Verses of the Week
10. It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle.
11. With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought.
12. He has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the sun and the moon; and the stars are in subjection by His Command: verily in this are Signs for men who are wise.
13. And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colours (and qualities): verily in this is a sign for men who celebrate the praises of Allah (in gratitude).
14. It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful.
15. And He has set up on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and rivers and roads; that ye may guide yourselves;
16. And marks and sign-posts; and by the stars (men) guide themselves.
17. Is then He Who creates like one that creates not? Will ye not receive admonition?
18. If ye would count up the favors of Allah, never would ye be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
19. And Allah doth know what ye conceal, and what ye reveal.
20. Those whom they invoke besides Allah create nothing and are themselves created.
21. (They are things) dead, lifeless: nor do they know when they will be raised up.
22. Your Allah is one Allah. as to those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts refuse to know, and they are arrogant.
23. Undoubtedly Allah doth know what they conceal, and what they reveal: verily He loveth not the arrogant.
هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ مِنْ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً لَكُمْ مِنْهُ شَرَابٌ وَمِنْهُ شَجَرٌ فِيهِ تُسِيمُونَ
يُنْبِتُ لَكُمْ بِهِ الزَّرْعَ وَالزَّيْتُونَ وَالنَّخِيلَ وَالأَعْنَابَ وَمِنْ كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَةً لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمْ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ وَالنُّجُومُ مُسَخَّرَاتٌ بِأَمْرِهِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآياتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
وَمَا ذَرَأَ لَكُمْ فِي الأَرْضِ مُخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَانُهُ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَةً لِقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ
وَهُوَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ الْبَحْرَ لِتَأْكُلُوا مِنْهُ لَحْمًا طَرِيًّا وَتَسْتَخْرِجُوا مِنْهُ حِلْيَةً تَلْبَسُونَهَا وَتَرَى الْفُلْكَ مَوَاخِرَ فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِنْ فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
وَأَلْقَى فِي الأَرْضِ رَوَاسِيَ أَنْ تَمِيدَ بِكُمْ وَأَنْهَارًا وَسُبُلاً لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ
وَعَلاَمَاتٍ وَبِالنَّجْمِ هُمْ يَهْتَدُونَ
أَفَمَنْ يَخْلُقُ كَمَنْ لاَ يَخْلُقُ أَفَلاَ تَذَكَّرُونَ
وَإِنْ تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ لاَ تُحْصُوهَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَغَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تُسِرُّونَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُونَ
وَالَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ لاَ يَخْلُقُونَ شَيْئًا وَهُمْ يُخْلَقُونَ
أَمْوَاتٌ غَيْرُ أَحْيَاءٍ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ أَيَّانَ يُبْعَثُونَ
إِلَهُكُمْ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَالَّذِينَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بالآخِرَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ مُنكِرَةٌ وَهُمْ مُسْتَكْبِرُونَ
لاَ جَرَمَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ إِنَّهُ لاَ يُحِبُّ الْمُسْتَكْبِرِينَ[16:10-23]
Hadiths of the Week99 Perfect Names and Attributes of Allah
(Asma-o Allah al-Husna)
"His are the best (or most beautiful) names."
(17:110; 20:8; and 7:180)
p.s. It is not possible to perfectly translate the names and attributes of Allah subhanahu wataala from their original Arabic into English. However, I am trying to provide you with many different but fairly close explanations.
Name of the Week
Al-Shakour الشكور
The Most Appreciating
The Most appreciating is He Who endows abundantly and lavishly even if deeds are minute, and rewards the simple duties; Allah endues people with high degrees and bestows unlimited bliss for the limited deeds.
Allah guides people to take heed and to be grateful to Him; in the Qur'an He praises his thankful worshipers, He says, "..how excellent in Our service ever did he turn to Us!" (38:30).
Appreciation could be by praise and could also be by giving something as a reward; when praise is bestowed from someone of dignity, then his praise has its great value; the more the reward the greater the giver. Since Allah, Praise and Glory be to Him, rewards the human being lavishly with much greater rewards than his good deeds, then no one can ever imagine a more gracious reward.
How to Show Gratitude
Always, start and end with the name of Allah
The Messenger of Allah salallahu alaihi wasallam said, "Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three [Gulps]. Mention the Name of Allah when you start drinking and praise Him after you have finished Drinking.'' [tirmidhi]
The Messenger of Allah salallahu alaihi wasallam said, "Allah is pleased with His slave who says: `Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)' when he takes a morsel of food and drinks a draught of water.''
[Muslim]
Praying at night
Ayesha reported: "The Prophet used to offer prayers at night (for such a long time) that his feet used to crack. I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Why do you do it since Allah has forgiven you your faults of the past and those to follow?' He said, 'Shouldn't I love to be a grateful servant?'" (Bukhari)
Joke of the week
A young boy came home from school burning mad.
"I'm not going back to school tomorrow!" he declared, in no uncertain terms.
"What do you mean you're not going back to school tomorrow?" asked his mother.
"Well, here's how it is. On Monday, the teacher told me that four and four make eight. On Tuesday, she told me the five and three make eight. On Wednesday, she told me that six and two make eight. And today, she told me that seven and one make eight."
"And?" prompted his bewildered mother.
"And I'm not going back until she makes up her mind!"
Story of the Week
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving fiance. He was always there for her. She told her fiance, "If I could only see the world, I will marry you."
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her fiance.
He asked her, "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl looked at her fiance and saw that he was blind too. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life, led her to break off the engagement and refuse to marry him.
Her fiance left in tears. Days later wrote a note to her saying, "Take good care of your eyes my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine."
This is how the human brain often works. When our status changes, only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situation.
Life Is a Gift from Allah subhanahu wa taala so keep some positive thoughts in your mind.
Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who left this life too early.
Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance on their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and Alhamdulillah!
Wisdom of the Week"So know that the world - and whatever is above it and below in the water - will not be corrected except when the actions of its people are all for Allah. The actions of the body follow on from the actions and intentions of the heart. So when the actions and intentions of the heart are purely for Allah alone, then it is corrected, and likewise the actions of the body will also be correct. However, if the actions and intentions of the heart are for other than Allah, then it is corrupted, and likewise the actions of the body will be corrupted in proportion to how much the heart is corrupted.
Hearts will not be corrected until the knowledge and realization of Allah - being in awe of His greatness, loving Him, fearing Him, hoping in Him, relying and trusting in Him - is not firmly implanted in them. This is the reality of Tawheed and the meaning of the saying: laa ilaaha illallaah (that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah). Thus, hearts will not be corrected until Allah is made the ilaah (deity) to be known, to be loved, feared and hoped in, and that He - along with this - becomes the only ilaah (deity) worthy of this, without associating any partner to Him in this.
Indeed, we may begin to appreciate the greatness of Allah - the Most High - and being in awe of Him, by considering some narrations regarding what He - the Most High - has created.
He sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "The seven Heavens compared to the Kursee is like a ring in which is thrown into a desert. And such is the magnitude of the Arsh (the Throne of Allah) compared with the Kursee."So, the need of the servants for this (type of) knowledge is greater than every other need; and it is the most necessary of all things for him, since there is no life for the hearts, nor any delight, nor any tranquility, except through knowing their Lord, the only One Who deserves to be worshiped, their Creator - with His Names, His Attributes and His Actions, and that He - along with all that - is more beloved to the person than anything else. So man's striving is with regards to everything that will draw him nearer to Allah, to the exclusion of the creation. So the people who know Allah the best, are the ones who best follow the way to Him; and know best what lies at the end of the way."
~By ibn Rajab
Sunnah of the Week
show gratitude as soon as you receive good news
When the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to receive good news, he would prostrate himself and give thanks to Allah.
Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf (radee Allahu 'anhu) narrated: "The Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) entered upon us in the mosque, stood facing the qiblah, then prostrated himself and remained in sujud for a long time. I said to him, "O Messenger of Allah, you prostrated yourself for such a long time that we thought Allah had taken your soul." He said "Jibril came to me with good news. He told me: "Allah says, whoever sends blessings on you, I will send sixty blessings on him in return and whoever salutes you, I will salute him in return", so I prostrated myself and gave thanks to Allah."
Allah loves to see the effect of his bounties on his slaves
The Prophet sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam said: "Eat, drink and give out in charity without arrogance or exaggeration, because Allah loves to see the effect of His Bounties on His slave." Therefore, the limit when expressing and showing the effect of the favours from Allah on oneself is to neither be boastful and proud, nor to exaggerate.
Website of the Week
http://seekersguidance.org/Videos of the Week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1sU7fMfEtQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJqe2wn2Za8
Quotes of the Week
"To attain gratitude, we should not look at those who have been blessed more than us, but those who have been blessed less, and they are so many. Those who fail to do this are always complaining about their difficulties and problems, and are never blessed with satisfaction or contentment. Even when their lot improves, they do not experience true contentment. This is because it is impossible for one to be in a state that is in all respects better than that of everyone else."
~~~Amin Ahsan Islahi
"When a man faces affliction, he may pray to Allah and Allah may deliver him from adversity. Then Shaytan comes to the man and whispers, "It was not as bad as you thought." Thus the man's gratitude will be weakened."
~~~Bakr ibn Abdullah al-Muzani
The religion consists of two halves; one half is represented by gratitude and the other half is by perseverance.
~~~ibn al-qayyim
"The right of Allah over the man who is enjoying His blessings is that such a man should not use His blessings in order to commit wrong actions." A man of knowledge said: "The blessing of Allah to us is in keeping the luxuries which he has given us, because Allah did not like His Prophet to have the luxuries of this world. So I prefer to live in a manner which Allah preferred for His Prophet than to live a life which He disliked for him."
~~~Zazan
"The scholar should praise Allah for having deprived him of the luxuries of this life, in the same way that he should praise Him for what He has bestowed upon him. How can you compare the blessings and luxuries for which he will be accountable to the deprivation of luxuries which is a relief from being tested and which keeps his mind free to worship and remember Allah? So he should give thanks to Allah for all of that."
~~~Ibn Abi'd-Dunya
"A worshiper worshiped Allah for fifty years, so Allah told him that He had forgiven him. The man said, "O Allah, what is there to forgive when I have not committed a wrong action?" So Allah caused a nerve in his neck to give him pain, so he could not sleep or pray. When the pain eased and he was able to sleep, an angel came to him, so he complained to the angel of the pain he had suffered. The angel told him, "Your Lord says to you that your fifty years of worship is to pay for the soothing of your pain."
A man said to Abu Hazim: "What is the gratitude of the eyes?" He said "If you see good things, you speak about them, and if you see bad things, you keep quiet about it." He asked "What is the gratitude of the ears?" He said, "If you hear something good, you accept it, and if you hear something bad, you reject it." Then he asked "What is the gratitude of the hands?" He said, "Do not take that which does not belong to you and do not hold back from paying the dues of Allah (zakat)." Then he asked, "What is the gratitude of the head?" He said "To have knowledge in it." Then he asked "What is the gratitude of one's private parts?" He quoted: "Who guard their private parts, except from those joined to them in the marriage bond, or (the captives) whom their right hands possess - for (in their case) they are free from blame, but those whose desires exceed those limits are transgressors." (23:5-7)
"As for those who only pay lip service to gratitude, and do not give thanks with the rest of their faculties, are concerned, they are like a man who has a garment, and all he does with it is touch it, but he does not put it on: it will never protect him from heat, cold, snow or rain."
"He does not understand religion properly who does not count affliction as a blessing and ease as a disaster."
~~~Sufyan
Dua'a of the Weekاللّهُمَ اِنِّى اَسْئَلُكَ عَلْمًا نَّافِعًا وَّ رِرْقًا وَّاسِعًا وَ شِفَآءً مَّنْ كُلِّ دّاءٍ
اللهم أنت ربي لا إله إلا أنت خلقتني وأنا أمتك وأنا على عهدك ووعدك ما استطعت أعوذ بك من شر ما صنعت أبوء لك بنعمتك علي وأبوء لك بذنبي فاغفر لي فإنه لا يغفر الذنوب إلا أنت
O Allah, I ask You to grant me beneficial knowledge, halal pure sustenance, and cure from all diseases.
O Allah! You are my Rubb. There is no true God except You. You have created me, and I am Your slave, and I hold to Your Covenant as far as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge the favors that You have bestowed upon me, and I confess my sins. Pardon me, for none but You has the power to pardon.
Picture of the Week
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Please pray for the person who took time to put this together
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Love Allah. Live Islam. #33 Showing Gratitude
Monday, April 26, 2010
Love Allah. Live Islam #29 ALLAH DECIDES BEST
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Verses of the Week قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِن كُنتُمْ فِي شَكٍّ مِّن دِينِي فَلاَ أَعْبُدُ الَّذِينَ تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ وَلَـكِنْ أَعْبُدُ اللّهَ الَّذِي يَتَوَفَّاكُمْ وَأُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
وَأَنْ أَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفاً وَلاَ تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ
وَلاَ تَدْعُ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ مَا لاَ يَنفَعُكَ وَلاَ يَضُرُّكَ فَإِن فَعَلْتَ فَإِنَّكَ إِذاً مِّنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ اللّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلاَ كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلاَّ هُوَ وَإِن يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلاَ رَآدَّ لِفَضْلِهِ يُصَيبُ بِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءكُمُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَمَنِ اهْتَدَى فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا وَمَا أَنَاْ عَلَيْكُم بِوَكِيلٍوَاتَّبِعْ مَا يُوحَى إِلَيْكَ وَاصْبِرْ حَتَّىَ يَحْكُمَ اللّهُ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الْحَاكِمِينَ104. Say: "O humankind! If you are in doubt about my religion, then (know that) I do not worship those whom you worship apart from God, but I worship God alone, Who causes you all to die. I have been commanded to be of the believers.
105. "(I have also been commanded:) Set all your being exclusively to the true Religion, as one with pure faith (free from unbelief and hypocrisy), and never be among those who associate partners with God.
106. "And do not invoke, apart from God, that which can neither benefit you nor harm you; if you did so, then you would be of the wrongdoers (who wrong themselves by committing the greatest wrong of associating partners with God)."
107. If God touches you with affliction, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He wills any good for you, then there is none who can hold back His bounty. He causes it to reach whomever He wills of His servants. He is the All-Forgiving, the All-Compassionate."
108. Say: "O humankind! Assuredly there has come to you the truth from your Lord. Whoever, therefore, chooses the right way follows it but for his own good; and whoever chooses to go astray, goes astray but to his own harm. I am not one appointed as a guardian over you to assume responsibility for you."
109. And follow what is revealed to you, and remain patient and steadfast in your way until God gives His judgment. And He is the best in giving judgment.
(10:104-109)
Hadiths of the Week
Pre-destination
The prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said, "Adam and Moses argued with each other. Moses said to Adam, 'You are Adam whose mistake expelled you from Paradise.' Adam said to him, 'You are Moses whom Allah selected as His Messenger and as the one to whom He spoke directly; yet you blame me for a thing which had already been written in my fate before my creation?' " The prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said twice, "So, Adam overpowered Moses." [Bukhari]
Always say Alhamdulillah, and accept what Allah has chosen for you
The prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said: “Such is a wonder, the affairs of a believer. All his affairs are good, and this only happens to believers. When he receives good things, he is thankful, and that is good for him. When something bad befalls him, he is patient, and that is good for him.” [Muslim]
Belief in Qadar doesn't imply giving up work and waiting for your fate.
We were in the company of the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam in a funeral procession at Baqi Al-Gharqad. He salallahu alaihi wasallam said, "There is none of you but has his place written for him in Paradise or in the Hell- Fire." They said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shall we depend (on this fact and give up work)?" He salallahu alaihi wasallam said, "Carry on doing (good deeds), for everybody will find it easy to do (what will lead him to his destined place)." Then he recited "As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah, and believes in the Best reward from Allah (i.e. Allah will compensate him for what he will spend in Allah's way). So, We will make smooth for him the path of ease. But he who is a greedy miser...for him, the path for evil." [Bukhari]
Power of Dua'a
وَأَنْ أَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفاً وَلاَ تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ
وَلاَ تَدْعُ مِن دُونِ اللّهِ مَا لاَ يَنفَعُكَ وَلاَ يَضُرُّكَ فَإِن فَعَلْتَ فَإِنَّكَ إِذاً مِّنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ اللّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلاَ كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلاَّ هُوَ وَإِن يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلاَ رَآدَّ لِفَضْلِهِ يُصَيبُ بِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءكُمُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَمَنِ اهْتَدَى فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا وَمَا أَنَاْ عَلَيْكُم بِوَكِيلٍوَاتَّبِعْ مَا يُوحَى إِلَيْكَ وَاصْبِرْ حَتَّىَ يَحْكُمَ اللّهُ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الْحَاكِمِينَ104. Say: "O humankind! If you are in doubt about my religion, then (know that) I do not worship those whom you worship apart from God, but I worship God alone, Who causes you all to die. I have been commanded to be of the believers.
105. "(I have also been commanded:) Set all your being exclusively to the true Religion, as one with pure faith (free from unbelief and hypocrisy), and never be among those who associate partners with God.
106. "And do not invoke, apart from God, that which can neither benefit you nor harm you; if you did so, then you would be of the wrongdoers (who wrong themselves by committing the greatest wrong of associating partners with God)."
107. If God touches you with affliction, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He wills any good for you, then there is none who can hold back His bounty. He causes it to reach whomever He wills of His servants. He is the All-Forgiving, the All-Compassionate."
108. Say: "O humankind! Assuredly there has come to you the truth from your Lord. Whoever, therefore, chooses the right way follows it but for his own good; and whoever chooses to go astray, goes astray but to his own harm. I am not one appointed as a guardian over you to assume responsibility for you."
109. And follow what is revealed to you, and remain patient and steadfast in your way until God gives His judgment. And He is the best in giving judgment.
(10:104-109)
99 Perfect Names and Attributes of Allah
(Asma-o Allah al-Husna)
"His are the best (or most beautiful) names."
(17:110; 20:8; and 7:180)
p.s. It is not possible to perfectly translate the names and attributes of Allah subhanahu wataala from their original Arabic into English. However, I am trying to provide you with many different but fairly close explanations.
Name of the Week
الرشيد
Ar-Rasheed: The One who guides
Allah directs people to the right way; His Management proceeds and reaches the zenith of perfection without ever consulting anyone; to Him all Perfection is attributed. His Wisdom is the greatest, His All-Awareness is the most perfect; His Judgment heads for correctness and sublimity. He guides all His creatures, and directs them to the righteous way, to their bliss in this world and in the hereafter.
In the Arabic language the word rushd means reason, rationality, and sound judgment.
In the Arabic language the word rushd means reason, rationality, and sound judgment.
Allah, Al-Rasheed, guides and leads to the truth. glory be to Allah, the DIRECTOR to the Right Way, where we find our good and bliss, Praise and Glory be to Him, He is Allah.
He says, “...but he whom God leaves to stray, for him wilt thou find no protector to lead him to the Right Way.” (18:17)
Pre-destination
The prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said, "Adam and Moses argued with each other. Moses said to Adam, 'You are Adam whose mistake expelled you from Paradise.' Adam said to him, 'You are Moses whom Allah selected as His Messenger and as the one to whom He spoke directly; yet you blame me for a thing which had already been written in my fate before my creation?' " The prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said twice, "So, Adam overpowered Moses." [Bukhari]
Always say Alhamdulillah, and accept what Allah has chosen for you
The prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said: “Such is a wonder, the affairs of a believer. All his affairs are good, and this only happens to believers. When he receives good things, he is thankful, and that is good for him. When something bad befalls him, he is patient, and that is good for him.” [Muslim]
Belief in Qadar doesn't imply giving up work and waiting for your fate.
We were in the company of the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam in a funeral procession at Baqi Al-Gharqad. He salallahu alaihi wasallam said, "There is none of you but has his place written for him in Paradise or in the Hell- Fire." They said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shall we depend (on this fact and give up work)?" He salallahu alaihi wasallam said, "Carry on doing (good deeds), for everybody will find it easy to do (what will lead him to his destined place)." Then he recited "As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah, and believes in the Best reward from Allah (i.e. Allah will compensate him for what he will spend in Allah's way). So, We will make smooth for him the path of ease. But he who is a greedy miser...for him, the path for evil." [Bukhari]
Power of Dua'a
The prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said, "Only supplication averts the decree, only kindness prolongs life, and a man is deprived of provision for a fault he commits." [Tirmidhi]
The prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said, “nothing can change the Divine decree except dua'a." [Ahmed & tirmidhi.)And always remember
“And whatever misfortune befalls you it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” – [42:30]
Joke of the week
An urban police chief is working at his desk when he receives a telephone call.
“Chief? This is Harrison, Detective Division," says the man on the other end of the line. "I, uh, have a problem here.”
“What is it?”
“Two of our patrol officers found a dead body at the intersection of Monongahela Boulevard and Allegheny Avenue.”
“And…?”
“And I can’t fill out the report because I don’t know how to spell either Monongahela or Allegheny. What should I do?”
The Chief takes a moment to let out a snort of disgust.
“For crying out loud, Harrison. Do I have to do all of the thinking around here? Have the officers drag the body to First and Main – and then call you back.”
“Chief? This is Harrison, Detective Division," says the man on the other end of the line. "I, uh, have a problem here.”
“What is it?”
“Two of our patrol officers found a dead body at the intersection of Monongahela Boulevard and Allegheny Avenue.”
“And…?”
“And I can’t fill out the report because I don’t know how to spell either Monongahela or Allegheny. What should I do?”
The Chief takes a moment to let out a snort of disgust.
“For crying out loud, Harrison. Do I have to do all of the thinking around here? Have the officers drag the body to First and Main – and then call you back.”
Story of the Week
A story is told about a King in Africa who had a close friend that he grew up with. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) by remarking, "This is good, Allah Almighty knows best."
One day the King and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the King. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the King fired it and his thumb was blown off.
Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good! Allah Almighty knows best."
To which the King replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and ordered his soldiers to put his friend into jail.
About a year later, the King was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured the King and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake.
As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the King was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So after untying the King, they chased him out of the village.
When the King reached his Palace, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend.
"You were right" the King said, "It was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this."
"No," his friend replied, "this is good…Allah Almighty knows best."
"What do you mean, 'this is good'! How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?"
The King's friend replied: "Remember that the Almighty knows best and if I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you on that hunting trip."
"He knows what is before them and what is behind them: And to Allah go back all questions (for decision)."[22:76]
Although the decisions of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala may seem harsh to us, they are full of wisdom and mercy. Allah is more merciful to us than our parents and our lovers, don't think for a second that what happens to you in life is unfair or unjust to you! How many times did we want something so bad then realized that we were wrong and unwise.
Always say Alhamdulillah, and do not complain, for that Allah knows best.
Wisdom of the Week
The Greatness of Allah SWT
Ibn al-qayyim said:
Sunnah of the Week
Words of the Week
القضاء والقدر
Website of the Week
http://quranicaudio.com/index
Videos of the WeekIbn al-qayyim said:
He governs the affairs of the various kingdoms and He commands and forbids, creates, sustains, gives death, gives life, gives power, strips power (to and from whom He wills) and alternates the night and day. He gives varying fortunes to people and alternates governments (and states), destroying some and bringing some into existence. His Command and Power are dominant in the heavens and their zones, the earth and all that which is on and in it, in the seas and in the air.
His Knowledge has encompassed everything and He counted everything. He hears all types of voices and they do not confuse Him. Rather, He hears each voice in its distinct language and need, and no voice will make Him busy from fulfilling the need of another, and no need will ever escape His Perfect Knowledge (and His Power to deliver). He does not become bored because of the many needs of those who need. His Sight encompasses all that which there is. He sees the movement of a black ant on a barren rock during a dark night. To Him, the Unseen is uncovered and the secret is secret no more, "Whosoever is in the heavens and on Earth begs of Him (its needs from Him)." [55:29] He forgives an evil deed, makes depression vanish and brings reprieve from disasters, relief for whoever needs it, wealth for the poor, guidance for the misguided, light for the lost, help for he who is desperate, fullness for the hungry, cover for the barely clothed, cure for the ill and ease for he who suffers. He accepts he who repents, gives reward for he who does good, gives aid for he who was dealt with injustice, destroys an arrogant person, covers mistakes, gives safety after fear and elevates some people and humiliates others.
If those who inhabit His heavens and His earth and all those whom He created, whether mankind or the Jinns, had hearts similar to the most pious heart, His Kingdom will not increase. If all His creation, whether mankind or the Jinns, had hearts similar to the heart of the most wicked heart, this will not decrease from His Kingdom. Also, if all those who inhabit His heavens and His earth, all mankind and all the Jinns, the dead and the living, stand up on one strip of land and each asks Him for his need, and He then fulfils their needs, this will not decrease from what He has a bit. He is the First, nothing is before Him, the Last, nothing is after Him, the Most High, nothing is above Him, and the Most Near, nothing is nearer than Him. He, Exalted and Ever High as He is, is the Best Whom one can and should remember, the only One Who deserves to be worshiped and thanked, the Kindest of all those who own and the Most generous of all those who are asked to give.
He is the King Who has no partner, the One Who has no competitor, the Samad (Self-Sufficient) Who has no offspring, and the Ever High, none like unto Him. Everything perishes save His Face and every kingship is bound to perish except His. He will only be obeyed by His Leave, and His Knowledge uncovers all disobedience to Him. When He is obeyed, He thanks for it, and when He is disobeyed, He grants forgiveness (for those who truly repent to Him). Every punishment from Him is just and every bounty is a grace. He is the Closest Witness and the Nearest One with His Perfect Care. He controls the forelocks of everything and has the full records of all deeds and the books of all ages. The hearts are unmasked to Him and the secret is unveiled. His giving and punishing is merely a Command, "Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, ‘Be, and it is!'"
Sunnah of the Week
Istikhara Prayer
"Istikhara" means to seek goodness from Allah (Exalted is He), meaning when one intends to do an important task they do istikhara before the task. The one who does the istikhara is as if they request Allah Almighty that, O the Knower of the Unseen (Exalted is He) guide me if this task is better for me or not? To make the prayer of Istikharah (iss-teh-KHAR-uh), one should:
- pray two non-fard (non-obligatory) rakat (units) of prayer, even if they are of the regular sunnah prayers or a prayer for entering the mosque, and so on, during any time of the day or night.
- One should recite in them whatever one wishes of the Qur'an, after reciting al-Fatihah. Then one should praise Allah and invoke blessings upon the Prophet, salallahu alaihi wasallam.
- After this, one should supplicate to Allah: "Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika. wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, wa as'aluka min fadlika al-azim fa-innaka taqdiru wala aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wala a'lamu, wa anta 'allamu-l-ghuyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta' lamu anna hadha-l-amra khairun lifi dini wa ma'ashi wa aqibati amri (or 'ajili amri wa'ajilihi) f aqdirhu li wa yas-sirhu li thumma barik li fihi, wa in kunta ta'llamu anna hadha-l-amra sharrun lifi dini wa ma'ashi wa-aqibati amri (or fi'ajili amri wa ajilihi) fasrifhu anni wa s-rifni'anhu. Wa aqdir li al-khaira haithu kana thumma ardini bihi."
Meaning: (O Allah! I ask guidance from Your knowledge, and Power from Your Might and I ask for Your great blessings. You are capable and I am not. You know and I do not and You know the unseen. O Allah! If You know that this thing is good for my deen and my subsistence and for my Hereafter - (or say, If it is better for my present and later needs) - then ordain it for me and make it easy for me to obtain, and then bless me in it. If You know that this thing is harmful to me in my deen and subsistence and in the Hereafter - (or say, If it is worse for my present and later needs) - then keep it away from me, and keep me away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, and make me satisfied with it).
The Prophet, salallahu alaihi wasallam, added that then the person should mention his need.
An-Nawawi says: after making istikharah, a person must do what he is whole heartedly inclined to do and feels good about doing and should not insist on doing what he had desired to do before making the istikharah. And if his feelings change, he should leave what he had intended to do, for otherwise he is not leaving the choice to Allah, and would not be honest in seeking aid from Allah's power and knowledge. Sincerity in seeking Allah's choice, means that one should completely abandon what one desired oneself.
Words of the Week
القضاء والقدر
Al-Qada’ & Al-Qadar (Al-Qada wal-Qadar)
The Divine Will and Decree
Al-Qadar: Literally means knew, predetermined, and planned perfectly. Al-qadar is Allah’s complete Knowledge, Writing in the Safe Tablet, and Willing of all things before their existence.
Al-Qada: literally means judged, ordained, and executed perfectly. It is defined as Allah’s creation of all things by His Command and Will.
Website of the Week
http://quranicaudio.com/index
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
“O you who believe! be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be conscious of Allah, that you may be successful." [Quran]
"Conduct yourself in this world, as if you are here to stay forever; prepare for eternity as if you have to die tomorrow." [hadith by The prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam, in Bukhari]
"the Muslim’s faith is not complete unless he knows that whatever befalls him could not have missed him, and whatever misses him could not have befallen him."
"There is no such thing as Coincidence, everything is Fate"
“Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.”
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”
"How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young? " ~Paul Sweeney
Dua'a of the Week
O Allah! You know all what we hide, You are the Hearer of all voices, The giver of what people ask you for, unto You prayers are supplicated. You are Allah, the One, The Eternally Besought of all, Bestower, Who gives lavishly, the Merciful, None could profane Your Judgment, the Lord of all, the Possessor and Judge of all:
We beseech You to bestow upon us useful knowledge, fruitful work, sincere belief, and guidance.
O Allah! We address to You our prayers:
The prayres of that whose defects are piled up, whose sins are heavy burdens, whose hope went into ashes,whose tears are abundantly shed, and whose life come to an end.
The prayers of that who finds not any other forgiver or Giver but You, grant us Your Mercy, for without Your Mercy there is no breathe of hope, You are our hope when we loose hope of all arround us, wth Your Grace help us achieve our hopes.
O Allah! I beseech You not to make me the worst among of Your creatures, and not among the hopeless, our obedience does not benefit You, and our disobedience do not harm you, It is Your Mercy that we should seek, and Your wrath that we fear, we ask You to endear obedience to us, and increase faith in our hearts, and help us to abstain wrong-doing.
O Allah, Relieve our minds, and ease our tasks for us. We seek refuge in You from the evil whispers of the heart, and the trial of the grave.
Our Lord, On You we depend, on Your bounty we rely, Your Mercy we beseech, to we surrender, by Your revelation we judge, and to You is our return, forgive us and forgive our brethren who have believed in You before us. and let in our hearts any hatred or rancor against any of those who believed in You, You are - Our Lord - the forgiving, most merciful.
Ameeen
Picture of the Week
translation: "Did ye then think that We had created you in jest, and that ye would not be brought back to Us (for account)?"
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Sunday, April 18, 2010
Love Allah. Live Islam #28 What is ISLAM? (& check out Vids)
يُنْبِتُ لَكُمْ بِهِ الزَّرْعَ وَالزَّيْتُونَ وَالنَّخِيلَ وَالأَعْنَابَ وَمِنْ كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَةً لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمْ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ وَالنُّجُومُ مُسَخَّرَاتٌ بِأَمْرِهِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآياتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
وَمَا ذَرَأَ لَكُمْ فِي الأَرْضِ مُخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَانُهُ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَةً لِقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ
وَهُوَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ الْبَحْرَ لِتَأْكُلُوا مِنْهُ لَحْمًا طَرِيًّا وَتَسْتَخْرِجُوا مِنْهُ حِلْيَةً تَلْبَسُونَهَا وَتَرَى الْفُلْكَ مَوَاخِرَ فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِنْ فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
وَأَلْقَى فِي الأَرْضِ رَوَاسِيَ أَنْ تَمِيدَ بِكُمْ وَأَنْهَارًا وَسُبُلاً لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ
وَعَلاَمَاتٍ وَبِالنَّجْمِ هُمْ يَهْتَدُونَ
أَفَمَنْ يَخْلُقُ كَمَنْ لاَ يَخْلُقُ أَفَلاَ تَذَكَّرُونَ
وَإِنْ تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ لاَ تُحْصُوهَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَغَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تُسِرُّونَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُونَ
وَالَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ لاَ يَخْلُقُونَ شَيْئًا وَهُمْ يُخْلَقُونَ
10. It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle.
11. With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought.
12. He has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the sun and the moon; and the stars are in subjection by His Command: verily in this are Signs for men who are wise.
13. And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colours (and qualities): verily in this is a sign for men who celebrate the praises of Allah (in gratitude).
14. It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful.
15. And He has set up on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and rivers and roads; that ye may guide yourselves;
16. And marks and sign-posts; and by the stars (men) guide themselves.
17. Is then He Who creates like one that creates not? Will ye not receive admonition?
18. If ye would count up the favours of Allah, never would ye be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
19. And Allah doth know what ye conceal, and what ye reveal.
20. Those whom they invoke besides Allah create nothing and are themselves created.
(16:10-20)Hadiths of the Week99 Perfect Names and Attributes of Allah(Asma-o Allah al-Husna)"His are the best (or most beautiful) names."(17:110; 20:8; and 7:180)p.s. It is not possible to perfectly translate the names and attributes of Allah subhanahu wataala from their original Arabic into English. However, I am trying to provide you with many different but fairly close explanations.Name of the WeekThe root of the word mu‘izz is azza which means to strengthen, support and give might.
Allah gives power to whomsoever He pleases, and takes it away from whomsoever He pleases.The Arabic word muzill also means to make things submit or yield. Azalla means to degrade, to put someone to shame, to vanquish, humiliate and demean. Allah says about the rejecters, “...will be among those most humiliated.” (58:20).He honors the obedient and degrades the disobedient; He is the BESTOWER of Honor, He says,“...but honour belongs to God and His Apostle, and to the Believers.” (63:8); whoever is honoured by Allah is mighty, “...and such as God shall disgrace, none can raise to honour.” (22: 18).Moreover, there is praised humiliation; Allah says, “...lowly with the Believers, mighty against the Rejecters.” (5: 57). The humiliation mentioned here is void of oppression but is voluntarily undertaken as the believers are humble to Allah, Praise and Glory be to Him.He gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him; And He degrades whoever He willed, hence there is no one to give Him esteem.Allah says, “...Thou enduestwith honour whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest.” (3:26)What is Islam?"One day we were sitting in the company of the Messenger of Allah, salallahu alaihi wasallam, when there appeared before us a man dressed in pure white clothes, his hair extraordinarily black. There were no signs of travel on him. None of us recognized him. He sat with the Prophet, salallahu alaihi wasallam.Resting his knees against his and the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said, "O Muhammad, tell me about Islam." The Messenger of Allah replied,"Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish the prayer, pay the zakat, observe the fast of Ramadan, and perform the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so."He said, "You have spoken the truth," and we were amazed at him asking and then verifying that he had spoken the truth.He then said, "Inform me about iman."He replied, "It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and in the divine destiny of both good and evil."He said, "You have spoken the truth."He then said, "Tell me about ihsan."He said, "It is to worship Allah as if you see Him, for though you do not see Him, surely He sees you."He then said, "Inform me about the Hour."He replied, "The one who is asked knows no more than the one who is asking." He said, "Tell me some of its signs."He said, "That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, and barefoot, destitute shepherds will compete with one another in the building of magnificent buildings."Then he (the questioner) went on his way but I stayed with him (the Prophet) for a long while. He said to me, "Umar, do you know who this questioner was?" I replied, "Allah and His Messenger know best."He said, "He was Gabriel. He came to instruct you in your religion." [Muslim]Islam is not a gift that we can keep to ourselves. We cannot be selfish and keep our Deen inside a box all for ourselves. We cannot force another to accept it either. It is either ignorance or arrogance, for the one who hides the message and also the one who rejects the message of Islam. But we need to and ought to at least make that “offer”, InshaAllah.Having known this Hadith, none of us have an excuse for not doing Da’wah (sharing and relaying the message of Islam and inviting others to Islam).Joke of the week
Patient (with broken arm in cast): Doctor, when my arm heals, will I be able to play the violin?
Doctor: Of course you will.
Patient: That's funny. I never could before.Story of the WeekThere was once a big ship that landed on an Island.The Captain said to the people: "Dear passengers, we will anchor here for you to gather provision and admire the nature and we shall move on with our journey in a few hours time."All passengers got off and roamed around the island in groups.Some 'Wise' gentlemen and ladies walked peacefully, collected some souvenirs and food for the journey and returned quickly to the ship. Since they were the first ones back, they got the best and comfortable places on the ship.The second group of 'Forgetful' people walked, played and enjoyed their time. They admired the island and explored its nature. But soon they remembered the ship, so they ran back, without any food and souvenirs. Coming on board, they were tired, but alas the best seats were taken, so they had to do with the less comfortable ones.The third group of 'Greedy and Lustful' people got amazed by the wonders of this island and they began to collect its plants and precious stones. After a while, having heard the call of their captain, they started to head back to the ship, carrying plants, stones and jewelry of all colors and value. However, the heaviness of the treasure they eagerly wanted to bring back slowed their return, and by the time they reached the shore, the boat had already left.And finally, some 'Aimless and Narrow-Minded' people, convinced themselves that the island was all there is and the ship was just something they had imagined. They thus explored the island and built for themselves houses. The boat, of course left them to perish on the island and to be forgotten by everyone.Similarly, on our journey to Allah (SWT), The Creator, we have landed on this island, called the World (Dunya).Some 'Wise' gentlemen and ladies will walk around and collect good deeds, love and knowledge of Allah and quickly return to The Creator. They of course will be handed paradise, the best of it!The second group of 'Forgetful' people will get distracted by the world (Dunya) until their last moment. They will then repent at the last minute. Perhaps they will make it and get the lowest levels of paradise (Jannah).The third group of 'Greedy and Lustful' people will be amazed by the world, and get attracted by its temporary and fake beauty. They will indulge in desire and food and be illusion by it. Perhaps, a call will bring them back to realization, but alas, the attraction will be too much to leave behind and they will miss the ship of salvation.And finally, some 'Aimless and Narrow-Minded' people will just ignore the journey to Allah and pretend that this world is all there is. They will take their houses as their homes and their desires as god. Indeed history as seen many people as such, but no one remembers them. They have been left in hell.So, my friend... The ship is waiting, please jump on board!Your Creator Allah subhanauh wa taala is calling you:“Oh man! Surely you must strive to your Lord, a hard striving, until you meet Him.” (84:6)
Wisdom of the WeekSome people, who are not aware of the Qur’an’s morality and who, as a result, cannot properly acknowledge and appreciate Allah, are deprived of love and friendship and live a life characterized by pain and punishment. Among these people, even the ones who lead the apparently most successful lives cannot find true happiness and peace. Those who lead a solitary life that has no room for love and friendship, and who do not live by the Qur’an, find no moment that is truly good or enjoyable. Such a state is a punishment for those who are characterized by spiritual and temporal cruelty toward others and a lack of belief. They will never truly love or be loved. The love experienced by these people (ascribing partners to Allah) is not true love and will only bring them pessimism, hopelessness, and pain."He did not believe in Allah the Magnificent, nor did he urge the feeding of the poor. Therefore, here today he has no friend." (Haqqa, 33-35)
But how do we know islam is the true religion?Islam teaches that all religions originally had the same essential message - which was to submit whole-heartedly to the will of God and to worship Him and Him alone. For this reason, Islam is not a new religion but is the same divinely revealed Ultimate Truth that God revealed to all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.There are so many sects, cults, religions, philosophies, and movements in the world, all of which claim to be the right way or the only true path to Allah. How can one determine which one is correct or if, in fact, all are correct? The method by which the answer can be found is to clear away the superficial differences in the teachings of the various claimants to the ultimate truth, and identify the central object of worship to which they call, directly or indirectly.Religions all have in common one basic concept with regards to Allah. They either claim that all men are gods or that specific men were Allah or that nature is Allah or that Allah is a figment of man's imagination.Thus, it may be stated that the basic message of false religion is that Allah may be worshipped in the form of His creation. False religion invites man to the worship of creation by calling the creation or some aspect of it God. For example, prophet Jesus invited his followers to worship Allah but those who claim to be his followers today call people to worship Jesus, claiming that he was Allah!Buddha was a reformer who introduced a number of humanistic principles to the religion of India. He did not claim to be God nor did he suggest to his followers that he be an object of worship. Yet, today most Buddhists who are to be found outside of India have taken him to be God and prostrate to idols made in their perception of his likeness.By using the principle of identifying the object of worship, false religion becomes very obvious and the contrived nature of their origin clear."That which you worship besides Him are only names you and your forefathers have invented for which Allah has sent down no authority."It may be argued that all religions teach good things so why should it matter which one we follow. The reply is that all false religions teach the greatest evil, the worship of creation. Creation-worship is the greatest sin that man can commit because it contradicts the very purpose of his creation.
Sunnah of the WeekDa’wah to IslamThe word "Da'wah" in Arabic simply means to invite to something. When it is used in conjunction with Islam it is understood to mean Inviting to the Way of submission and surrender to Allah.You must call non-muslims to the way of Allah. This is to preach to them and to make clear to them the reality of Islam, according to your ability and if you have the knowledge to do so. This is the greatest and best good deed that one could do toward his fellow citizen and for those who live together with Jews, Christians and other disbelievers.And remember, YOU represent islam. So fear Allah in what you do or say, as people don't see you as person just like they see everyone else, but they see you as a MUSLIM. You, in the way you act and talk, could be making da'wah everywhere you go even without knowing it, especially if you can be easily recognized as a muslim (because of your beard or hijab). So act accordingly!On this point, the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said to Ali, when he was sending him to Khaibar to invite the Jews to Islam. He told him, "By Allah, if Allah guides one person by you, it is better for you than the best types of camels." [Bukhari]The Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said, "Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all." [Muslim]"And who is better in speech than he who says: 'My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness),' and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allah's (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of the Muslims'." (41:33)
Word of the Week
إسلام Islam
The word "Islam" is an Arabic word that means "submitting and surrendering your will to Almighty God". The word comes from the same root as the Arabic word "salam", which means peace. Unlike the names used for other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, the name for the religion of Islam was both revealed by God and carries a deep spritual meaning - only by submitting one's will to Almighty God can one obtain true peace both in this life and in the life hereafter.
Websites of the Weekhttp://www.loveofallah.com/
index.html Videos of the WeekGLITTER GRAPHICS!!!!!
"He was one of those happy few who have attained the supreme joy of making one great truth their very life spring. He was the messenger of One God, and never to his life's end did he forget who he was or the message which was the marrow of his being. He brought his tidings to his people with a grand dignity sprung from the consciousness of his high office, together with a most sweet humility." [Stanley Lane-Poole in 'Studies in a Mosque']
“History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.”[De Lacy O’Leary in Islam at the Crossroads]
"I did not come into contact with any Muslim before I embraced Islam. I read the Qur'an first and realized no person is perfect, Islam is perfect, and if we imitate the conduct of the Holy Prophet... we will be successful." [Cat Stevens]"This is the beauty of the Qur'an: it asks you to reflect and reason, and not to worship the sun or moon but the One who has created everything. The Qur'an asks man to reflect upon the sun and moon and God's creation in general." [Cat Stevens]
Duaa of the WeekO Allah! As You have guided us to Islam: We ask You to let us die as a Muslims, and to gather us with Your sincere Muslims who surrendered to You.O Allah! Instill the light of guidance in our heart, our ears, and ourselves.O Allah! By Your light we have been led the straight path, from Your Bounty we have enough day and night. You are Foremost preceded by none, you are the utmost succeeded by none, you are Omnipotent Unequaled, and You are All-Knowing, You are one Who hears our call, and every single call of all Your creations:Unto You we address our complaints, our needs, our sustenance. our depression, our sadness, how easy it is for You to change sadness to happiness, to change poverty to wealth. On You all creatures depend, and their dooms are decided by You.
Picture of the Weekhttp://www.khayma.com/islmbgd/ allah23.jpg
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