Invitation_to_Paradise

What i learned

2009-06-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

Rasullulah (S) was also sent to the jinn, because they will listen to them too.

All of the other prophets were sent to specific nations whereas Rasullulah (S) was sent to all of mankind.

Ayah 159). Breaking the religion into sects is forbidden. Allah will deal with them on the day of judgement

Ayah 160). For the good deed Allah will multiply it by 10 times or maybe more. And if one comes with a bad deed it will be counted as one.

Ayah 161). This Surah as we can see started with Ibrahim (AS)'s faith and finished talking about his faith because he submitted to Allah without questioning and Allah said he is His friend.

Ayah 162). Anything you do turns into worship

Ayah 163).

Ayah 164). Each soul is responsible for itself

Ayah 165). Allah has put us in different ranks to test us. And He will forgive us if we seek repentance

SURAH AL-AN'AM
Aisha Oramus

Why wait?

2009-06-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

What are we waiting for? Day of Judgment? The punishment? Allah says when it comes, it will be of no good, why wait to do good to repent etc. Allah is waiting for us!!!

The Army of Allah

2009-06-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

Qualities of a believer include the ones who love Allah, the ones who are soft and humble towards fellow believers and the one who is stern towards the disbelievers.
***These people become the Army of Allah who are ALWAYS victorious***

Repentance

2009-06-21T22:30:00.001-07:00

Repent now because when the Sun rises from the west, and the Angels come down, your repentance will no longer be accepted

Concentration in Salah

2009-06-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

One of the Saliheen was asked how he kept his khushu' in prayer (concentration & humbleness etc. )

He said, 'I imagine that Allah is before me, that the Angel of Death is at my back, that the gardens of Jannah are to my right, that the fires of Jahannum are on my left and that I am standing on the Sirat'

--Shagufta Akbar--

....Allah makes his way to Jannah easier.

2009-06-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

Assalamualikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu,

Abu Hurairah (radiyAllahu anhu) reported: The Prophet Salallahu alaihi wasssalam said, "Who ever treads the path in search of Knowledge, Allah makes his way to Jannah easier."

We all say we want to go to Paradise but some of us don't know how to get there or where to begin. the Prophet Salallahu alaihi wasssalam told us in this hadith where to begin. Alhumdulillah we have many institutes around us that are making an effort to make us aware of the Proper Knowledge of Qur'an and Sunnah, so none of us have the excuse of saying we don't know where to go for classes.

There are online classes. If you are not the type who can sit in front of the computer and learn then go on site. Don't have enough time to dedicate yourself to a full time course there are classes that just come few times a year for a few days take those. we can give ourselves as many excuses as we want but on the Day of Judgement none of them would be accepted.

Allah question us in the Qur'an" Are those who have knowledge equal to the ones who do not?" we can answer that for ourselves, so do not be amongst those who are ignorant and are deprived from the mercy of Allah.

Some institutions:

www.knowledgeofislam.com -- offers online and on site.
www.alhudainstitute.ca -- offers online and on site
www.almaghrib.org -- for those who are short on time.
www.farhathashmi.com --urdu lectures
Paltalk has classes going on all the time you just have to check if they are based on Qur'an and Sunnah.

There are weekend classes in Jamaica Muslim center, in Flushing Muslim Center, Al-Maghrib is having classes in the local masjid. go out and explore. If any body knows of any other websites or places where there are classes being offered please let me know

The Stomach!!!

2009-06-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

Explanation Of The Hadeeth: “No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach...”
Author: Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee
Source: Jaami' Al-'Uloom wal-Hikam, hadeeth no. 47
On the authority of Al-Miqdaam ibn Maadiy-Karib who said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah saying:
"No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Aadam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath." [Ahmad, At-Tirmidhee, An-Nasaa'ee, Ibn Maajah - hadeeth saheeh.]

1. Ibn Masaweh, a Muslim doctor, said after reading this hadeeth:
"If the people only used these words, they would avoid all diseases and maladies and the clinics and pharmacies would be idle."

2. Another doctor, Al-Harith ibn Kalada said:
"That which has killed mankind is the introduction of food on top of food before it has been digested."

3. As for spiritual benefits: humbleness of heart, strength of understanding, lessening of lower desires, lessening of personal opinions and anger, while overeating induces the opposites of all of those. Al-Hasan Al-Basree said:
"O, son of Adam, eat with one third of your stomach and drink with one third and leave one third of your stomach to breathe so that you may think."

4. Ibn Umar: A man said to Ibn Umar:
"Shouldn't I bring you some jawarish?" Ibn Umar said: "What is that?" He said: "Something which aids in digesting your food after you eat." Ibn Umar said: "I have not eaten to being full for four months. That is not because I am not able to do so, but I was with a group of people who were hungry more than they were full."

5. Not reaching your goals: Muhammad ibn Wasi said:
"Whoever eats little will understand and make others understand and will be clear and humble. Overeating weighs a person down and keeps him from much of what he wants [to accomplish]."

6. Al-Hasan Al-Basree:
"The test of Aadam, alayhis-salaam, was food and it is your test until Qiyama."
And, it used to be said:
"Whoever takes control of his stomach gets control of all good deeds."
And:
"Wisdom does not reside in a full stomach."
One day, Al-Hasan offered some food to his companion who said: "I have eaten until I am no longer able to eat." To which Al-Hasan said:
"SubhaanAllaah! Does a Muslim eat until he is no longer able to eat?"

7. Allaah grants this world to those whom He loves and those He does not love but only grants hunger to those whom he loves.

8. Ash-Shaafi'ee said:
"I have not filled myself in sixteen years because filling oneself makes the body heavy, removes clear understanding, induces sleep and makes one weak for worship."

9. In Bukhaaree and Muslim:
"The believer eats with one stomach while the kafir eats with seven stomachs."
Meaning: The believer eats with the manners of Islam and in moderation, while the kafir eats based on desires and gluttony and so he eats with seven stomachs.

10. Also:
"Food for one is enough for two and food for two is enough for three and food for three is enough for four."

11. Also: From Aa'ishah:
"The family of Muhammad (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) never filled themselves with wheat bread three days in a row from the time he came to Madeenah until he passed away."

12. A Muslim should not merely follow his appetites. Allaah said:
"Then, they were followed by generations who neglected the prayer and followed their appetites. They will encounter a pit of fire except for those who repent..." [Maryam 59-60]

13. The best generations did not:
"The best generation is my generation, followed by the one after them then the one after them. Then will come a people who bear witness but are not asked to bear witness, who swear oaths but do not fulfill them and fatness will appear among them." [Bukhaaree and Muslim]

14. From Abee Barza that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said:
"My greatest fear for you is the appetites of transgression with regard to your stomachs and your privates and the inclinations which lead astray." [Ahmad and others and its narrators are people of saheeh]

http://maktaba.multiply.com/journal/item/45/45

Jabeen Yusuf.

Involve yourself in Simple things.

2009-06-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

"...And he knows what is on land and in the sea. And there falls not a leaf but he knows it; nor is there a grain in the deep darkness of the earth, nor anything green or dry, but it is recorded in a clear book."
How can anyone commit any sin or evil acts WHILE having this in mind?..(Allah is all seeing all knowing).

AND THIS:

How to be a good Muslim involves two SIMPLE things:
be humble to your lord.
and merciful to the people.

And

If u want to be near to Allah and please him -You have To Rearrange your priorities and stay put in Satisfying Allah as the 1st priority (before anything in your life)

And

Our faith sometimes goes up and sometimes down , So U Should have a GOOD COMPANY .... Good friends who encourage u and reminds u to do the right when u forget and avoid the bad before doing it.

khealzaree ahmedzay

2009-06-20T16:39:00.000-07:00

"Recently, the swine flu scare had been going on. People ran to the doctors at the smallest signs of flu, stayed away from big gatherings where the risk was higher, and took a lot of precaution to not catch this flu.
There is a similar flu in islam, called the spiritual flu.
This is when we don't feel like praying, don't feel like reading quran,feel like resorting to sins, and so on. Similar to the physical flu, at the slightest symptom we should go to seek help from a religious figure before it gets too late.
Similar to the physical flu, we should stay away from environments where we run the risk of doing sins (mixed weddings, theaters, bad friends, and the like).
Similar to the physical flu, we should take precaution and once we do catch the flu, try to cure it by tawbah before it gets too late and too embedded in our system like cancer and then we won't want to do tawbah, we won't care anymore, we cannot differentiate between right and wrong and so on.
So always remember to do tawbah tawbah tawbah. As quick as possible. Even if just in your head. Don't let it sit and ruin you.
If we can run to the doctor for symptoms of diseases,
we can run to Allah, the greatest curer for our biggest disease.

And Allah Knows Best
anonymus

Randoms

2009-04-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

-Truly believers are those who pray, pay zakah, bow down in Jamah and are humble

-Hypocrisy started after the Battle of Badr

-If you deviate from the right path, Allah will replace you with some who loves him back, and he is very humble nice but stern to disbelievers (Umar (R))

-Sarah Afzal

Worship and Blessings

2009-04-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

The thing that touched me the most is when we were talking about the Day of Judgment and how every blessing was given to us will be taken account for including the things we take for granted.

Another thing I like was how work could be worship

-Amna

Angel Jibrael

2009-04-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

When Rasullulah (S) was given the Wahi, he saw Angel Jibrael in his true form. It has been said that Angel Jibrael has 600 wings and covered the WHOLE HORiZON. SubhanAllah :)

-RABiA

The Rebellious

2009-04-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

Ayah 49- "And truly, most of men are faasiqun (rebellious and disobedient to Allah)"
This is a wake up call to all of us, to be of those who are loved by Allah, and to be of those who are a part of Allah's army.

-Fatema R

Above everything and everyone

2009-04-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

"Allah should be above everything else that you choose; even when it comes to family"

-Anonymous

Witnesses on the Day of Judgement

2009-04-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

Among every nation, a witness will be brought forward and the truth. The witness would be the prophet of the nation.

-Haani

Punishment

2009-04-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

Allah tells you to be the judge of what he has revealed and what the disbelievers say. Allah (swt) will punish those who turn away and their crimes will not be unpunished.

-Haani

One Allah

2009-04-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

Remember, God is only one, and nothing like His creation, so don't even compare Him with anything in this world.

-Anonymous

Regret, Repent, Resolve and Reform

2009-04-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

1. When you feel regretful it's not the same as asking for forgiveness. Pray 2 rak'at nafl and REGRET REPENT RESOLVE REFORM

2. It takes 40 days to build a habit, try to build a habit like praying Fajr or Tahajjud.

-Zaree

Auliya

2009-04-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

One important thing I learned, do not take Jews, Christians and non-believers as close protecting friends (auliya), as they will turn away from you when in need. They are protectors of each other and not of the believers. The one who takes a non believer as a friend is basically one of them.

-Sana Afzal

Day of Qiyamah

2009-04-04T22:09:00.001-07:00

On the Day of Judgement, Allah will remind you of the favors and blessings he has bestowed upon you. Even the Prophets will be shaken by this. This is why we need to thank him NOW.

2009-03-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

Jannah...

2008-12-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

Bismillah

I did not write this poem, but it was exactly what I needed to read tonight. I ask Allah ta'ala to bless the writer of this poem with the delights he has written about…and more, Ameen.

Close your eyes and imagine this
Eternal bliss,
your every wish,
at your finger tips
and more…

Perched on a throne, near a stream
So serene, and exquisite a scene
You've never seen
Yet you still dream
of more….

Gone is grief, gone is fear
Gone is pain, gone are tears
Idle speech you shall never hear
And the Prophets make up your social sphere
and more…

The martyrs, righteous and truthful too
You are from them, and they from you
They held tightly to what they knew was true
To accompany them, you did too
theres more..

Maidens, chaste, who restrain their gaze
Lost in a glance for days and days
Fun and frolic, as a child plays
Where the breath that leaves your lips is praise
of the One that gave you more

Imagine you and your father, with ages the same
Imagine showing off your book with no shame
Imagine nights with the Companions, with their stories to entertain
Imagine Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) knowing your name
What could be there more..

Gardens underneath which rivers flow
A goal so far, and yet so close
A journey worth taking, for those who know
Do you not wish to go..
for more?

For all the bounties, all the grace
All the pleasures, sights, smells and tastes
Will be forgotten, without a trace
as if frozen in time and space
When you see His Face

What an excellent Master, of a miserable slave
You forgot and He forgave
He gave you guidance, you still strayed
You asked for mercy, that He gave
and more…

Jannah

taken from http://tayyibaat.wordpress.com/2008/12/16/jannah/

First 10 days...where to start?

2008-12-01T07:19:00.000-08:00

Assalamualaikum wr wb.

Everyone must be learning about the importance of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah, doing a good deed in these 10 days is more rewarding than any other time of the year. Once you read those emails of listen to the teachers telling you about the importance of these days you must be making a list in your head of the good deeds you want to do, some might be confused about where to begin...

You see A book of Hadith like Riyadh-as-Saliheen is very helpful because the chapters in such books take you step by step on how to get closer to Allah. Every Hadith book begins with sincerity and for the past month you have received e-mails regarding sincerity from this e-mail add. I myself was wondering where should I begin from and remembered the second chapter of Riyadh-as-Saliheen... Repentance. What is better than seeking forgiveness for the past sins before doing a good deed?

Repentance is something that is loved by Allah(SWT). He is over joyed when His slave accepts his/her mistakes and turn to Allah seeking His mercy.
It is narrated from the Prophet(S) "Verily Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His slave than a person who rides the camel in a waterless desert and there is upon (the camel) his provision of food and drink also, and it is lost and he, having lost all hopes, lies down in shade and is disappointed about his camel; and all of a sudden he finds that camel standing before him. He takes hold of its reins and then out of boundless joy blurts out: 'O Lord, You are my slave and I am Your lord.' He commits this mistake out of extreme joy."
Can you imagine how much Allah loves us and how He wants us to go to paradise and not be deluded by Shaytaan....no one gets this happy when we seek their forgiveness. So why waste anytime make Allah happy. Repent to Allah with sincerity the moment you close this email. We all need His forgiveness if we want to enter Paradise. The Prophet (S) used to seek forgiveness more than 70 times a day. What about us?

May Allah allow us to see our mistakes and allow us to turn to Him in repentance all the time, and may He allow us to do many great deeds. Ameen

wasalam

Best 10 Days of the Year ...

2008-12-01T07:05:00.000-08:00

Assalamu Alaykum waRahmatullahi waBarakatu

If a very important day is coming up you will mark your calendar to remember,
how about if the BEST TEN DAYS OF THE YEAR ARE COMING UP ...

November 28th OR 29th (InshaAllah ) will be the first day of the Hijri month of "Dhul Hijjah" read the following short article to see the Greatness of these days plus what can you do to take advantage of every moment...

Praise be to Allaah.

Among the great seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, which Allaah has favoured over other days. It was narrated from Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." They said: "Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?" He said: "Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything." [Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2/457]

It was also narrated from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There is no deed that is better before Allaah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of al-Adha." It was said: "Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?" He said: "Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything." [Narrated by al-Daarimi, 1/357; its isnaad is hasan as stated in al-Irwa', 3/398.]

These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all other days of the year, with no exception, even the last ten days of Ramadaan. But the last ten nights of Ramadaan are better than the first ten nights of Dhu'l-Hijjah, because they include Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. [See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 5/412].

So the Muslim should start these days with sincere repentance to Allaah, then he should do a lot of righteous deeds in general, then he should pay attention to doing the following deeds:

1 – Fasting
It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, and fasting is one of the best of deeds, which Allaah has chosen for Himself as it says in the hadeeth qudsi: "Allaah says: 'All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it." [Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1805. ]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu'l-Hijjah. It was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife, that one of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu'l-Hijjah and the day of 'Ashoora', and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays. [Narrated by al-Nasaa'i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawood; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 2/462. ]

** Fasting The Day of 'Arafah >> "...Fasting the day of 'Arafah is an expiations (of all the sins of the) previous year and the following year" [Sahih Muslim] - So if one can not fast all 10 days, at least fast the day of 'Arafah, The Day of 'Arafah is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah

2 – Reciting tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer a great deal
It is Sunnah to recite takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar (Allaah is most great)), tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillah (praise be to Allaah)), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (There is no god but Allaah)) and tasbeeh (saying Subhaan-Allaah (Glory be to Allaah)), during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, saying these words out loud in the mosques, homes, streets and every place in which it is permissible to remember Allaah, to perform this act of worship openly and proclaim the greatness of Allaah.

Men should recite out loud and women should recite quietly.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)"
[al-Hajj 22:28]

The majority are of the view that the "appointed days" are the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, because it was narrated from Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the appointed days are the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah.

It was narrated from 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There are no days that are greater before Allaah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed during them." [Narrated by Ahmad, 7/224; its isnaad was classed as saheeh by Ahmad Shaakir.]

The takbeer is as follows:
Allaah akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah; Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise).

And there are other versions. This takbeer has become a forsaken Sunnah nowadays, especially at the beginning of these ten days. You can hardly hear it except from a few. It should be recited out loud, so as to revive the Sunnah and remind the heedless. It was proven that Ibn 'Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with them both) used to go out to the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, reciting the takbeer our loud, and the people would recite takbeer when they heard them, i.e., the people would remember the talkbeer and each one would recite it by himself; it does not mean that they recited in unison – that is not prescribed in sharee'ah.

Reviving Sunnahs that have been forgotten brings a great deal of reward, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Whoever revives one of my Sunnahs that has died out after I am gone, will have a reward like that of everyone who does it, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest." [Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 7/443; this hadeeth is hasan because of corroborating reports].

3 – Doing Hajj and 'Umrah
One of the greatest deeds that can be done during these ten days is Hajj to the sacred House of Allaah. Whoever Allaah helps to go on Hajj to His House and do the rituals in the required manner will – in sha Allaah – be included in the words of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise."

4 - Doing more Good Deeds in General
Good deeds are beloved by Allaah and will bring a great reward from Him. Whoever is not able to go to Hajj should occupy himself at this blessed time by worshipping Allaah, praying (salaat), reading Qur'an, remembering Allaah, making supplication (du'aa'), giving charity, honouring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.

5 – Udhiyah (Sacrifice)
One of the righteous deeds that bring a person closer to Allaah in these ten days is to slaughter the sacrifice and to look for a good, fat animal and to spend money on it for the sake of Allaah.

6 - Sincere Repentance.
One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allaah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin. Repentance means coming back to Allaah and foregoing all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes, out of regret for what has passed, giving it up immediately and being determined never to return to it, but to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing what Allaah loves.

There is much to be gained, so make the most of the opportunity afforded by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten to do good works, before death strikes, before one can regret one's negligence and failure to act, before one is asked to return to a place where no prayers will be answered, before death intervenes between the hopeful one and the things he hopes for, before you are trapped with your deeds in the grave.
O you whose hard heart is as dark as the night, is it not time that your heart was filled with light and became soft? Expose yourself to the gentle breeze of your Lord's mercy during these ten days, for Allaah will cause this breeze to touch whomever He wills, and whoever is touched by it will be happy on the Day of Judgement. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and all his Family and Companions.

Resource:
http://islamqa.com/index.php?ref=49042&ln=eng&txt=Ðí%20ÇáÍÌÉ
http://islamqa.com/index.php?ref=1699&ln=eng&txt=dhul%20hijjah

TO GET A FREE SHORT & CONCISE HAJJ OR UMRAH GUIDE:
http://discoverulife.com/blog/?p=31

--Noor B--

What are you doing....

2008-11-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

Abu-Hurairah (RadiAllahu Anhu) narrated Allah's Messenger Salallahu alaihi wassalam said, "Indeed Allah does not look at your appearance and your wealth, but he looks at your hearts and your deeds."--Muslim--

Have all the money you want, look as good as you want, But if you are not doing anything sincerely for Allah...none of it matters.

What are you doing and who are you doing it for?

--Sada--

2008-11-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

Gratitude

2008-11-04T11:18:00.001-08:00

To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude. -- Albert Schweitzer --

Gratitude is the simplest yet most neglected expression in our lives today. We bury ourselves in situations that go against our will and desires to the extent that we forget about the blessings we have at hand. We have all repeatedly heard the saying, "Be grateful for what you have." But are we truly grateful for what we have? What is our instant reaction when we are struck by a calamity? Do we portray our happiness towards the decree of Allah by saying, "Alhumdulillah 'ala kulli haal" (Praise be to Allah in all situations) or do we despair, "Why me?" When we lose something dear to us do we think maybe there was benefit in it for me? "It may well be that you hate a thing while it is good for you, and it may well be that you love a thing while it is bad for you: and Allah knows, whereas you do not know." [2:216]. So we must show gratitude to Allah by being content with His decisions.

Likewise what is our reaction when we attain something we desire? Do we rejoice and praise ourselves? Or do we sincerely say "Alhumdulillah," for He is the One, the All Mighty, who granted us this opportunity? How many times a day do we think, 'I have accomplished such and such due to the bounty of Allah' or how many times do we think, 'I have accomplished this because of my own efforts and doings'? If we remember that all that we do is nothing but tawfeeq from Allah then our attitudes towards our lives will be much different. We will find ourselves humble, content and not complaining -- maybe even smiling.

Allah has given us so much to be grateful for, yet we have said "thank you" to our friends more than we have to Allah. How grateful are we to Allah for the eyes that we have been blessed with so we can see all that we see? What about the ears that we hear with? "It is He Who has created you (and made you grow), and made for you the faculties of hearing, seeing, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is you give."[67:23] What about the knowledge that we are attaining by using the three senses mentioned in the verse? Are we showing gratitude by putting it into action and teaching it to others? In Surah Nahl, Allah speaks about Ibrahim ('alayhis salaam) being guided to the right path due to his gratitude. "Abraham was indeed a model, devoutly obedient to Allah, (and) true in Faith, and he joined not gods with Allah. He showed his gratitude for the favors of Allah, who chose him, and guided him to a Straight Way. And We gave him Good in this world, and he will be, in the Hereafter, in the ranks of the Righteous." [16:120-122]. There is nothing but goodness in being grateful and the least we get out of praising Allah is the calmness of our own hearts.

So how many days have passed by since you have sincerely thanked Allah for your health, your home, for a good night's sleep, for the provision that He has given you? Be grateful for all that you have good or bad. Be grateful for the lack of excessive luxury because if you had it you may not be as close to Allah the way you are now. We enjoy more bounties in this part of the world then people anywhere else. The Prophet (salAllahu 'alayhi wasallam) advised us to look at those who are less fortunate than us concerning the provision of the Dunya. Also show the utmost gratitude that Allah has guided you. "And remember! Your Lord caused to be declared: If you are grateful, I will add more (favors) unto you; but if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed."[14:7]

How can we be consistent in showing gratitude?

To start, have a gratitude journal. Every night write five things you are grateful for and do not repeat the same ones for the next three days. And truly say 'Alhamdulillah' from your heart for each and every blessing you write. "If you would count up the favors of Allah, never would you be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."[16:18]

May Allah make us among the grateful and the rightly guided ones. Ameen

Narrated AbuBakrah:

When anything came to the Prophet (salAllahu 'alayhi wasallam) which caused pleasure (or by which he was made glad), he prostrated himself in gratitude to Allah. [Saheeh Muslim]

--Sada--

Basic recap from Surah Baqarah Ayah 28 and 29

2008-11-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

"How can you disbelieve in Allah seeing that you were dead and He gave you life Then He will give you death, then again will bring you to life (on the Day of Resurrection) and then unto Him you will return."- Basically HOW can we deny Allah's existence and disbelieve in Him after we were nothing and HE was the One to bring us into existence? It makes no sense. And then He will be the One to take that away and give us death. Our main focus in life ~~> I'm headed towards that direction, and there's no way that I can escape from it, so how can I prepare for it? The first death (state of lifelessness) refers to before man was ever given life, and the 2nd life is the one we are headed towards- when Allah will resurrect each and everyone of us on the Day of Judgment when each will be payed his full. In the end of the Ayah is a warning of the ReTuRn - again this is our main focus and purpose in life. We're ultimately going to have to return to Him, so we need to pack the best provisions in preparation for that meeting.

"He it is Who created for you all that is on earth. Then He Istawa ila the heaven and made them seven heavens, and He is the Knower of everything."- In this Ayah, basically Allah is mentioning another proof of His existence that we can witness (after mentioning us as a proof)- and that is in the creation of the Heavens and the Earth. His ability- He started the creation by creating the Earth (laying the foundation- the base) and then He made the Heaven into seven heavens (building on top of the base). ImPoRtAnT: Everything that was created is for mans use- it was created for us: the rain, sky, cattle, ground, abundant fruits- all of this was made for us and to benefit us.

Just something on the side which I found very beautiful: Ibn Ata said, "Allah has created the universe for you so that it should serve you and you should serve Allah and a wise man should thus know that he will certainly get what has been created for him and should not in worrying about it forget the being for whom he himself has been created."

Allah ends the Ayah by basically reminding us that His knowledge encompasses all of creation.

--Mariam Raza--

2008-09-06T12:20:00.001-07:00

I learned that the prophet would do anything, Allah asked him to. He would forgive anyone when Allah told him to. He would protect people when he knew he should.
He was very cool :)

-Alia Seedat

2008-09-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

If Allah (SWT) helps you no one can ever come in your way. However, if he is not with you there is no one who can help you in a difficult times. Every believer should put their complete trust in Allah (SWT). For them is their victory.

-Sana Afzal

2008-09-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

1). A believer needs to be firm and resolute their decisions.

2). Allah (SWT) will be on your side if you put your trust and tawakul in Him.

3). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was lenient, patiend and forgiving to his Ummah.

-Zardana Popal

2008-09-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Today I learned that by following the hypocrites, you will only achieve TEMPORARY pleasures. They will be gone. However, the pleasures of heaven last forever and the believers will abide in it forever for staying patient and calm.

-Sarah Afzal

Death

2008-09-06T12:14:00.001-07:00

Death can come at anytime, so wake up and have the trust in Allah, no on wants to be resting in Jahannam (Hell)

-Juveria Thastahir

Intention

2008-09-06T12:13:00.001-07:00

"Every action is based on intention"
Your intention should be the pleasure of Allah

-Hani

Prophet SAW as a mercy for mankind

2008-09-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Rasool SAW was extremely merciful to his companions, regardless of what they did. Rather, we are the opposite, but we need to train our soul to fight off the ego and arrogance "forgive and forget" and be leniant with the people so that they come closer to Islam rather than running away from it.

Sahar

2008-08-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

Verily, Allâh is not ashamed to set forth a parable even of a mosquito or so much more when it is bigger (or less when it is smaller) than it. And as for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but as for those who disbelieve, they say: "What did Allâh intend by this parable?" By it He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He misleads thereby only those who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, disobedient to Allâh). Baqarah:26

Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh;

How did I come to the conclusion that this is the truth from my Lord?

I came to the conclusion that this is the truth from my Lord b/c as a Believer, I believe in these parables- whether they involve large matters or small matters, b/c I know that they are the truth from Allah, and Allah guides the Believers by means of these parables. By means of these parables, Allah guides many from among those of conviction and faith,and adds guidance to their guidance- why? B/c they know and firmly believe in what they know to be true- meaning the parables that Allah sets forth. THIS is the guidance that Allah grants them when He says: "wa yahdi bihi kathira".

Mariam Raza

Friends

2008-08-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

"A man depends on the religion of his friend"

So make friends wisely, because maybe the company you hang out with may just lead you to paradise... =]
Rabia Osman

Role model

2008-08-10T10:30:00.001-07:00

The companions of Muhammad (S) and their faith... by listening to their actions it makes ME want to do something, it makes me want to follow them. They heard a verse and gave the most so we today can find it easy to give a little.
Sheeza Ejaz

Unite!!

2008-08-10T10:24:00.001-07:00

Hold firmly to the rope of Allah (the Quran and the Sunnah)
Hani Karim

To achieve success we need to be united. To enjoin that which is good and Forbid from that which is evil we need each other. And in order for us to unite we need to encourage not discourage.
Zardana.

It's the lack of unity which has made us weak as an Ummah. So what will unite us? easy... Quran and Sunnah.
Rabia Osman

Spend to Attain Piety

2008-08-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness - here it means Allâh's Reward, i.e. Paradise), unless you spend (in Allâh's Cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allâh knows it well.

Growing up spoiled i never shared what was mine. But now that i'm growing up i realized that everytime i share for Allah (even if it is a piece of cheesecake) I feel good. Like seriously...REALLY GOOD.
Share for Allah because everytime you share (quietly0 Allah watches it and knows it..He's always there. So try your best because your best...might just lead you to the mercy of Allah...paradise.
Rabia Osman.

Five something that you dearly love fot he sake of Allah because in return Allah will reward you greatly. Most importantly you will attain piety. Giving something as little as one dollar to help build a masjid will give you reward for every person who performs Salah in that Masjid.
Sana Afzal

Spending a thing loved on a even a beloved will help us attain righteousness and will also increase our love for the Lord and His love for us.
Aysha Feroz

By spending in the way of Allah you get closer to Allah. If you love something dearly, try to sacrifice it because Allah will give you something much better in return. it can be anything, food clothes jewelry or a seat on the bus to an elderly or disabled person. Even offering help is spending out o your time. This way you will increase your piety and move up in ranks in front of Allah.
Sarah Afzal

Spending brings us closer to Allah! Giving up something for Him shows sacrifice and also takes away greediness on top of that it increases up in our faith and brings us one step closer to piety (righteousness)
Sheeza Ejaz

Giving and spending in the way of Allah is emphasized much in the Quran. We should spend or give something to prove our love of Allah to Him. When we give we become closer to Him and we also attain righteousness which becomes a means of His mercy. At the time of the Prophet (S) his companoins gave up thier homes for Allah cause they knew there was a better home waiting for them in the next world... we can give anything (in good condition) we like it really depends on our intention. You can even give your seat on the bus and share a type of food you love :).
Zaree Ahmedzay

Give up what you love for the sake of Allah and He will know what struggle you went through and He will give you your share in Paradise. And remember the key if for Allah otherwise all your efforts have gone to waste.
Juvaria Thasthaniv.

Repent!!!

2008-08-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

REPENT! For the doors of repentance are open 'til you see the angel of death.

-Salma Shirzad

2008-08-08T17:52:00.001-07:00

We can't go around doing everything we feel like. There are limits set for us. We must do what we have been ordered to do. To please Allah ... Pleasing Allah is our first priority. Then WE will be pleased in the hereafter.

Zaree Ahmedzay

2008-08-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) used to ask for forgiveness 70-100 times a day. I will try my best to start repenting (asking for forgiveness) from Allah [Inshallah].

-Lalo Ahmedzay

2008-08-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

"Every sincere person invites to Allah"

-Aysha Feroz

2008-08-08T17:31:00.001-07:00

Our prophet Muhammad S.A.W used to ask for forgiveness 70-100 times a day. That was the man who was guaranteed Paradise. Then what are WE compared to him . . .

-Sheeza Ejaz

Struggle

2008-08-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

"The person who struggles to recite the Qur'an recieves more rewards than the one who reads it fluently"

Hani Karim

2008-07-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

"Yet of all things, man is most argumentative"

Al-Qur'an 18:54

This is so true! Of all creatures we are the ones to ask the most questions, to have the most complaints. Now I realize why Allah kept repeating the stubbornness of Bani Israel, they would always complain and question the commands. Whereas, the birds, bees and even the trees do what Allah has commanded them. The birds chirp Allah's names constantly, the bees are always humming Allah's name. The rivers flow in search of Allah and here we are sitting complaining "I hate to pray, waste of time, I have to do this etc." Salah was brought down to us as a gift, we take it as a burden =[

RABiA

Free Will

2008-07-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

When the sun does down and the stars come out, at the end of the road, REMEMBER THIS LIFE IS A TEST OF ALLAH, and free-will can accomplish anything GOOD and BAD .

Fatema R.

Don't delay

2008-07-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord; and a Garden (Paradise), the extensiveness of which is (as) the heavens and the earth, it is prepared for those who are righteous. [3:133]