Importance of a balanced diet in Islam

As Salaamu Alaikum!

Apart from adhering to the numerous other injunctions regarding nutrition (such as moderation, eating according to Sunnah etiquette, eating only Halaal, etc.), Islam also enjoins the importance of a good, balanced diet. " The Qur'an orders us to eat good food and perform virtuous deeds. A wholesome, balanced diet is an integral part of Islamic life. Analysis of various verses from the holy Qur’an clearly shows that the foods spoken in it will fulfill one's daily protein, carbohydrate, fat and vitamin requirements.

Qur'anic verses speak about the importance of, among other things:

• meat (6;118)
• dates 6;141)
• milk (16;66)
• olives (wat-Teen)
• pomegranates (6;141)
• figs (wat-Teen)
• fish (16;14)
• honey, etc.

Other than Qur'anic verses, we have the authentic Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam) which also testifies to the importance of a balanced diet. The fact that Prophet Muhammad  (sallallahu-alaihi-wasallam) would at times eat cucumber together with dates in order to balance the opposing hot and cold effects in these foods is a proof of this. Many other examples can be cited here as well. For greater information, the detailed works of Hadith such as Shama'il-Tirmidhi can be consulted.

24 Tips on Planning Eid-ul-Adha

As Salaamu Alaikum!

Eid-ul-Adha is a week away and preparations have started, so today we will send an email which will help you plan this day, In sha Allah. This day should not be considered as an ordinary holiday and an excuse to rest and sleep, as Muslim families we have this day as an opportunity to perform good deeds, sacrifice and educate other people including our families, our children about the importance of sacrifice and teachings of Islam.

               I.        Make an Eid plan this weekend. Let the whole family sit down and plan together.

             II.        In most Muslim countries Eid is a time for buying new clothing. It's spring time anyway.

           III.        Eid is a time to go on farm for udhia/qurbani and talk about Prophet Ibrahim's (peace be on Him) sacrifice. 

            IV.        Talk about Hajj in your story night. Recount the memories of your experience or you may want to discuss when you want to go for Hajj or Umrah

              V.        On Hajj day talk about why millions of Muslims run between Safa and Marwa.

            VI.        Have an open book competition in your home about Hajj and Prophet Ibrahim (peace be on Him) with prizes for all participants.

          VII.        Take your children to see off an Hajji from your community or receive him or her when S/he comes back.

         VIII.        Involve them in loud takbirat while going and returning from the Eid Prayer.

            IX.        For children ages 2-8 "Take Me to the Kaba" is an excellent video choice on or before Eid.

              X.        For ages 8 and up, software like "Hajj & Umrah" CD-Rom might provide some new information. Such CD’s may include games.

            XI.        Give out a gift of any of the above items if you don't already own them.

          XII.        For THE collective family study verses from the Quran.

         XIII.        For story telling or reading a book for them, tell them the story of Ibrahim, Allah's peace and blessings be upon him.

Restrictions for the one who intends to offer Sacrifice

As Salaamu Alaikum!

The Sunnah indicates that the one who wants to offer a sacrifice must stop cutting his hair and nails and removing anything from his skin, from the beginning of the ten days until after he has offered his sacrifice, because the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: "When you see the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice." According to another report he said: "He should not remove (literally, touch) anything from his hair or skin." (reported by Muslim with four isnaads, 13/146)

There is nothing wrong with men or women washing their heads during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) only forbade cutting the hair, not washing it.

The wisdom behind this prohibition, probably, is that  the one who wants to offer a sacrifice from cutting his hair etc., is so that he may resemble those in ihraam in some aspects of the rituals performed, and so that he may draw closer to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala by offering the sacrifice. So he leaves his hair and nails alone until the time when he has offered his sacrifice, in the hope that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will save him in his entirety from the Fire. And Allah knows best.

If a person has cut his hair or nails during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah because he was not planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides later, during the ten days, to offer a sacrifice, then he must refrain from cutting his hair and nails from the moment he makes this decision. And Allah knows best.

The first 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah: Virtues and things to do

As Salaamu Alaikum!

The Blessed Month of Dhul Hijjah is here and we have got an opportunity by the grace of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala to perfect our worship, to do more good deeds and be a good Mulsim.

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the most important days; these are the days which are also beloved to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. And it is these 10 days which must be utilised fully. One should not be derived out of the blessings of these ten days, because of ignorance. Each and every person must be aware of these ten days and make full use of it.

All Praise be to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, Who has created Time and has made some times better than others, some months and days and nights better than others, when rewards are multiplied many times, as a mercy towards His slaves. This encourages them to do more righteous deeds and makes them more eager to worship Him, so that the Muslim renews his efforts to gain a greater share of reward, prepare himself for death and supply himself in readiness for the Day of Judgement.

This season of worship brings many benefits, such as the opportunity to correct one’s faults and make up for any shortcomings or anything that one might have missed. Every one of these special occasions involves some kind of worship through which the slaves may draw closer to Allah, and some kind of blessing though which Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala bestows His favour and mercy upon whomsoever He will. The happy person is the one who makes the most of these special months, days and hours and draws nearer to his Lord during these times through acts of worship; he will most likely be touched by the blessing of Allah and will feel the joy of knowing that he is safe from the flames of Hell. (Ibn Rajab, al-Lataa’if, p.

The Muslim must understand the value of his life, increase his worship of Allah and persist in doing good deeds until the moment of death. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty." [al-Hijr 15:99] The mufassireen (commentators) said: "‘The certainty’ means death."

Among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, which Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has preferred over all the other days of the year. Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days."...

Some beneficial things which we can do in these 10 days (and always) are:

1.Salaah:

a.Offer Salaah at the earliest time.

b. Offer prayerswith humility and submissiveness.

c. Perform voluntariya prayers such as the Duha prayers.

2. Fasting:

a. Keep more voluntary fasts.

b. Fast on Mondays and Thursdays.

c. Make up missed fasts.

d. Fast on the 9^th day of Dhul Hijjah. “It is hoped that the fasting the day of Arafah  (9^th Dhul Hijjah) will be an expiation for (sins of) the previous year and coming year.”.. Sahih Muslim

3. Qura’n:

a. Frequently recite the Qur’an.

b. Memorise some Surahs.

c. Revise the past memorised.

d. Reflect on the meaning of the Qur’an.

e. Convey the message of the Qur’an to others.

4. Dhikr and Dua:

a. Recite more and more Tahlil (Laa Ilaaha Illallah) , Takbir (Allahu Akbar) and Tahmid (Alhumdulillah)

b. Read the morning and evening Adhkar.

c. Excessively seek the forgiveness of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

d. Send peace and blessings upon the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam).

e. Supplicate too many times, especially on the Day of Arafat.

f. Learn more and more Duas and teach it to others.

5. Charity:

a. Spend on wives, family, relatives and friends, for the Sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

b. Give in chaity whatever is excess..Do not waste or throw.

c. Give lot of charity, as much as possible.

6.Social Welfare:

a. Join and maintain close ties with relatives.

b. Look after the well being of neighbours.

c. Reach out to the needy.

d.Put your share in the teaching and conveying the deen.

7. Eid and Sacrifice:

a. Do not trim hair and nail until animal sacrifice.

b. Follow the Sunnah of the Eid day.

c. Go to Eid prayers for enthusiasm.

d. Visit and greet relatives and friends.

e. Offer sacrifice with a sincere intention.

8.Miscellaneous:

a. Do not neglect any opportunity to do good.

b. Avoid all useless actions and words.

c. Avoid sins.

d. Read good books and distribute good books or useful information such as Islamic emails to your contacts.

With Best Wishes

 www.waytoquran.tk

Why the Tawaf around the Ka’aba is “Anticlockwise”?

As Salaamu Alaikum!

The time of Hajj has come and several Muslims across the globe are making preparations to go to the Sacred House and many have already reached and doing the Tawaaf of the Holy Kaabah in large numbers. Masha Allah!

We are seeing it on Television and reading about it in the papers or watching the recordings of people doing their Tawaaf in anticlockwise direction, but do you know why it is done Anti clockwise? Have you wondered why not clockwise? Suppose, a non muslim or your child suddenly asks you this question - do you know what answer to give? Hmm, we must be prepared !  Well, we will give you this answer today - 

Modern Science has proved many things that confirms the importance of Tawaaf around the Ka’aba “Anticlockwise.”

1) The Blood inside the human body begins its circulation “Anticlockwise”

2) The electrons of an atom revolve around its nucleus in the same manner as making Tawaf, in an anti-clockwise direction. Considering the globe as a whole, you will notice that:

3) That the moon revolves around the earth anti- clockwise.

4) The earth rotates around its own axis in an anti- clockwise direction.

5) The earth revolves around the sun in an anti- clockwise direction.

6) The planets of the Solar system revolve around the sun in an anti-clockwise direction. 

Doing a lot of Righteous Deeds and Filling one’s time with them

As Salaamu Alaikum!

This is one of the best ways of dealing with weak faith, and is clearly very effective in strengthening faith and make us getting closer to Allaah Subhanahu Wa Ta'alaa.

Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allaah be pleased with him) set the best example of this, when the Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) asked his Sahaabah: “Who among you got up fasting this morning?” Abu Bakr said, “I did.” He asked, “Who among you has attended a funeral today?” Abu Bakr said, “I have.” He asked, “Who among you has fed a needy person today?” Abu Bakr said, “I have.” He asked, “Who among you has visited a sick person today?” Abu Bakr said, “I have.” The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, “No man does all of that but he will enter Paradise.” (Reported by Muslim, Kitaab Fadaa’il al-Sahaabah, Baab 1, Hadeeth 12).

This story demonstrates that Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allaah be pleased with him) was keen to make the most of every opportunity and to do a variety of acts of worship. Because this was an unexpected question on the part of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam), this indicates that Abu Bakr’s days were filled with acts of obedience and worship. The salaf (may Allaah have mercy on them) reached the highest levels in their efforts to do righteous deeds and fill their time in this manner. An example of this is what was said about a group of the salaf among whom was Hammaad ibn Salamah. Imaam ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Mahdi said: “If it were said to Hammaad ibn Salamah, ‘You will die tomorrow,’ he would not be able to do more good deeds (than he was already doing).” (Siyar A’laam al-Nubala’, 7/447).

10 Things Muslim Men Find Attractive In Muslim Women

As Salaamu Alaikum!

Today's e-mail will be a very special one. It is for all our brothers and sisters who are married. While an ordinary man likes several things in an ordinary woman, it is only a Muslim man who can like halaal and acceptable traits in a Muslim woman (his wife).

So presenting below are 10 traits or qualities in a Muslim woman, which makes her special and different from Ordinary woman and hence, are so much appreciated and liked by Muslim men.

●⇨1. Her Obedience to the Creator: A practicing Muslim man loves to have a practicing Muslim wife; who knows that the life of this world is nothing but a test from her Lord; giving her an opportunity to come closer and closer to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), doing more and more good deeds to please Him, restricting herself from the desires of her inner self that go against the will of her Creator. 

But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires, and lusts. Verily, Paradise will be his abode. (Surah An- Naaziyaat: 40-41)

●⇨2. Her Haya (Modesty/Shyness): Haya is one of the most significant factors of a woman’s personality. Haya according to a believer's nature refers to a bad and uneasy feeling accompanied by embarrassment, caused by one's fear of being exposed or censured for some unworthy or indecent conduct.

Prophet SallAllahu alaihiwasallam said: "Haya comes from Eman; Eman leads to Paradise. Obscenity comes from antipathy; and antipathy leads to the fire." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

A Muslim woman feels shy to do anything that would displease her Lord in any aspect. She has haya in her talk, she has haya in her gaze, she has haya in her clothing, she has haya in her walk. Her haya in her talk is that she is not soft in her speech but speaks honorably.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner” (Surah Al-Ahzaab:32)

Taqwa

As Salaamu Alaikum!

Verily, His (Allah’s) close friends are only those with Taqwa…" (Quran 8:34)

Imagine having your sins forgiven. Imagine you were able to distinguish between right and wrong. Imagine being one of those who deserve Allah’s Love and Pleasure. Imagine being a close friend of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).

In the Quran it states, "Verily, His (Allah’s) close friends are only those with Taqwa…" (Quran 8:34)

Taqwa is an elevated position of one’s heart, which keeps the believer conscious of Allah's presence and His Knowledge. To have Taqwa is to make a shield to guard ourselves against Allah's anger and punishment. This shield is to obey His commandments and abstain from what He has Forbidden.

Taqwa is the fruit of Ibadah (Worship) and can only be achieved by performing acts of Ibadah, as Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) says: "O mankind! Worship your Lord, Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon." (Quran 2:21)

Here are 4 Benefits of Taqwa:

Seven Beautiful Pearls Which Make A Wife Special

 As Salaamu Alaikum!

Today's email is very special. It is for our sisters. The pearls mentioned below will make every wife special, In sha Allah. 

1) The Patient:

The woman who remains patient in all circumstances, and never whines, moans, nags or complains. When some trouble or affliction hits her, she turns to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for help.

2) The Protector:

The woman who protects her husband's wealth & her chastity when he is away from home. She doesn't gossip or mingle with other men, nor does she allow anyone in his house without his approval. She knows, respects and stays within the boundaries of his gheerah.

When he returns, she runs to his arms, as if she was anticipating for his return. She allows him time to relax before anything and does not burden him with the day's problems, but listens attentively to his needs and does her best to take his tiredness away.

The Quran and Hadith on Mothers

As Salaamu Alaikum!

Let us read what the Qur'an and Hadiths say about our mothers. 

The Quran

1. "We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth" (46:15).

2. "Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: ‘My Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood' "(17:23-24).

3. "We have enjoined on man and woman kindness to parents; but if they (either of them) strive (to force) thee to join with Me anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not'" (29:8).

4. "We have enjoined on man and woman (to be good) to his/her parents; show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is (thy final) Goal. If they (parents) strive to make thee join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration) and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love)" (31:14-15).

Six attacks by Shaytaan and 10 defences

As Salaamu Alaikum!

ALL PRAISES AND THANKS TO ALLAH, LORD OF THE WORLDS!!

How does Shaytaan misguide us? The following are the six ways through which the Shaytaan, the accursed, 

leads us astray. He will continue to assault mankind until he succeeds in one or more of them. And also 

mentioned below are 10 different ways of keeping ourselves safe from his enticements. 

Shaytaan attacks us by:

1)  The evil of polytheism and disbelief;

2)  Then innovations;

3)  Next are the major sins;

4)  Then the minor sins;

5)  Subsequently, busying people with practicing Mubahaat (meaning Actions that one is neither ordered 

to or prohibited from performing

Specifically , such as eating or sleeping) instead of practicing good deeds [that one is rewarded for]; 

6)  Next is busying them with practicing deeds which are good instead of deeds which are better.

The reasons that safeguard a servant from the Shaytaan are ten:

1)  Seeking refuge with Allaah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala from him;

2)  Reading al Mu'awathatain [Surat an Nas and Surat al Falaq];

3)  Reading Ayatul Kursi;

4)  Reading Surat al Baqarah;

A Sermon warning against Shirk and its Causes

As Salaamu Alaikum!

Today we will share with you, one of the sermon of Shaykh Al-Islam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, p. 56  [Al-Khutab Al-Minbariyyah]. it warns us of the actions of shirk and also explains it's causes. Dear brothers and sisters, do not worship anyone except Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. And never make any person, prophet or any creature as a partner along with worshipping Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Worship Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala alone! Hope this information will further guide us, In sha Allah..

All thanks are due to Allah, Who did not create Jinn and mankind except that they should worship Him Alone.He did not grant them with His Favors except that they should praise Him. He has not revealed His Books and sent His Messengers to them except that they should know Him (by His Names and Attributes). I offer thanks and praises to Allah coming from a slave who fears Him and hopes in Him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah Alone without partners, Who is never asked about what He does while He will ask His creation about all that they do. I bear witness that Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam is Allah’s slave and Messenger who called his Ummah to Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism) and commanded them to fear Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and avoid His Wrath. O Allah! Bestow Your peace and blessings on Your slave and Messenger Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam, his progeny and his Companions who aided and helped him.

O people! Fear Allah the Exalted and feel His Watch over you. Obey His Commandments and never commit disobedience of Him. Know that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has not created you but to worship Him, and only ordered you to abide by His Tawheed and Lordship.

Tawheed asserts Allah's Oneness in worship, and it is the religion that all of Allah’s Messengers (`alayhis Salaam) were sent with to His slaves. Prophet Nooh (Noah) was the first of these Messengers, and Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala sent him to his people after they fell into Shirk (Polytheisrn) and sin. They used to revere righteous people and worship them instead of Allah, the Most Honored. The last of Allah's Messengers was Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) the honorable Prophet who shattered the images that were made in the shapes of worshipped righteous people. By this action falsehood vanished and the truth came forth plain and clear. Allah sent him to a people who performed acts of worship, Hajj and charity. They mentioned Allah often in Dhikr, as well. Yet, they elevated some of the creation to the rank of intermediaries between them and He Who has perfect knowledge of the seen and the unseen. They claimed that by doing this, they sought to draw close to Allah by the intercession of these worshipped objects

"And they worship besides Allah things that harrn thern not, nor profit thern, and they say: 'These are our intercessors with Allah.' Say: 'Do you inform Allah of that which He knows not in the heavens and on the earth?' Glorified and Exalted is He above all that which they associate as partners (with Him)!" (10:18)

Hence, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala sent Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) to renew the aspects of the religion of their father, Prophet Ibrahirn (`alayhis Salaam) which had faded away. He was sent to assure them that worshipping and invoking are the exclusive rights of Allah over all slaves. No part of worship is ever directed a prophet, angel or any other among the creation.

Therefore, O slaves of Allah, fear Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and implernent your faith by adhering to the implications of La ilaha illallah, before a Day when one will be confronted with all that he did. Verily, on that Day none will benefit any other, except by Allah's permission and pleasure.

 

"And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allah. And when the slave of Allah [Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam)] stood up invoking Him (his Lord - Allah) in prayer they (the jinn) just made round him a dense crowd as if sticking one over the other (in order to listen to the Prophet's recitation). Say [O Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam)]: 'I invoke only my Lord (Allah Alone), and I associate none as partners along with Him.' Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the Right Path." Say [O Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam)]: 'None can protect me from Allah’s punishment (if I were to disobey Him), nor can I find refuge except in Him. (Mine is) but conveyance (of the truth) from Allah and His Messages (of Islamic Monotheism), and whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever." (72:23)

May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala direct us and you to the blessings of the Glorious Quran and benefit us and you in whatever is in it of the Ayat and Wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great, Most Honored for forgiveness for me, you and all Muslims for every sin, so invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.

With Best Wishes

 www.waytoquran.tk

He who repents from the sin, then sins again and then again repents.

 As Salaamu Alaikum!

There are many of us who repent from a sin, then return the sin again, but repents again, then again returns to it (yet) again and so on. What is the ruling regarding the  repentance?

Let us see the answer:

These repentances are all correct, because whenever someone commits a sin then repents to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala  from (having committed) it and fulfills the conditions for repentance - then Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala accepts his repentance. And if he falls into the sin again, then he should repent for a second time, and then a third time and a fourth time as Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) says:

{Say: "O 'Ibaadee (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins} - [Translation of the Meaning, Soorah az-Zumar, Aayah 53]

However, that which is important is the repentance must be sincere and truthful, and that he must be determined never to return to (committing) that sin (again): His repentance must not be an empty one - that he repents, yet in his heart he has the intention to return to that sin - such a repentance is not genuine.

However, if his repentance is genuine, and at the time of committing the sin he was determined never to return to (committing that) sin (again), then if he was to commit the (same) sin again, his first repentance will not be nullified, rather, his first repentance is correct, and whenever he commits a sin and repents, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will forgive him.

-Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen I'laam al-Mu'aasireen bi-Fataawa Ibn 'Uthaymeen - Page 315

With Best Wishes
 www.waytoquran.tk

The beautiful cups .. (short story)

As Salaamu Alaikum!

Today's message will be in the form of a short story for all those people who are so stressed up with their work or lives.

A group of college students met after a couple of years in a Alumni meeting. Most of them had settled in their lives. Some had got good jobs, some were married, some had children already and their lives were completely different as to what it was in their college days. They met their Lecturer too who was a wise old man. He invited them to his house and these young men obliged. When they entered his house, the young men started talking about their lives and soon this discussion turned into complaints, problems about stress in work and life.

The Lecturer just smiled and went to the kitchen to get an assortment of cups - some porcelain, some in plastic, some in glass, some plain looking and some looked rather expensive and exquisite.

The Lecturer offered his former students the cups to get drinks for themselves.

When all the students had a cup in hand with water, the Lecturer spoke: "If you noticed, all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal that you only want the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. What all you wanted was water, not the cup, but we unconsciously went for the better cups."

"Just like in life, if Life is Water, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold/maintain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change."

"If we only concentrate on the cup, we won't have time to enjoy, taste and appreciate the water in it."

The lecturer continued his advice and said: "According to Noble Qur'an, the Sources of our problems are three:

We strain our eyes in longing for the things which other people have, and forget our own bounties given by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and forget to enjoy them. In the Noble Qur'an Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:

(20:131) Nor strain your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to parties of them, the splendor of the life of this world, through which We test them: but the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

We complain so much about trivial pains and problems we face in this world, while forget the actual suffering we may face in the Hereafter due to our wrongdoings and negligence. We also forget to realize that actual pleasure is in fulfilling our duty to ease the sufferings of people around us. In  Noble Qur'an Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:

(20:127) And thus do We recompense him who transgresses beyond bounds and believes not in the Signs of his Lord: and the Penalty of the Hereafter is far more grievous and more enduring.

We are so much after the conveniences and glitter of this world that we forget the core purpose of our life; which is a test with full of sufferings in order to obtain reward of PARADISE from our Lord in the Hereafter. In Noble Qur'an Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala  says:

(28:60) The (material) things which you are given are but the conveniences of this life and the glitter thereof; but that which is with Allah is better and more enduring: will you not then be wise?

We take the life in the world as permanent and spend all our sources just building it as if death is for 'somebody else and not me', while we forget the fact that eternal life is that of Hereafter.

(87:17) But the Hereafter is better and more enduring.

Let us stop complaining and enjoy and appreciate our life which is an investment for a blissful eternal life in the Hereafter.

Once Imam Ali (as) was asked: "If choice given, what would you prefer: life in this world or death?"

Imam Ali (as) surprised the man by replying: "I will select life in this world because through it I will be able to earn the pleasure of my Lord".

So dear friends, let us make this life an opportunity to serve our Lord Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala in the best of the ways and always appreciate and thank Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala  for the favours He has bestowed on you. Instead of complaining, let us thank Him for His endless blessings - ALHUMDULILLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN.

With Best Wishes

 www.waytoquran.tk

Du'a of Prophet Moosa (PBUH)

As Salaamu Alaikum

We will share today one of the Duas of Prophet Musa(peace be upon him) which is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an along with the translation and the story behind it:

"Rabbi innee limaa anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqeer"

O my Lord ! Truly I am in need of whatever good You bestow on me

[ Surah Al-Qasas ,verse 24 ]

This dua was made by Prophet Musa(peace be upon him) Allah [subhanahu wa taála] blessed him with everything that he needed when he made this dua.

This dua was made by Musa [may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ] , when he was threatened by the people of firaun..and he did not have any place to hide , and was at his extreme desperation ..just after reciting this dua , Hazrat Musa [may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ] saw two beautiful girls..he helped the girls water the sheep..and later their father offered him a job and his daughter too in marriage.

Everyone you meet here is a soldier fighting his own battle..everyones shoulder is burdened with grief..some are worried about jobs,marriages ,broken family, and some are burdened with everything...but Allah has given a way out of each difficulty, we just have to put our Trust in Him!

Story behind the Du'a:

Once upon a time Moosa Alaihi salaam was threatened to be killed by the people of firaun bcuz he killed someone unknowingly,by mistake..and he did not have
any place to hide ,no money to feed himself and was at his extreme desperation ..just after that he recited "Rabbi innee limaa anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqeer"
[O my Lord ! Truly I am in need of whatever good You bestow on me][ Surah Al-Qasas ,verse 24 ], Then Hazrat Musa [may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] saw two beautiful girls waìting in queue of men to water their sheeps..he helped the girls water the them..then their father shu'aib Alaihi salaam offered him a job and his daughter safura too in marriage...so he not only found a place to live,but also a job and a wise wife :)

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Similarities between Jesus & Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam)

1) Taught about the Oneness of God [Matthew 22:36-40 & Mark 10:18]

2) Prayed to GOD with his head on the ground (Matthew 26:39)

3) Said "Peace Be Unto You" [Shalom alaichm][Same as Assalamu alaikum] [John 20:26]

4) Never drink wine as prohibited in [Proverbs 20:1] [Ephesians 5:18] 

5) Never eat pork as prohibited in [Leviticus 11:7-8] [Deuteronomy 14:8]

6) Fasted [Matthew 4:2]

What these Prophets said about each other?

Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, "No child is born but that, Satan touches it when it is born except Mary and her Son (jesus)." [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 71]

Jesus christ (peace be upon him) said about Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam):

"I have yet many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you unto all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me".[John 16:12-14]

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you". [John 16:7]

Allah says 

"And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed.' But when he came to them with clear signs, they said, 'This is evident sorcery!' " [Al-Qur'an Chapter 61 Verse 6]

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Power Of Isatghfar!

As Salaamu Alaikum!

Say Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness of Allah)  whenever you want to seek forgiveness of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. It is not necessary that it should be said only after you have realised that you have sinned and have guilt feelings in your heart, you can say it all the time, because you never know when you had sinned even unintentionally and when you had done something which has been prohibited, even not knowing it. 

Astaghfirullah is the gateway of relief and happiness .. whenever you are in distress start reciting it and in shaa Allah it will take you out of your anxiety and will put you in a peaceful situation and will give you happiness In shaa Allah 

Benefits of 

►Istaghfar removes anxiety and duas are answered.

►Istaghfar opens the door of sustenance

►Istaghfar opens the door of mercy .

►Istaghfar opens the door of knowledge

►Istaghfar is also gateway of productivity !

►Istaghfar relieves you .. when you feel that sadness within you ..when you are disturbed and frustrated ..when anxiety surrounds you ..say Astaghfirullah Astaghfirullah ..

►Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, "If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.''[Abu Dawud].

►Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) not only made himself 70 till 100 times a day Istighfar and Taubah, but as well enjoined the Muslims to ask Allah Ta’ala frequently for forgiveness. One of the many virtues of Istighfar, that can be found in Ahadith, is that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala deals with the person engaging much in Istighfar in a similar way like with the servant attaining Taqwa.

► Sayyidina Abdullah bin Abbas (radhiallahu anho) narrates that Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “The one who (regularly) says Istighfaar, that is, frequently repent to Allah Ta’aala for sins committed, Allah ‘Azza Wa-Jalla will open a path from poverty and difficulties. All sorrow and hardship will be removed, and in its place prosperity and contentment granted. One will receive sustenance from unimagined and unexpected sources.”

►Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said in another Hadith: “The one who seeks forgiveness for Muslim males and females from Allah Ta’aala twenty six or twenty five times every day, Allah Ta’ala will count that person among those whose Du’a is accepted, and through the barakah of whom those on earth gain rizq (sustenance).

►In one minute, you can say ''Astaghfiru Allaah'' (I seek forgiveness of Allaah) more than 100 times. The virtue of seeking forgiveness is well-known, it is a reason of obtaining forgiveness, entering Paradise, having good provisions, increasing one's strength, repelling harm, having affairs facilitated, the descent of rain, and increasing in wealth and children. 

►Do Tasbih of Astaghfaar as much as you can every time you free. Allah will count you among those whose duas are accepted and Rizq is abundant if you seek forgiveness to all Muslims. Do Tasbih of Astaghfaar 100 times daily as it is also the Sunnah of Muhammad   (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).

►Reciting Astaghfiruallah is an effective method of calming our self and wipes away the variety of worldly worries from our mind and body. It may also help us, if we are suffering from depression, it calm us and lessen our depression.

►Astaghfirullah also helps us to refrain from all forms of sins. Regularly saying this reminds us that Allah is everywhere and in this way there is very small chances of doing wrongful actions.

►When you do something wrong, by only reciting Astaghfirullah, we can easily get forgiveness from Allah. We should also ask for forgiveness from the Almighty ALLAH for other people, in this way Allah not only forgives them but we might even get reward from ALLAH.

 

► The doors of repentance are always open therefore don't delay your repentance in a hope of tomorrow, as tomorrow is uncertain , REPENTnow ..and make it a habit to ask Allah's forgiveness atleast 100 times a day simply by reciting Astaghfirullah ("I seek forgiveness from Allah") , it hardly takes 1 min and please encourage others also In shaa Allah 

►Say i believe in Allah's mercy ..yes i hv sin ..yes i hv gone astray .. yes i hv been negligent .. but still i believe in Allah's soothing mercy and forgiveness ..i'll not despair !

►Do lots of Istaghfaar whenever you are stuck and thats the proven way!

►Do not despair from Allah's mercy no matter how critical a situation may seem

►When you are really stuck and you say to yourself this is it am gonna quit now ! just pray two rakah and ask Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and beg Allah to guide you if its khair for you to continue it and opens the door for you and if its not khair for you then show you a way out of it in a good way

► Frequent the saying of Astaghfirullah. The Prophet  (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to say it 70-100 times a day. Don't only say it because of sin but because it keeps the heart pure and reminds us that we will one day be held accountable for all that we do, and should seek forgiveness before it's too late.

 

►One of the benefits of Istaghfar is increment in Children 

Saying, 'Ask forgiveness from your Lord; for He is Oft-Forgiving;'He will send rain to you in abundance;'Give you increase in wealth and sons; and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers (of flowing water). [ Surah Nuh : 10-13 ]

In these above verses we find that Hazrat Nuh ( May Allah be pleased with him )is addressing to his people, advising them to ask forgiveness (Istaghfar) and describing them the benefits of it


So, make Istaghfar in abundance , and if Allah wills, He will bestow you with righteous children Ameen Summa Ameen

► This story about “Istighfar”

This story about “Istighfar” is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, who is considered as a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian.
During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was travelling he stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the masjid yard because he didn’t know anyone in the town. Owing to his humility, he hadn’t introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.
Failing to recognize Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and offered to be the host to him for the night. During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant practice of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications), except one. When he asked him what dua was it that hadn’t been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal.
On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah had not only listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the baker’s) doorsteps.
[Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7]

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Compilation of Easy and Quick Dhikr

As Salaamu Alaikum!

Ramadaan is over, but let us not stop ourselves from continuing the good deeds which we had been doing in Ramadaan. We worshipped Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, made Dhikr and fasted for Him, in Ramadaan, but now Ramadaan is over, so do not let your enthusiasm stop here. Do not lose hope or give up on Him! Worship Him and serve Him and Him alone!

Many a times, we have lot of time in our hands, but do not use it efficiently and then we complain that some of our work is remaining due to lack of time. What we need is proper time management. Doing Dhikr too is easy and not difficult as many people think so. There are several good deeds which a person can do in a minute. Let us see what these are:

In Just ONE minute we can recite SubhanAllah around 100 times 

In Just ONE minute we can recite Astaghfirullah around 100 times

In Just ONE minute we can recite sallallahu alayhi wasallam (Duroodon the Holy Prophet) around 50 times 
In Just ONE minute we can recite SubhanAllah, Alhumdulillah, AllahuAkbar 33,33,34 times respectively before going to sleep.
In Just ONE minute we can recite la ilaha illallah (There is no God but Allah)  around 50 times 
In Just ONE minute we can recite subhanallahi wabihamdihi around 100 times 
In Just ONE minute you can recite this dhikr thrice after fajar salah and can earn and make your scale of good deeds heavier In shaa Allah ..these words are Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, `adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah `arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi


[ Allah-Jallah jalala hu, is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, 
equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)].''( Muslim)

 

In Just 6-7 seconds we can recite Dhikr for eternal PEACE in life

‘Astaghfirullaaha (3 times) Allaahumma ‘Antas-Salaamu wa minkas-salaamu, tabaarakta yaa Dhul-Jalaali Wal-’Ikraam

Ruling on Eid and the Sunnahs of Eid

As Salaamu Alaikum!

I wish you and your family Eid Mubarak. May Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) bless us and unite us and solve our problems! Aameen!

Allaah has set out several rulings concerning Eid, including the following: 

1 – It is mustahabb to recite takbeer during the night of Eid from sunset on the last day of Ramadaan until the imam comes to lead the prayer. The format of the takbeer is as follows: 

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allaah). 

Or you can say Allaahu akbar three times, so you say:

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great , Allaah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allaah). 

Both are permissible. 

Men should raise their voices reciting this dhikr in the marketplaces, mosques and homes, but women should not raise their voices. 

2 – You should wear your best clothes – this is for men. With regard to women, they should not wear beautiful clothes when they go out to the Eid prayer-place, because the Prophet  (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam)  said: “Let them go out looking decent” i.e., in regular clothes that are not fancy. It is haraam for them to go out wearing perfume and makeup. 

3 – Some of the scholars regarded it as mustahabb to do ghusl for the Eid prayer, because it is narrated that some of the salaf did this. Doing ghusl for Eid prayer is mustahabb, just as it is prescribed for Jumu’ah because one is going to meet people. So if one does ghusl, that is good. 

4 – If Jumu’ah and Eid fall on the same day, the Eid prayer should be held, as should Jumu’ah prayer, as is indicated by the apparent meaning of the hadeeth of al-Nu’maan ibn Basheer which was narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh. But those who attend the Eid prayer with the imam may attend Jumu’ah if they wish.

5– One of the rulings on the day of Eid – Eid al-Fitr – is that Zakaat al-Fitr is due on this day. The Prophet  (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) enjoined that it should be paid before the Eid prayer. It is permissible to pay it one or two days before that, because of the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) which was narrated by al-Bukhaari: “They used to give it one or two days before (Eid) al-Fitr.” If it is paid after the Eid prayer, it does not count as Sadaqat al-Fitr, because of the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas: “Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is Zakaat al-Fitr, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is ordinary charity.” It is haraam to delay Zakaat al-Fitr until after the Eid prayer. If one delays it with no excuse then it is not acceptable zakaah, but if there is an excuse – such as if a person is traveling and does not have anything to give or anyone to give it to, or he is expecting his family to pay it and they are expecting him to pay it, then in this case he should pay it when it is easy for him to do so, even if that is after the prayer, and there is no sin on him because he has an excuse. 

6 – People should greet one another, but that results in haraam actions on the part of many people, such as men entering houses and shaking hands with unveiled women without any mahram being present. Some of these evils are worse than others.

Congratulations and good wishes exchanged by people can be anything, no matter what the wording, such as saying to one another Taqabbala Allaah minna wa minkum (May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you” or “Eid mubaarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations.

7- Some people have the custom of going out to the graveyard on the day of Eid to greet the occupants of the graves, but the occupants of the graves have no need of any greeting or congratulations, because they do not fast or pray qiyaam. 

8 – There is nothing wrong with what men do on the day of Eid of embracing one another. 

9 – It is prescribed for the one who goes out to the Eid prayer to go by one route and return by another, following the example of the Messenger of Allaah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam). This Sunnah does not apply to other prayers, Jumu’ah or anything else, it only applies to Eid.

It was said that the reason for that was so that the two routes would testify for him on the Day of Resurrection, for the earth will speak on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and bad. 

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