Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Teacup

The Teacup


There was a couple who used to go to shop in the beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery and especially teacups. One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful teacup. They said, "May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful." As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke.


"You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red and I was clay." My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, "let me alone", but he only smiled, "Not yet."


"Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the teacup said, "and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! I'm getting dizzy!" I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet."


Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as He shook his head, "Not yet."


Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. "There, that's better," I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. "Stop it, stop it!" I cried. He only nodded, "Not yet."


Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head saying, "Not yet."


Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, "Look at yourself." And I did. I said, "That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful."


"I want you to remember," then, he said, "I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled.


I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have had any color in your life.


And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you."


Allah swt knows what He's doing (for all of us).He is the Potter, and we are His clay. He will mould us and make us, So that we may be made into a flawless piece of work To fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.


Surah At-Tin ["The Fig"] verse 4, Allah said: "We moulded man into a most noble image."

And Allah asks "O man! What evil has enticed you from your gracious Lord, Who created and proportioned you, and moulded your body to His will?" (Surat Al Infitar)

Monday, December 19, 2011

Next Time YOU Complain about ANYTHING in life..Have a Look at this Picture...



The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:



"O God, grant me life as a poor man, cause me to die as a poor man and resurrect me in the company of the poor.." His wife asked him why he said that, and he replied: "Because (the poor) will enter Paradise (before) the rich. Do not turn away a poor man...even if all you can give is half a date. If you love the poor and bring them near you..God will bring you near Him on the Day of Ressurrection."


Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1376.

Have a very good stare at the above picture. Immediate observations are:


1. The wood sticks from which the house is made.


2. The old clothes and plastic bags which are put around the man made house to give privacy to these people


3. The children don’t have shoes


4. Its only one room in some camp. Just one room.


5. No electricity supply or gas supply


6. No running tap in this ‘house’


7. No carpet or fancy flooring


8. How do they sleep? What do they sleep on?


9. No fridge or freezer


10. Finally. ‘Patience and Acceptance’ They are used to this life, they hardly moan. For them, anything they get, they accept without a moan. Look at the state of kids nowadays, if they don’t get anything, into an immediate mood swing or parents are just over spoiling the kids due to their demands.


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Five Important Beauty Tips

Five Important Beauty Tips


Beauty does not necessarily come from the usage of expensive cosmetics and skin treatments. You can use these easy to follow beauty tips and bring out your natural beauty with the help of these excellent beauty tips which will allow you to look your best!


Get enough sleep: 8 hours of sleep every night is a must. The body needs this time period for the production and regeneration of many substances which cannot take place otherwise. Ample amount of sleep every night will also prevent the formation of dark circles or eye bags, which in some cases cannot be concealed even with the help of makeup. The key to looking fresh and healthy is as simple as getting a good night’s sleep.


Drink plenty of water: For a healthy, glowing skin you must drink plenty of water. Drinking eight glasses of water daily can give you a perfect, flawless skin which will not require any artificial beauty enhancement.


Cut down on oils and fats: A balanced diet which consists of all basic nutrients and minerals required by the body is absolutely essential, but for a perfect, acne free skin, cut down on fried and oily foods entirely. This will prevent oily skin and acne.


Protect your skin: Always wear sun block that suits your skin when out in the sun in order to prevent sun burns and uneven tans. Apart from looking unattractive, these tans take a considerable period of time in vanishing. Also, avoid direct exposure to dust, dirt and pollution.

Include plenty of greens in your diet: It is true that every single fruit and every single vegetable has unique benefits of its own. Fruits and vegetables are full of important minerals and vitamins that can do you a world of good

Friday, December 09, 2011

Conversation with the D e v i l

Deep at night, I had this dialogue with Satan.


Shortly, I heard the Fajr prayer call. I wanted to go to the mosque.



* He said: "The night is still long, so take a nap."
* I said: "I'm afraid I'll miss my obligatory prayer!"
* He said: "There is much time to go "
* I said: "I'm afraid I'll miss praying in congregation."
* He said: "Don't be too harsh on yourself in worship."
Then, I didn't wake up until the sun had already risen.


* He whispered to me again saying: "Don't feel sorry for what you have missed. The day is still full of many other chances."



As soon as I started mentioning Allah, he brought to my mind all kinds of thoughts.
* I said: "You are diverting me from making Dua'a."
* He said: "Just delay it until the night." Shortly, I intended to repent.
* He said: "Enjoy your young age before it comes to an end"!
* I said: "I'm too afraid of death."
* He said: "But your life will not end now."


I started to memorize Qur'aan
* He said: "Entertain yourself with songs."
* I said: "But it's an unlawful thing to do."
* He said: "Scholars differed on that matter
* I said: "The evidences from the Prophet's sayings (peace be upon him) are with me"
* He said: "But you know their sources are weak!"



A beautiful lady passed by, so I lowered my gaze.
* He said: "What's wrong? It's just a gaze"!
* I said: "A gaze puts me in a dangerous place."
* He said: "It's lawful to contemplate in grace."



I went to the Kaaba (The Ancient House of Allah). There he was with me on the way.
* He said: "What's the reason behind this trip?"
* I said: "To make 'Umrah'."
* He said: "You have risked dangers (on your travel) to do this Umrah.


Don't you know that good deeds have plenty of other doors?!!"
* I said: "But my life needs a change for the better"
* He said: "Don't you know that you can't enter Paradise through your deeds?


I went to give advice to people.
* He said: "Don't put yourself in an embarrassing situation.
* I said: "But, my only aim is to benefit others."



* He said: "That's a trap of self-admiration, and it is indeed the head of corruption."
* I said: "Tell me your opinion about some people."
* He said: " I can answer you of the private, as well as the general."
*


I said: "Ahmed Ibn Hanbal?"
* He said: "His calling to follow Qura'an and Sunnah was killing me."
* I said: "Ibn Taymeyah?"
* He said: "His words hit my head like a daily beating."
* I said: "Al-Bukhari?"
* He said: "I can even burn my house with his book."
* I said: "Al-Haggag?"
* He said: "I wish 1000 of men are like him. His way is cure and happiness to my colleagues of Satan's."
* I said: "Pharaoh?"
* He said: "Oh, to him victory and support we owe."
* I said: "Saladin, the Hero of the battle of "Hetteen"?"
* He said: "Let us not talk of him…he brought humiliation to my sons, and buried our heads in mud."
* I said: "Mohamed Ibn Abdul Wahab?"
* He said: "His messages were like the heavenly fiery stars that were burning my heart"


* I said: "Abu Jahl?"
* He said: "The best kinship and brothers we are."
* I said: "Abu Lahab?"
* He said: "We are together in every step forever."
* I said: "Lenin?"
* He said: "Bounded by me, with Stalin on fire."



* I said: "Nude Magazines?"
* He said: "Are my holy books."
* I said: "Satellites?"
* He said: "Make people diabolical."
* I said: "Coffee Shops?"
* He said: "Welcome everyone who is diverted from Allah and the right way."


* I said: "What is your dua'a (athkaar)?"
* He said: "Songs."
* I said: "What is your job?"
* He said: " False Hopes."
* I said: "What do you think about the Markets?"
* He said: "Clubs where my friends meet."
* I said: "What do you think of the Socialist party?"
* He said: "It is with which I have shared all my belongings, to whom I taught all my thoughts, intentions and prayers."



* I said: "How do you misguide people?"
* He said: "By desires, doubts, distracting amusements, hopes and songs."
* I said: "How do you misguide women?"
* He said: "I tempt them towards showing off their beauty, and favoring the prohibited over the lawful.


* I said: "How do you misguide the Scholars?"
* He said: "By paving the way for them to admiration and showing off, and by planting envy and pride in their hearts."



* I said: "How do you misguide people as general?"
* He said: "Through back-biting, tale-fabrication, wasting their times in things of no value and in useless cheap conversations."


* I said: "How do you misguide merchants?"
* He said: "By tempting them to deal with bribery, making them hate paying charity and by making spendthriftness beloved."
* I said: "How do you misguide young people?"
* He said: "By making them fall in the trap of love, reckless in following Allah's orders and committing the prohibited."



* I said: "What do you think of "Israel", the Jewish state?"
* He said: "Oh, don't try to backbite and speak ill of my beloved home country, the most dear to my heart."
* I said: "What do you think of Abu Nawwas?"
* He said: "Such a respectful character. His poems really inspired me."
* I said: "And "modernity"?"
* He said: "The inheritors of our satanic knowledge."
* I said: "Secularity?"
* He said: "That's my belief, and its believers are the cheating magicians and creators of false hopes. We all bear same names."


* I said: "What do you think of Washington?"
* He said: "The state of my beloved ones and the base for my army. Indeed it is my nation."



* I said: "What do you think of those people who call to the word of Allah?"
* He said: "They are torturing me! They inflict a lot of pain and misery on me. They made me an old man with gray hair! They destroy all what I build! They make noise when I speak, read when I sing, and seek refuge from me when I show up."



* I said: "What do you say about newspapers?"
* He said: "Means for wasting people's time, especially that of the elite, and means for stealing money."


* I said: "What do you think of the BBC?"
* He said: "It's my weapon. Through it I put the poison in the honey, ignite wars between Arabs & the other nations and flatter both the oppressor and oppressed."



* I said: "What did you do with the Crow?"
* He said: "I made him kill his brother and bury him under earth till he disappeared."


* I said: "What did you do with Karoon?"
* He said: "I whispered to him: You son of the old man. Save the treasuries to win. You are one of the greatest men."



* I said: "What did you say to Pharaoh?"
* He said: "I told him: You are the greatest one in the palace. To win say: "Isn't it me who possess the power over Egypt?"."



* I said: "What did you say to the one who drinks wine?"
* He said: "I told him you should drink this grape's juice. It is the answer to all your problems. It wipes out your troubles. And don't worry, you know the way to repentance and its doors are always opened for you."



* I said: "What kills you?"
* He said: "Reading the verses of "Al Kursy" (Ayat-ul-Kursi - the Chair). It prevents me from breathing and makes me feel I'm in an eternal prison, in a night full of misery."



* I said: "Who are the most beloved people to you?"
* He said: "Singers, poets that aim at misguiding people, sins doers, and every cunning person who goes astray."



* I said: "Who is the most hateful person to you?"
* He said: "Mosque-goers, everyone who kneels and prostrates to Allah, every pious and sincere worshipper, and every fighter in the cause of Allah."



* I said: "I hereby seek refuge in Allah from you."


The moment I said so, he disappeared as though melting into the sand - and this is the liar's end!



Is it too deep not think about? Answer me oh dear one...What will you do?

Thursday, December 08, 2011

The Unforgetable Love Story of A'isha RA and Nabi Muhammed Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam

We all have a certain image of lovers, a star-crossed pair, love at first sight, living happily ever after…

Normally, we associate these ideas of love with couples who meet, date, and fall head over heels for each other. Very rarely do we relate these images to married couples.

Moreover, we almost never connect this perception to Muslim couples, who marry according to purely Islamic customs. Although this link is quite rare, there actually exists an example in Islam's own history, which not only depicts this kind of love but goes far beyond it.

This is the pure, married love between the Prophet Muhammad and his beloved, Lady Aishah.

The two came together in circumstances that are a stark contrast to today's conventional love story. He was a devoted Messenger of God, embarking on the third year of prophethood; she was the daughter of his best friend and companion, Abu Bakr.

The early years of their marriage began quite innocently. Although Aishah was a young bride, she was in the standard marriageable age that the Arabian culture approved of and encourages at that time.

The clear evidence is that Aishah had already been engaged to another man before her engagement to the Prophet.

Though Aishah was ready for marriage life, the Prophet preferred to grant her extra support in her transition to life as a married woman. She carried on with the many joys of childhood and fortunate for her, as she had a husband gentle and kind enough to understand this.

Rather than throwing all the responsibilities of a wife on her at once, the Prophet made the marriage and its duties a gradual process for Aishah and ensured that she made a smooth transition into her new life. The compassionate nature with which he nurtured Aishah in her early years as a wife made a tremendous impact on the strong woman she went on to become.

As the so called "honeymoon period" between the couple came to an end, many challenges and trying moments began to arise. In the midst of all the mayhem, this blessed couple still took time out for simple fun and laughter.

Aishah fondly recalls memories of racing with the Prophet and even winning the race when she was young and fit (Ibn Al Jawzy 68).

They enjoyed these races so much that the couple even raced to the Battle of Badr which was one of the most important battles in the Islamic history.

The romance in this marriage was not limited to just fun and games. As their marriage continued, intimacy was ultimately inter-woven in their daily affairs.

They would sit and eat together and Aishah would take a sip and then the Prophet would do so from the same spot her lips touched.

She would have some meat or chicken, and then he would eat from the same spot she ate from. This is just one of many ways they infused romance and affection in even the simplest of acts. These small gestures show that in this marriage, romance was not a superficial bouquet of roses. Rather, it was natural and existed in their everyday life.

Love has several expressions. However, it is known to all and sundry that for a woman, nothing expresses love like the words a man simply speaks from his heart.

The Prophet was most forthcoming in expressing his love for Aishah and this is evident in multiple sayings (hadith) in which he publicly declares that Aishah is the most beloved to him.

Such profound love he held for his wife that he referred to her as one with the complete qualities of a believing woman. This is a clear sign of the kind of respect he held for his wife.

This respect was possible because he actually put forth the time and effort in getting to know and understand his wife enough to recommend her as an example for other women to follow.

The Prophet and his beloved connected as soul mates, as he received divine revelations often when he was with her. The fact that God blessed and ordained this marriage is evident in that the Prophet confessed to Aishah that before marrying her, he saw her twice in his dreams.

Both times, Angel Gabriel carried her to him in a silk cloth and said to him, that Aishah would be his wife in this world and in the Hereafter (Al-Bukhari). Their blessed companionship came to a peaceful end after nine years, when the Prophet drew his last breath in Aishah's arms.

The Prophet's demise may have ended their companionship in this world. However, it did not put a stop to his mission nor did it end Aishah's role in carrying out her beloved's message.

It was after the Prophet's demise that one can truly see the divine purpose behind this marriage. Because she spent the most formative years of her life with the Prophet, she was able to learn and imbibe all of his teachings.

The love story between the Prophet Muhammad and Lady Aishah may not be what epic romances are made of, but it certainly provides a more realistic perception of how true love can be found within a marriage.

The sole purpose of marriage in Islam is to fulfill an individual's need for companionship and true love. Islam emphasizes and encourages this fulfillment but only within the bond of marriage.

The Prophet's marriage to Aishah shows that intimacy and romance is not necessarily limited to rosy-eyed young dating couples. This blessed couple exemplified that the true love and companionship we all seek, is entirely possible within marriage and moreover, within the Islamic way of life.

Today, this is a marriage which many may choose to slander or demean. Yet one needs only to take a look at the evidence Prophet Muhammad and Lady Aishah left behind, in the form of numerous sayings they related, which testify so dearly to the love and intimacy they shared.

They lived it, cherished it and practiced it, down to earth in their daily life. He loved her dearly and passionately, and she loved him back.
She — like any normal, loving woman — felt jealous for him and expressed that obviously. He also felt jealous —like any normal, loving man — and expressed it obviously. They were human in their love, not angelic.
Yet, despite his deep love to her, and his genuine passion towards her, he never permitted this love to make him neglect his duties or role as a prophet and worshipper. He would leave her warm side in the middle of the night and take her permission to pray. He would tenderly ask her: "Let me stand for my God an hour in prayers." And, she would let him willingly and lovingly.

They lived love in their daily moments and they practiced it in every action. Their story of love did not stop at their lively moments, but continued till they departed.

Again, it has always amazed me and touched my heart deeply the moment of the Prophet's death. It was when he chose to depart the world from her house. He chose to go there when he felt death approaching.

And, then, at the moment of death, he chose to lean his head between her arms and to depart from there. Her hugging arms were the last he encountered in our world.
And not only did he die in her arms, but he was also buried in a grave dug in the floor of her room, in the house next to the mosque. The spot became known as the Haram al-Nabawi

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Master Your Life and Have Fun Doing It

As 2011 is finding it's way to completion. Many of us are thinking about the holidays - and joy-filled moments with those we love most. This is also a superb time to carve out some solo time and begin reflecting on what you did well in 2011 and what you need to improve so that the new year is guaranteed to become your absolute best year yet. Please remember: success doesn't just show up via luck. No, success is the inevitable result of doing a number of specific things, in a consistent way.


So as you reflect+deliberate on+journal your 2011 wins and record your "Opportunities for Improvement" (along with your 2012 Mission+Values and Goals), I invite you to remember the following 6 Insights to Master Your Life:


1. IT IS ALL ABOUT YOU! What I mean by this is that the #1 reason you may not be where you want to be in your career and personal life is who you currently are vs the external conditions you might be blaming. It's stunning how our limiting beliefs and core fears sabotage us and keep us small. And here's the thing: because most of them are subconscious, we can't even see the mess they are creating for us.


The key here is to clean up the self-deception in your life. And take a good hard look at why you are where you are. Is the truth that you're scared of failure or rejection or the unknown or success? The more aware you become of how you're the one standing in your own way, the more you'll move into choice. And have the power to make the new choices that drive new results.


2. YOUR NET WORTH NEVER EXCEEDS YOUR SELF WORTH. We get from life not all we want but who we are. To have more, we must become more. The more you can learn, grow and provoke the highest display of your potential on a daily basis, the more all you want will begin to show up. (How do you start this growth? Journaling, affirmations, reading the books of world-class people, associating with superstars, attending seminars+webinars, listening to inspirational audiobooks etc).


3. FOCUS IS MORE VALUABLE THAN INTELLIGENCE. You're smart enough to master your life - and play in the big leagues of success. Here's another thing that may be holding you back: you're really busy being busy. But what's the point of being uber-productive doing useless things?


So much of the leadership presentations I delivered across the planet in 2011 for clients like Starbucks and The Coca-Cola Company and KPMG involved showing people how to make the leap from being busy to achieving results. Two quick ways: turn off your technology for a few hours each day and do Real Work. And second, make your Stop Doing List more important than your To Do List.


4. DISRUPT OR BE DISRUPTED. OK, so here's the reality: the next 20 years will be nothing like the last 20 years. You and your team and your organization can "wait for the up cycle to return". But I think you'll be waiting a long time. I don't think we're in a down cycle. I think the way the global economy+society currently is, is the new reality. And if you agree with me, there's only one choice for any one of us: innovate - or become obsolete.


So, to win in 2012, out-think who you were this year and out-learn what you learned and outwork the way you worked. Read constantly. Iterate daily. And ferociously improve every part of the way you think, work and live.


5. SHATTER YOUR STANDARDS. It's stunning how many people - built to play at wow with their lives - accept mediocrity in their health, finances, work, relationships and mindset (the problem with letting a little mediocrity into your orbit is more starts to creep in until eventually it becomes your new normal).


Right now, I challenge you with my usual respect and affection, to raise your standards. Don't tolerate any form of average. Don't accept Dis-excellence. Don't stand for mediocre. If you're going to settle, then please settle for the absolute best.


6. HAVE SOME FUN. Life's a short ride when you really think about it. Yes, do your dreams while you change the world. But do it with a smile. And a festive heart. Make time for life's simple pleasures (the other day my daughter and I shared Chinese food in the food court of a shopping mall; the laughter and joy we experienced - priceless). Savor life's gifts. Embrace all that's good in your life.

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Christiano Ronaldo donates to the Palestinian children in Gaza

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, Most Merciful May Greetings and Salutations of Peace be upon the Most Beloved of Allah, Muhammad Sallalahu `alaihi wasallam



As-Salaamu-Alaikum



Real Madrid forward Christiano Ronaldo has donated 2,400 euros ($3,273) to Palestinian children in Gaza, the Arabic site of the club's 'Classico' network has revealed.

Ronaldo gave away sports shoes to the foundation, which in turn sold the boots at a public auction and will now dedicate the funds to schools in Gaza.

According to the network, bidding began at 700 euros ($954) and was finally concluded at 2,400 euros.

During his spell at Manchester United, Ronaldo was photographed wearing the Palestinian head cover, the kufiyyeh, which was seen as support for the Palestinian cause.




'No matter how softly we whisper a prayer, ALLAH surely listens and knows the hopes & fears we carry in our hearts. For when we trust HIM, our Dua'as will definitely be answered!'

Friday, December 02, 2011

BlackBerry App for Muslims - App World

Salaams & Jummah Mubarak!



Muslim ‘BB’ users will be on cloud nine with the launch of a new mobile application for Blackberry, tailored to meet the needs of the South African Islamic community. With the app, phone users can search for the contact details and directions to the nearest masjid to their current location. The app uses GPS to display highly accurate results but can also triangulate your position between cellphone towers to provide you with detailed directions even if your phone does not have GPS.



In addition, users can search through an extensive database containing the details of hundreds of halal bakeries, butcheries and restaurants. These searches can be filtered by name, address, suburb or simply by what is near a user’s current location. A new added feature is the salaah prayer time calculator that gives the user daily prayer times


based on the his or her exact position as well as the option to save these times as an alarm. The Islamic Way App is South Africa’s newest app for the Muslim community and is designed for all Blackberry Curve, Bold and Torch


devices running Blackberry OS5 and above.



It was developed in South Africa by a local app development company called TEQDAS. Islamic Way has been designed to be deeply integrated with the functionality of any Blackberry device to allow users to easily launch the phone’s dialer or view directions in Blackberry Maps directly from the app.



While Islamic Way is currently South Africa’s most advanced Muslim Lifestyle app, TEQDAS is already planning to add additional features to the app over the next few months. The TEQDAS team are already testing a number of new features, including a Zakaat (tax) calculator and a number of live community features that will send news, events


and other religious communication straight to the Blackberry device. The app is currently available for download on Blackberry App World. Just search for ‘Islamic Way’ and download it.