بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Verses of the Week
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
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)
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
The BESTOWER of Honour (AL-MU‘IZZ) المعز The DEGRADER (AL-MUZILL) المذل The 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 Week
There 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)
Some 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 Islam
The 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 Week
http://www.loveofallah.com/index.html
Videos of the WeekGLITTER GRAPHICS!!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment