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 :)

With Best Wishes

 www.waytoquran.tk

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]

With Best Wishes
www.ewaytoquran.tk

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]

With Best Wishes

 www.waytoquran.tk

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. 

With Best Wishes
www.gatewaytoquran.tk

The virtues of Laylatul Qadr

Dear Readers, As Salaamu Alaikum!

Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu `anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Whosoever performs the night prayer on the night of Al-Qadr with Eemaan (firm belief) and seeking reward will have all his past sins forgiven ." [1]

This hadeeth is evidence for the virtue of the night of Al-Qadr as well as performing qiyaam during it. And it indicates that it is a grand night, which Allah has honored and made better than a thousand months in regards to its blessing and the blessings found in the righteous deeds that are performed in it. Thus it is better than the worship of a thousand months and that is equivalent to eighty-three years and four months. Due to this, whoever performs qiyaam (night prayer) with true faith and while seeking reward in it, will be forgiven his past sins. There were certain verses concerning this virtue:

Allaah says:

"We sent it (the Qur'aan) down on a blessed night. Verily We are Ever-Warning. Therein (on that night) is decreed every matter of ordainment ." [2]

Therefore, it is a “blessed night” meaning it possesses much good and blessing due to its merit and the great reward that awaits the one who does good deeds in it. Among its blessings, is that Allaah revealed the Qur’aan in it. Allaah says:

"Verily, We have sent it (the Qur'aan) down in the night of Al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is? The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (Jibreel) by their Lord's permission with all decrees. (All that night) there is peace, until the appearance of dawn ." [3]

Our Life is an Ongoing Test

Dear Readers, As Salaamu Alaikum!

Nothing on earth is created in vain, but rather with wisdom.  Understanding this fact depends on the wisdom of people themselves. One whose faith and consequently whose wisdom and prudence increase, will happen to grasp this reasoning much better in time.

One of the most important precepts is that we are being tested throughout our whole lives.  Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala tests our sincerity and our faith on different occasions. He may give favours to test whether we are grateful to Him or not.  He may create difficulties, for us, to reveal whether we behave with patience or not:

"Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned."  [Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:35] 

We are to be tested in various ways. This is explained in the Qur’an in the verse below:
"And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirun (the patient)."  [Al-Baqarah 2:155]

The Last Sprint – Ways to Keep Yourself Motivated in the last few days of Ramadaan

Dear Readers, As Salaamu Alaikum!

The race for good deeds starts with huge momentum at the beginning of Ramadan, but somewhere down the race some of us slow down. With only few days left till end of Ramadan, we need to make that one last sprint in order to finish strong and be among the winners! Nothing is more disappointing than an athlete who had a good run for the first 400m then messes up the last 100m sprint!

In this article, you’ll learn about ways to keep yourself motivated in the remaining few days of Ramadan.

Below is a list of top tips to stay motivated during the remainder of Ramadan.

• Keep intentions pure:

Intentions are the key drivers for a Muslim, and as Muslims we should have one main intention and that is to serve Allah (glorified and exalted be He) and attain the best destination: Jannah.

• Overcome obstacles:

Acknowledging internal and external obstacles that are stopping you from continuing on a productive path. Destroy internal obstacles with the tools and techniques Islam equipped you with; concepts such as patience, trust in Allah, and Ihsaan are great concepts to help you overcome psychological and emotional barriers. For external obstacles, such as timing, work, political issues, etc don’t let them bog you down and just keep going!

• Take it one step at a time:

One of the reasons that some people get tired around this time of Ramadan is that we almost unrealistically expect to change overnight during ramadan whilst it takes the remaining 11 months of struggle to adapt to the new habits. Change won’t happen in the space of a few days: even world-class athletes can’t physically do a sprint without plenty of advance training sessions. For every daily act of ibadah, we must treat it in the same way as athletes do with training. Each day in ramadan is a buildup to the finale (The Last 10 Nights) where you aim for peak performance.

• Treat yourself:

We’re not suggesting that you should go for an all out 5 day holiday package! We refer here to a small treat (nothing extravagant) to reward yourself with for meeting a target at regular intervals in Ramadan. For example, if you were able to pray your night prayers for example – treat yourself to a new book you have perhaps been eager to buy. These treats provide a motivational booster to facilitate your actions.

• Finders keepers:

Which new good deed have you found during this Ramadan that you want to keep after Ramadan? Perhaps it is the night prayer or the recitation of at least a page of the Qur’an. Whichever good habit that you’re starting to enjoy, keep them! (Similarly, whichever bad habits you’re relieved to have stopped, never go back to them again!)

• Be in good company:

Companionship plays a fundamental role in motivation. Finding good company might be hard in our surroundings, but choose those places and times when you are likely to be amongst pious people of knowledge, understanding, humility, modesty and those conscious of Allah (glorified and exalted be He). Join circles where you may find such brothers/sisters to befriend and most importantly – make dua Allah (glorified and exalted be He) grants you good companionship. For example: supplicate: ‘Oh Allah, guide me towards righteous company’.

• Don’t be over confident:

One of the reasons we slow down after 15-20 days of Ramadan is we feel that we’ve done ‘enough’. However, we must remember that any action of worship we perform is dependant on Allah (glorified and exalted be He) and we are not capable of performing these acts without His Mercy and Guidance.  

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Tafsir of Surah al 'Alaq - The Clot (Surah 96)... Verses 13-19

Dear Readers, As Salaamu Alaikum

Today we will do Tafsir of verses 13-19 of Surah Al 'Alaq (The Clot)

13) Hast thou seen if he denieth (Allah’s guidance) and is forward?

14) Is he then unaware that Allah seeth?

15) No indeed! If he does not desist, We will seize him by the forelock –

16) a lying, sinful forelock!

17) Let him call his henchmen,

18) We will call the guards of Hell!

19) No indeed, do not obey him, but prostrate and draw near (to Allah).


Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) proceeds to threaten those who persists in such a state, “No indeed! If he does not desist,” from what he says and does “We will seize him by the forelock,” forcibly, harshly as is befitting “a lying,” in what it says “sinful” in what it does “forelock! Let him” who is deserving of this punishment “call his henchmen,” his companions and friends, and those around him to help him out of his predicament. “We will call the guards of Hell,” to seize him and torment him.

Carefully consider which of the two groups is mightier and more able! This then is the state of this prohibiter and the punishment he is threatened with. As for the one who is being prohibited, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) orders him never to lend ear to such a person, “No indeed, do not obey him,” for he commands only to that which will bring loss and anguish“but prostrate,” to your Lord “and draw near,” to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) in prostration and outside of prostration by performing all the various duties of obedience: all of them draw one closer to Him and His good-pleasure.

This is general to every prohibiter and every person prohibited even though the specific occasion of revelation concerned Abu Jahl when he prohibited the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (Sallalahu Alaihi Wassallam) from praying and tormented him and harmed him.

So dear friends, let us follow these verses and learn a lesson. No matter how much influential or powerful we are in this world, we still have to return to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). And if a person is a transgressor or disbeliever or the one who desist men and women from worshipping Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he is warned that he will be flung from his forelock and thrown in hell fire, his power and influence which he gathered in this world will never help him to save the torment of hell. His friends and well wishers on this earth can never come and help him too.

This verse should install fear in our hearts of the punishment of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). Let us not be ignorant and let us learn and follow the religion. Teach it to others and fear Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). Never stop anyone from worshipping Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). And similarly, do not obey anyone who stops you from worshipping Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). Race with each other in good deeds and keep the Qur’an and Sunnah in your mind and in your actions.

With Best Wishes

 www.ewaytoquran.tk

Longing for Ramazan

Assalam o Alaikum Brothers and Sisters in Islam

Recognising and appreciating the great favours of Allaah, among which are the virtues of certain seasons and the opportunity of worshipping Allaah during them:

Imaam Ibn Rajab  said: “Allaah has made some months more virtuous than others just as He has made some days and nights more virtuous than others; an example of this is His making the Night of Al-Qadr (the loft night during which matters are decreed) better than one thousand months; Also, Allaah swore by the first ten days of the month of Thul-Hijjah to reflect their virtue.”

Every one of these virtuous seasons has certain acts of worship and specific forms of obedience to Allaah, and blissful is he who utilises these seasons, months, days or hours to draw closer to Him.

Muhammad Ibn Maslamah  narrated that the Prophet  said:“Amongst the days of Allaah are seasons of mercy, so expose yourselves to them; perhaps one of you will attain some of this mercy and therefore never suffer after that.” [At-Tabaraani]

Mujaahid  said: “Every new day that arrives addresses the son of Aadam saying: `O son of Aadam! I have come to you at this moment never to return; therefore, analyse what you do during my stay.` Once it has ended, it is folded and sealed, and will remain so until Allaah opens the seal on the Day of Resurrection.”

He  also said: “O son of Aadam! A new day is your guest, and every guest eventually departs with either praise or dispraise for you - and your nights do likewise."

Bakr Al-Muzani  said: “Every new day calls, saying: `O son of Aadam! Utilise me; perhaps you will not have any day after me` - and the nights say the same.”

Once, three men came to the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and embraced Islam; they then went and stayed with Abu Talhah . Later, the Prophet  sent these men in a batch of troops to a battle, and one of them was martyred; at a later date, the Prophet  sent the remaining two in another batch of troops to another battle, during which another of the three was martyred; at a later time, the third died in his house. After this, Abu Talhah  said: “I saw these three men in a dream and saw that they were in Paradise. The leader of the three was the last one, who died on his bed in his house, followed by the second martyr, while the first one who was martyred was last, so I went to the Prophet  and informed him about the dream; he said: “Are you surprised by the order that they were in (in) Paradise? Didn’t the latter one stay a year longer, during which he fasted the month of Ramadhaan and prayed such and such prayers?”  It was said: “Yes!” Then he  said: “The distance between them (in Paradise) is like that between the heavens and the earth.”

Some of the Salaf  said: “Prayer takes you half of the (distance) of the road, fasting leads you to the gate of the King (i.e., Allaah) and charity takes you by your hand into His presence (i.e., to the attainment of His pleasure).”

Apologies to you, O Ramadhaan! You used to come to people who prepared to meet you, understood your secrets and appreciated your reality; they would thus await your arrival and prepare for you by praying, fasting, and performing other acts of worship; they would supplicate to Allaah for six months prior to your arrival that He would allow them to live long enough to enjoy your virtuous period; they would then supplicate during the remainder of the year for Allaah to accept the deeds that they performed during your stay. They would say: ‘O Allaah! Make us live long enough to reach Ramadhaan, and accept (the deeds we perform in it) from us.’

These people appreciated that you came to teach them how to elevate themselves above the animalistic conduct of having their main objectives being eating, drinking and satisfying their sexual desire. They realised that you came to teach them how to divest themselves of their desires.

Once, ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn ‘Awf  was fasting, and when the time came for him to break his fast, two types of food were brought to him; when he saw this, he began to weep. His wife asked him why he was crying, to which he replied: “I remembered the day Mus’ab Ibn ‘Umayr died, and nothing could be found to shroud him except a small garment, (it was so small) that when we covered his head, his feet would be exposed, and when we covered his feet, his head would be uncovered; but today, I am enjoying these types of food, and I fear that we are exhausting all our share of pleasures by enjoying them now.”

O Ramadhaan! But nowadays, who do you meet when you arrive? People whose opinion of you is that you are a month of hunger and thirst during the day, and stuffed stomachs during the night; people who think of you as a month of cooking varied dishes in outrageous quantities; people whose preparation for meeting you was nothing except to supply themselves with food and drink, it is as if you only came to teach them the art of cooking and preparing meals in varied forms.

Apologies to you, O Ramadhaan! You used to come to people who would stay up at night in worship during you; they realised that you are a season of virtue and they therefore sacrificed everything during your stay. They heard the saying of Allaah (which means): "A limited number of days…" [Quran 2: 184] Thus, they certainly did not wish to miss out during these few days.

You would look at them and they would be crying, standing in the optional night prayers, heedless of this life, their main worry being the Hereafter; they shunned this life and would prostrate and supplicate, placing their hope only in Allaah.

Safwaan Ibn Saleem  would pray the optional night prayer until his veins became protruded and their green colour would become apparent.

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab  would cry to the extent that there became two permanent lines engraved on his face.

‘Abdullaah Ibn Al-Fudhayl  heard a verse that made him faint and fall; it was the saying of Allaah  (which means): "If you could but see when they are made to stand before the Fire and will say: 'Oh, would that we could be returned [to life on earth] and not deny the signs of our Lord and be among the believers.'" [Quran 6: 27]

It surely is applicable to these people, the saying of Allaah (which means): "Their sides part [i.e., they arise] from [their] beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration, and from what We have provided them, they spend. And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes [i.e., satisfaction] as reward for what they used to do. " [Quran 32: 16-17]

O Ramadhaan! But nowadays, who do you meet when you arrive? Miserable people whose only worry during the night is entertainment and frivolity; foolish people who have abandoned prayers and busied themselves with satellite television channels; lazy people, some of whom only strive to pray eight Rak’ahs of Taraweeh with the Imaam and then leave the mosque, bragging about it as if they have therefore fulfilled their due worship and all other responsibilities towards Allaah; hardhearted people who hear the Qur’aan being recited day and night and yet whose hearts do not move, and whose eyes never shed a tear.

O Ramadhaan! Forgive us! Our hearts have become hard and our eyes are dry; we no longer feel the sweetness of obedience to you, nor do we sense the beauty of worship.

Apologies to you, O Ramadhaan! You used to come to people who were brothers without any blood relationship, but they realised the value of brotherhood, understood its significance, and thus fulfilled its rights; they perfectly comprehended the saying of the Prophet when he said: “A Muslim is the brother of his fellow Muslim.”

They would be like a single body, the elders would be merciful towards the young and the young would honour the elders; they lived compassionate lives and dealt with each other based on love; they lived in harmony and had no hatred, envy or spite. They would suffer at the suffering of their brothers and strive to fulfil the needs of their brethren.

Once, a man came to Ibn ‘Abbaas  and found him residing in the mosque during I’tikaaf; he asked him to help him fulfil a need, so Ibn ‘Abbaas  stood up to accompany him and help him, so people said to him: “You are in your I’tikaaf! How can you leave?” He  replied:“It is better for me (i.e. more rewarding) to accompany my brother, aiming to fulfil his need, than staying in I’tikaaf for two full months in the mosque of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.”

O Ramadhaan! But nowadays, you only meet people who have replaced brotherhood with enmity, and love with hatred; it is as if they have never heard the saying of the Prophet : “Deeds are raised to Allaah every Monday and Thursday, and He forgives all people except for any two who have a dispute among them; it will be said: `Delay these two until they reconcile.`”

You only come nowadays to find people whose sense of brotherhood, as well as the bond set forth between them by Allaah, has diminished; they do not react to the disasters of their fellow Muslims around the globe. They are not moved when their sisters are raped, or their rights are transgressed; it is as if they have never heard the saying of theProphet : “He who is not concerned about the worries of other Muslims is not one of them.” You only come nowadays to find people who hardly even know anything about their next door neighbour.

Apologies to you, O Ramadhaan! These are our wounds and this is the reality in which we live!

I`tikaf

Dear Readers, As Salaamu Alaikum!



I`tikaf (seclusion in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan) is for the completion of the benefits of fasting. If a person has remained denied of inner peace and tranquility and has been unable to concentrate on prayer and supplication during the earlier part of Ramadan, he can make amends for it through i`tikaf. 


In Zad Al-Ma`ad, the prominent scholar Ibn Al-Qayyim says— 


The basic purpose of i`tikaf is that the heart gets attached to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, and, with it, one attains inner composure and equanimity; preoccupation with the mundane things of life ceases, and the state is reached in which all fears, hopes, and apprehensions are superseded by the love and remembrance of Allah  Subhanahu wa Ta'ala; every anxiety is transformed into the anxiety for Him; every thought and feeling is blended with the eagerness to gain His nearness and to earn His good favor, and devotion to the Almighty is generated instead of devotion to the world. This is the provision for the grave where there will be neither a friend nor a helper. This is the high aim and purpose of i`tikaf, which is the specialty of the most sublime part of Ramadan, that is, the last ten days. 
 

Similarly, Shah Waliullah remarks in his Hujjatullahi Al-Balighah— 


Since i`tikaf in the mosque is a means to the attainment of peace of mind and purification of the heart, and it affords an excellent opportunity for forging an identity with the angels and having a share in the blissfulness of Laylat Al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), and for devoting oneself to prayer and meditation, Allah  Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has set apart the last ten days of the month of Ramadan for it and made it a sunnah for His pious and virtuous slaves. 


The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) always observed i`tikaf and the Muslims have, on the whole, adhered to it.  `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) relates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam)  regularly observed i`tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan till the end of his life. After him, his wives carried on this practice of observing I`tikaf regularly. (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) 


It is related by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam)  observed i`tikaf for ten days every year in the month of Ramadan. In the year of his death he did it for twenty days (Al-Bukhari). 


It is recommended that every Muslim make at least one I`tikaf in his/ her life. There must be at least few people in every community who should do it in every Masjid every year to keep this tradition alive. Men should do I`tikaf in the Masjid so that they can pray in Jama`ah (congregation) and also offer the Friday prayers. Women can also do I`tikaf, but theirs must be at home for reasons of modesty and for their own convenience. There is a great blessing in I`tikaf and people who do it bring blessings upon themselves, upon their families, and upon the Muslim community at large. 


The Sunnah of I`tikaf is that one make the intention and begin the I`tikaf on the evening of the 20th of Ramadan from sunset time and continue until the sighting of the moon for `Edul-Fitr. During I`tikaf men should stay in the Masjid day and night and should not leave it except for the use of toilet or shower. They are allowed to eat also inside the Masjid, but if it is not convenient they may go outside and come back as soon as they finish. 


During I`tikaf one should spend most of one’s time in prayer, reading the Qur’an, dhikr, and reflection. Engaging in business and other worldly conversation and activities is not allowed during I`tikaf. However, attending a Janazah (Funeral) or visiting a sick person or leaving for any emergency is permissible.

By Sheikh Abu Al-Hasan `Ali Nadvi

With Best Wishes
www.waytoquran.tk

Holy Qur’an

Religion has always been there; even long before we could ever expect. This is not a religious fanatic making such claims, but this is what comes to surface by historians and explorers. They are just amazed to see no matter how old a civilization they might come across while digging and excavating; it has got its religious symbols and manifests of one type or the other.

This is simply because Allah Almighty, the one and only creator of the whole universe did not set to rest after creating the universe and human beings; but He also bestowed His favorite creatures (human beings) the guidance and assistance they needed. That is why Allah (SWT) endowed humanity with more than one hundred and twenty four thousand of His Messengers.

In fact, this very fact is mentioned quite clearly in Qur’an, the final Scripture that Allah Almighty chose to reveal upon the final Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) more than 1400 years ago in the following words:

For We assuredly sent amongst every People a messenger, (with the Command) “Serve Allah, and eschew Evil”: of the people were some whom Allah guided, and some on whom Error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth). (16:36)

Now, this is something for which Muslims (in particular and all people in general) are advised to learn Qur’an, since it contains so diverse, profound, and true knowledge. As knowledge is not deemed significant without sharing it further; Muslims are also advised not only to learn Qur’an themselves, but also to help others learn it. Look what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said about Quran teaching and learning:

“The best of you is he who has learnt the Qur’an and then taught it.” (Bukhari)

The fact that Qur’an proves as the ultimate source of truth and guidance is also authenticated by conversion of countless non Muslims to Muslims in past couple of decades; in fact, much so after 9/11 debacle back in 2001. The truth is that anti-Muslim forces conspired globally to blame Islam for such an insane act, which is nothing but pure fabrication and totally contradictory to Islamic teachings and beliefs. Look at the following verse from Holy Quran:

On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land. (5:32)

Killing someone for unjust reason is a serious issue; let us see what Qur’an tells us on smallest concern of calling each other bad names and backbiting:

“You who believe, do not let one (set of) people make fun of another set.” “Do not defame one another.” “Do not insult by using nicknames.” “Do not backbite or speak ill of one another.” (49:11-12)

Do you think a religion instructing its followers to act so politely and nicely in smallest domains of life would advise them or want them to act as insane as killing thousands of people for any unjustifiable reasons? Definitely not, and it is these clear, open, precise, and eloquent instructions from Allah Almighty stated in Qur’an that turn people towards it. If by any circumstances, you have not been able to go through the content of glorious Qur’an till now, one of the best ways to do so these days is to WAY TO QURAN where expert Qur’an teachers assist students all across the world in learning and understanding Qur’an.

Nobody can deny the fact that every living being has to perish one day or the other. Much better is the case to learn and acknowledge the biggest reality and submit ourselves truly to the might of great lord Allah (SWT) for our own betterment before it is too late. Make sure you are among the ones who do so before it is too late!