feel like it was just yesterday I was drawling outside the lines in coloring books. And than again I look back at how many things have changed and it amazes me beyond belief. All I can say is al-Hamdulilah, Allah chose me to be Muslim and allowed me to recognize the truth.

Lessons I learned this past year, Al-Hamdulilah.

• Hold yourself accountable before you are held accountable.
• Regret in this life and repent before the day comes when we are only able to feel remorse.
• Death is indeed a reality and we should always be in a state of Taqwa.
• Busying our soul, doing things that will benefit us in Dunya and most importantly Akhira.
• The only one you should trust with your imaan is yourself. Never compromise your faith.
• Everything is temporary but the satisfaction of carrying out the commands of Allah is everlasting.
• Taking the intuitive on things, becoming proactive.
• Living as if your going to die tomorrow.
• To be patient and realize what a blessing that is.
• To re evaluate your intentions before doing anything.
• Always seek out knowledge wherever you are and tell others about it.
• To be a better you ever day.
• Watch your tongue, for everything is being recorded and written down.
  
• Time is a mere creation of Allah, use it wisely.

Judgement Day

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
For how long, for how long are we going to be heedless of the signs of Allah (SWT), for how long are we going to be busy with the Dunya (World), busy making money, chasing our dreams, following our desires? We know my brothers and sisters that death is a reality; you can't run away from death, even if you were in a fortress with wall built up high, death is going to come and find you. Imagine your time is today, what have you got to take back to Allah (SWT), have you repented for your sins, for this temporarily life. You have given up eternal bliss and eternal happiness, life which never ends. My dear brothers and sisters, even if the hereafter was soil and mud and this dunya was gold and silver, still the hereafter will be better than this dunya, because it is eternal, for reality is; this dunya is mud and soil and the hereafter is gold and silver, and yet, we choose this life over the next, are we asleep, why are we walking around like headless chickens, we will be brought to account. On the day when everyone will be a stranger to another, when your best friend in this dunya will be a stranger to you in the next, when your mother is going to abandon you, just to save herself, the day, when every small action that you ever did, you will be showed, every atom weight of good and every atom weight of evil. My dear brothers and sisters, this is the promised day of Allah (SWT), doesn't your heart tremble with fear, knowing that you will be brought to account and how you will die and that's how you will be raised, that day when a Childs hair will turn grey due to the shock and fear, what will be your excuse on that day? When your limbs, your own legs are going to give witness against you, when your lips are going to be sealed and your legs are going to speak and say, 'Ya Allah, he made me walk to this haram' and your own hands are going to say, 'Ya Allah, he used me to touch this haram, on that day my dear brothers and sisters, there is no refuge, except with Allah (SWT). There is no escape, so take heed before your time is up, ask Allah (SWT) to make us amongst the Saabiquns, the group of people who race each other to good deeds and these people will closest to Allah (SWT) in the next life.

MashAllah such wisdom, I took this from a video on youtube! && I decided to share,
check it out :). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yFvU2cAs70

10 Honest Islamic Facts :))

Bismillah Er Rahman Er Raheem,
I have been tagged by Never Ever to do the Honest Scrap Tag. But I have made a quick change to it, instead of just about yourself put an Islamic Twist to it. Add some Islamic facts or anything that can be beneficial. This is a way to create a bond between sisters and spread Islam, Al-Hamdulilah! :) Or if you want add both half about you and half about Islam! Your choice!

1: Each of your breaths is a priceless jewel, can never be retrieved. Do not be like the deceived fools who are joyous because of an increase in their wealth while their life shortens. [Imama al Haddad]

2: Be joyous only for an increase in knowledge or in good works, for they are your two companions who will accompany you in your grave when your family, wealth, children, and friends stay behind. [Imam al Ghazali]

3: The quality of our supplication (dua) depends upon the purity of our hearts, for it is with our hearts that we connect to God. [Imam Mohammad Magid]

4: [O Allah! Advance me in Knowledge and true understanding]

5:Verily! Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves..

6:Whoever believes firmly in death, detests worldly life, and whoever recognizes the worldly life, the trials and tribulations of life become slight for him. [Ali radi Allah anhu]

7: Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "If any one of you improve his Islamic religion (follows strictly) then his good deeds will be rewarded ten times to seven hundred times for each good deed and a bad deed will be recorded as it is."

8: On the authority of Ibnul Qayyim (r): "Deeds without sincerity are like a traveler who carries in his water-jug dirt. The carrying of it burdens him and it brings no benefit."

9:" Whoever desires Paradise proceeds towards goodness, and whoever fears Hell refrains from the impulses of passions. [Ali radi Allah anhu]

In the Footsteps of Rasullahu Sallahu Alaya Salam
In the Shade of Allah
Londan Hijabi
Lisa Journey Westward

The Martyr!

سم الله الرحمن الرحيم
What's the body count in Gaza, West Bank, Jerusalem? How many are already dead in Iraq, Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Somalia? Is this not enough to show that the Muslims are but the oppressed and not the oppressors?

O Muslims, how long are we going to remain asleep!??
O Muslims how much blood do our brothers and sisters need to shed for us to open our eyes?!!
O Muslims wheres the outrage, wheres your voice, wheres your heart and most importantly wheres your faith?!

“Today I will tell you the story of an honored woman who was proud of her religion to such an extent that she had to give away her life for that. Her name is Dr. Marwa Al Sharbini. She was 32 years old, 3 months pregnant Egyptian woman and a pharmaceutical. The facts spurred several months back as the killer sparred with his victim Marwa in a park and slandered her by calling her a “terrorist”. Not only calling her such names but he tried to remove her head scarf repeatedly. Consequently, Marwa sued the guy for flinging open insults onto her in public . The German court sentenced him to be fined in compensation. In the context of the hearing and before the judicial panel, the German guy who descends from Russian origins retaliated by stabbing Marwa 18times, killing her and the unborn baby. The guards were triggered to shoot him, but instead they shot Marwa’s husband who was trying to defend his distressed wife. Marwa’s husband is now hospitalized and in critical condition. Their little boy (3 years and half old) was there at the court and shocked by the incident."

Did you hear about this courageous women? The women who died simply for standing by her beliefs. She died because she proclaimed there's only One God and Prophet Muhammad

(sallahu wa alahyawa salam) is His Last and Final Messenger. Wheres the media coverage? Not one single news source covering such a shocking and heart wrenching story?! Wheres the justice? My question is how do you stab someone 18 times in a court without the perpetrator being immediately stopped and disarmed? Where were the cops? And how was he even allowed to enter a court with a weapon on him in the first place? My questions can't be answered at the moment. But the reality of such a tragedy rings through my mind, so much so I wonder what if it happened to your sister, mother, daughter or even yourself?? What If you were strolling down a park one day and a guy called you that? How would have you reacted, what would you have done? Most likely the same thing any human being would do, take it to the court and file a report. Marwa had faith in the justice system and they failed her!

I request my brothers to take lessons from this incident and to WAKE UP. I also ask my sisters learn from Marwa and to hold firm to your faith. Please make dua for our Ummah and her family.

O Muslims where ever you may be....

Stand up and let your voice be heard
Stand up and fight for Injustice
Stand up and fight fisabilillah
It is our duty and our obligation!

O Allah the King of all mankind return to this Ummah, honour and dignity. Unite us on the foundations of haqq, unite us under the banner of tawheed. Ameen. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji`un (we are from Allah and to Him we shall return). - In the memory of Shaheedatul Hijab(Martyr of Hijab) Sister Marwa Al Sharbin

Nafs (Souls) Mentioned in the Quran!

Although some scholars have classified the Nafs up to 7 stages, there is agreement among Ulama' that in the Qur'an, Allah has described at least 3 main types of the Nafs. There are two kinds of people, one are those who Nafs have overcome them and led them to ruin. Because they yielded to them and obeyed their impulses. The other kinds are those who have overcome their Nafs and made them obey their commands. A human being can go through all three stages at one point in their life.

In the Quran, Allah Subhana Wa Tala, has described 3main types
1)Nafs al`Ammara Bissua (The Nafs that urges evil)
2)Nafs al`Lawwama (the Nafs that blames)
3)Nafs al`Mutma`inna (The Nafs at peace)

Lets start explaining in detail what Nafs al`Ammara Bissu is. This is the Nafs that brings punishment to its self. By its very nature it directs its owner towards every wrong action. No one can get rid of its evil without the help of Allah. As Allah refers to this Nafs in the story of the wife al`Aziz and Prophet Yusuf (alakyam salam).

"The human soul is certainly prone to evil" Quran (12:53)

"And had it not been for the grace of Allah and his mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure. But Allah purifies whomever he wishes, and Allah is All Hearing and All Knowing" Quran (24:12)"

Nafs al`Ammara Bissu, resided in the world of the senses and is dominated by earthly desires and passions. It has Shaytan as its ally. He promises it great rewards and gains, but casts falsehood into it. He invites it and entices the soul to do evil.

We seek refugee in Allah the Al-Mighty, both from the evil in ourselves and from the evil of our desires. Ameen.

2) Nafs al`Lawwama (soul the blames). This Nafs is conscious of its own imporefections. The Believer might make a sin but soon after they repent to Allah. They'll start asking themself, "Why did I do this", "How could I allow myself to do such a thing". And the Scholars say this is good, its good to blame yourself. Thats the start in which allows change to happen.

Allah mentions this Nafs in the Quran, "And I do call to witness the nafs tha blames" (75:2)

Nafs al`Lawwama is the one, which cannot rest in any one state. It often changes, remembers and forgets, submits and evades, loves and hates, rejoices and become sad, accepts and rejects, obeys and rebels. It isalso the Nafs of the believer….It has also been mentioned that the Nafs blames itself on the Day of Qiyamah - for every one blames himself for his actions, either his bad deeds, if he was one who had many wrong actions, or for his shortcomings, if he was one who did good deeds. All of this is accurate. (Madarij as-Salikin fi Manazili Iyyaka Na'budu wa Iyyaka Nasta'in, vol. 1 pg. 308)

3. Nafs al-Mutma`inna (the Soul at Peace): This Nafs is tranquil as it rests on the certitude of Allah. Allah refers to this Nafs,

"O Self, in complete rest and satisfaction!" (89:27).

Imam Baghawi says,"The Nafs al-Mutma`inna has an angel to help it, who assists and guides it. The angel casts good into the Nafs so that it desires what is good and is aware of the excellence of good actions. The angel also keeps the self away from wrong action and shows it the ugliness of bad deeds. All in all, whatever is for Allah and by him, always comes from the Soul which is at Peace.

"It is the soul of the believer, made calm by what Allah has promised. Its owner is at rest and content with his knowledge of Allah's Names and Attributes, and with what He has said about Himself and His Messenger (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), and with what He has said about what awaits the soul after death: about the departure of the soul, the life in the Barzakh, and the events of the Judgment day which will follow." So much that a believer, such as this can almost see them with his own eyes. So he submits to the will of Allah and surrenders to Him contentedly, never dissatisfied or complaining, and with his faith never wavering. He does not rejoice at his gains, nor do his afflictions make him despair - for he knows that they were decreed long before they happened to him, even before he was created"

No ones perfect!!

Asalamu Alakyam Waramatullahi Wabaraktuh.
Just because someone is religious doesn't mean their perfect (I take refugee in Allah). People need to understand no one is free from mistakes or blemishes other than Allah Subhana Wa Tala. As a Muslim we strive and struggle everyday to correct our intentions and strive in Allahs path. All I can say is if someone is trying than you should appreciate that and recognize that in itself is half the solution. No one fully changes in a matter of weeks or even months for that matter and you can't expect someone too. It takes time, its a gradual process. People do not have a right to judge and criticize you in a negative manor. There's a big difference between nasheeha (advice) and putting someone down. When you say things that are meant to be vicious or condensing your hurting yourself and even worse the person you said that too.
We aren't perfect and Allah says that verily man are created weak. I feel as If people have this image in their mind of how a person should be or act. And when a person doesn't fulfill their expectations they become outraged or looked down upon. SubhanAllah, that's when problems occur. However if a person gets mad and says things they shouldn't have. We shouldn't reply back in hurtful words but accommodate them. Accept that they are human and they are trying to be better and that's ultimately whats important. I believe we never stop growing spirituality, we are always in constant need of knowledge and guidance.

My advice is do not get discouraged, stay strong on your goals. Make dua for anyone who has harmed or oppressed you. Forgive your Muslims brothers and sisters, indeed that is the best way. Have mercy on other and Allah will have mercy on you.

Story of Habil and Qabil pt2

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
Asalaamu Alakyam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatu Dear brothers and sisters.

3) The third lesson is sweet and straight to the point, don’t be stingy. SubhanAllah, in this day of age people think If you give money for the Sake of Allah you are losing money. But Allah tells us differently, those who spend in His Cause their provisions will only increase! It is from the characteristics of the hypocrites that they are penny-pinching while spending in the Way of Allah. Brothers and sisters this doesn’t just pertain to money alone but also giving your time, energy and knowledge.

“Kabil, who was a farmer, sacrificed a bunch of dry plants, in spite of the fact that he was the one who wanted to marry his twin. On the other hand, Habil who was a shepherd sacrificed one of his best cows.”

[*Key Lessons]
o Give as much as you can even if its just your smile :)
o Sacrifice your time and wealth for Allahs cause and you will get in return a far better recompense.
o Follow Allahs Divine Laws and you will be the happiest of people.
o Seeing Allah’s blessings and power in creation

“The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain; it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grain. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creature's needs, All-Knower." (Al-Quran surah Al-Baqarah: 262)


4) Being satisfied and content with the Blessing Allah bestowed upon us. Belief in Allah’s power, knowledge and control of all things. This is called Qadar, loosely translated as Divine Destiny. Believing in Qadar, prevents us from becoming too boastful or too despondent. When tragedy strikes us, we must understand that it is the will of Allah, for it to happen. That way, we learn to accept it with patience and humility rather than despair and frustration.

“The fire took Habil’s sacrifice and did not come near Kabil’s who became furious and denied what happened.”

[* Key Lessons]
o Be grateful for everything you have big or small.
o Submit to Allah with the essence of your being.
o If things don’t go according to your plan, it means there are lessons to be learned and what Allah has in store for you is better than what you ever wanted.
o Things are put in front of us to test us, to test our strength, and more importantly to test our faith.

“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al Lawh Al Mahfooz) before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah.” Surah Al-Hadid (The Chapter of Iron) verse 22

If there were any mistakes made therein then it was from me and the Shaytan and I seek Allah's pardon and if there was any good in it then it was from Allah Subhana Wa Tala.

-A little preview; Part 3, which this chapter will be summed up! It will be about Taqwa and achieving Piety :D, stay tuned. Like always please feel free to add your comments and opinions below, inshAllah.

Story of Habil and Qabil (Abel & Cain)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
Asalaamu Alakyam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatu Dear brothers and sisters!
In the Quran we learn “The Story of Habil and Qabil”, the first crime that took place on Earth. The people who carry the Quran in their hearts live in the past and present. It is rich in wisdom, life lessons and indeed a guide for all of humanity.

1) One of the lessons we learn is the danger of anger and jealousy. When persistent on such emotions it can ultimately lead into disobedience to Allah Subhana Wa Tala. In such severe cases it can turn a person against their own family.

The Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam), said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should maintain good relation with his kindred.” (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

[*Key Lessons:]
o Keep the relationship of your relatives strong so it may be a mercy for you.
o Turn away from such diseases of the heart anger, jealousy, pride, arrogance etc., in fear they may cause your downfall.
o “Anger corrupts faith in the same way that vinegar destroys honey."
o Be cautious of your tongue more so than your hand, for you might say something displeasing to Allah without even knowing.


2) Anger can give you great power but if it’s not under control it can ultimately destroy you. To the point a person could have so much hate and envy in his heart he wouldn’t hesitate to kill. Just like how Kabil became mad and unjustly ended his brother’s life by his own hands.
Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam), said: “Don’t ever be envious, for envy eats up your good deeds as the fire eats up logs” (narrated by Ibn Dawud).

[*Key Lessons:]
o Among the ways to protect yourself from envy is to put your trust in Allah
o Think before you react and don’t allow your emotions to take
the best of you
o Who ever suppresses their anger when he has the power to show it, Allah will reward them greatly
o Always regard Allah as the first witness on yourself if you are going to sin


Allah mentions The Story of Habil & Qabil in Chapter al-Maidah, verses 27-31!If there were any mistakes made then it was from me and the Shaytan and I seek Allah's pardon and if there was any good in it then it was from Allah Subhana Wa Tala.

-The Stories of the Quran will be a series I will be doing inshAllah in the course of a couple months, I will put up Part 2 of Habil & Qabil very soon. A little preview; It will be about giving for the Sake of Allah and believing in Qadar! Soon to follow is Harut and Marut and the Dwellers of the Town, InshAllah!

7 people under the shade of Allah.

"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"


It is related on the authority of Abu Haraira (Rahimahullaah) that the Holy Prophet(salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said,"Seven people will be shaded by Allah under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His. They are:
1) The judge who is just;
2) The man who devotes his life in the worship of God even in his youth;
3) The man who eagerly awaits the call to prayer to go to the Mosque and worship God;
4) The two friends, who love each other for the sake of God, when they meet they meet for the sake of God, when they separate they separate for the sake of God;
5) The man who resists the temptation of a woman who is beautiful and comes of a respectable family and tries to incline him towards her for evil purposes;
6) The man who gives alms with his right hand but conceals it from the left;
7) The man when alone, meditates on God, and his eyes become filled with tears."
(Bukhari)

Technology helping you to perform worship?!!!!

Asalamu Alakyam Wa Ramatullahi Wa Bakaratuh,
Truly we are living in a amazing times. Take Advantage of technology, it can help in performing Ibadah. Instead of the Athaan going off suddenly you can be more prepared!! By just looking at your tool bar, on any website you'll be able to see the next prayer time. Counting down to prayer significantly changes your daily schedule; in a positive way! :-)Make sure to check the calculation settings. Prayer Times



I found a website that would be very beneficial for non-Arabic speakers like me. There are numerious translations in different languages including English, of course! The translations of the Quran will appear on the video while the audio plays. I know youtube has videos already like that but the amazing thing about this website is its the Full Quran!! Sometimes you go on youtube looking for a certain Surah by your favorite reciter and lo and behold you can't find anything! This website solves the problem quite nicely! ** Quran


[The Story of the Alqamah, MashAllah a heart wrenching story of a faithful servant and the importance of being dutiful to ones parents!!]

-InshAllah these websites benefit you guys as much as it benefited me. =))

Book in your right hand?! Surah Haqqah;

May the followers of Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu Wa Alayhi Wasallam) all be saved from the severity of Jahannam. May they all receive the book of deeds in their right hand. Ameen Ya Rabbi Alameen.

=) I'm grateful

This originally was a post about my job. And due to an insightful blogger they reminded me I should be more thankful. That everything I have is a gift from Allah Subhana Wa Tala. They were a 100% right, I should be more grateful, a lot of people are jobless and are suffering while I have one. So Al-hamdulilah for that, and of course at times I'm not going to like it but I'll look at the bright side of things. InshAllah I'll be rewarded for it because it could be considered Ibadah. :)

InshaAllah If I do have a career later on I hope it has something to do with Islam.
Speaking of the future, I can't imagine having a family and still committing to a full time/part time job. Props go out to all those working Muslimahs that take care of business and still continues to keep her family as number one priority. MashAllah, I don't know how they do it.

beauty

Tour around Jannah*

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalamu`Alakyam everyone.
Lets take a quick tour around Jennah and get more acquainted with its inhabitants shall we?

The Prophets River called al-Kawthar, is river found in paradise through which anyone from the Prophet's ummah can drink from. On Yaum al-Qiyamah (the Day of Judgement) all of those who truly believed in Allah will be led to al-Kawthar where they will drink once once, and will never feel hunger or thirst again.

Fountains called Salsabil, it is a fountain that flows into a river. Allah says "And they will be given to drink there of a Cup (of Wine) mixed with Zanjabil," [Quran 76:17-18]

The Bridge called as as-Siraat, upon it will be lined all those that you have wronged, so that they can extract their justice. As only the pure will enter Jannah. And the trials in duniyah, death, the grave and qiyama are all stages where purification can occur.

A Tree called Tuba, whose width is a hundred years, and the clothes of the people of Paradise are taken from its bark and the trunk is made of gold. If a rider travels in its shade for one hundred years, he would not be able to cross it.

....Do you know how to Plant Trees in Jennah?
The Prophet of Allah (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said: In the night of Isra when I met Ibrahim (alakyam salam) he said: O Muhammad (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) tell your people that the heaven has pure soil and sweet water but the land is bare. If they want to plant trees in the heaven, they should say Subhan Allah Al-Hamdulillah and Allah Akbar.

7 Levels of Jennah, each level is divided into hundreds. Al-Firdaws which is the best and highest levels of them all. Above it is the throne of the Most Merciful, and from it originates the rivers of Jennah. In the Lowest level, you will get the Earth multiplied by 70 in terms of space.

Once the Rasul (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) concluded the description of Paradise with these words: There would be bounties which the eye has not seen, the ear has not heard and no human heart has ever perceived them.