A small description of the Beauty and Greatness of Allah (swt)

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) described the Greatness of Allah in the most beautiful way:

"He is controlling the affairs of all the kingdoms. He commands and prohibits, creates and gives provision, and gives death and gives life. He raises and lowers people’s status, alternates night and day, gives days (good and not so good) to men by turns, and causes nations to rise and fall, so that one nation vanishes and another emerges. His command and decree are carried out throughout the heavens and on earth, above it and below it, in the oceans and in the air. He has knowledge of all things and knows the number of all things. He hears all voices, and does not mistake one for another; He hears them all, in all the different languages and with all their varied requests and pleas. No voice distracts Him from hearing another, He does not confuse their requests, and He never tires of hearing the pleas of those in need. He sees all that is visible, even the walk of a black ant across a solid rock in the darkest night.

The unseen is visible to Him, and secrets are known to Him Whosoever is in the heavens and on earth begs of Him (its needs from Him). Every day He has a matter to bring forth (such as giving honour to some, disgrace to some, life to some, death to some, etc.)! [The Quran 55:29 interpretation of the meaning]. He forgives sins, eases worries, relieves distress, helps the defeated person back on his feet, makes the poor rich, guides the one who is astray and confused, fulfils the needs of the desperate, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, conceals faults, and calms fears. He raises the status of some and lowers the status of others. Even if all the inhabitants of heaven and earth, the first and the last of them, mankind and jinn alike, were to be as pious as the most pious among them, this would not increase His sovereignty in the slightest; if they all, the first and the last of them, mankind and jinn alike, were to be as rebellious as the most rebellious among them, this would not decrease His sovereignty in the slightest. If everything in heaven and on earth, the first and the last of them, mankind and jinn, living and dead, animate and inanimate, were to stand in one place and ask of Him, and He were to give them everything that they asked for, this would not decrease what He has by even an atom’s weight.

He is the First, before Whom there is nothing, and the Last, after Whom there is nothing. He is the Most deserving of being remembered, the Most deserving of being worshipped, the Most deserving of being thanked. He is the Most Compassionate of kings, the Most Generous of those who are asked. He is the King Who has no partner or associate, the One who has no rival, the Self-Sufficient Master, Who has no son, the Most High, and there is none like unto Him. Everything will perish save His face [Quran 28:88 interpretation of the meaning], and everything will vanish except His sovereignty. He will not be obeyed except by His permission, and He will not be disobeyed except with His knowledge. He is obeyed, so He shows His appreciation, and He is disobeyed, so he forgives. Every punishment on His part is justice, and every blessing from Him is a favour. He is the closest of witnesses and the nearest of protectors. He seizes people by their forelocks, records their deeds and decrees the appointed time for all things. Hearts conceal nothing from Him, for secrets are known to Him. His gift is a word and His punishment is a word: Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, Be! and it is. [Quran, 36:82 interpretation of the meaning].

(Adapted from al-Waabil al-Sayib, p. 125)

This is Allah, who revealed the Glorious Quran for the guidance of mankind.

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another amazing read ON ALLAH:

"Had Allah lifted the veil for his slave and shown him how He handles his affairs for him, and how Allah is more keen for the benefit of the slave than his own self, his heart would have melted out of the love for Allah and would have been torn to pieces out of thankfulness to Allah. Therefore if the pains of this world tire you do not grieve. For it may be that Allah wishes to hear your voice by way of duaa. So pour out your desires in prostration and forget about it and know; that verily Allah does not forget it."
– Ibn al Qayyim rahimahullah

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O Allah grant me the best of the graces that Thou hast awarded to Thy righteous servants.

 

O Allah I seek Thy protection from that Thou shouldst turn Thy face from me on the Day of Judgement.

World Hijab Day - 1st February 2012

Oppressed! Subjugated! These are probably the words that come to your mind when you see a Muslim woman covered in Hijab (the Islamic modest covering of a woman). You assume it’s her father or some radical male member from her family who is forcing her to dress that way. At least that is what people say to you. That is how the media views Muslim women who cover. Let me ask you, have you heard of the famous sayings: “go straight to the source?” Or “walk a day in my shoes?” I am sure you have heard these a million times. 

Let me use the first. I ask you sincerely, have you ever gone to the true source for information about Hijab and Islam?  Have you read books, asked scholars or visited a Mosque? Have you ever asked a Muslim woman why she is so covered in a world that seeks to shed as much clothing as possible?  If you asked a Muslim woman, she would inform you that the purpose behind her Hijab is to obey her Creator over the creation. Her Creator, Allah (God), did not legislate Hijab in order to oppress her, but rather to free her from the shackles of this world. He ordered Hijab as an honor and sign of dignity for women. 

When a Muslim woman covers her hair, chest and body, she is sending a silent message that she respects her body and like a pearl in the ocean, she covers it with her beautiful shell (Hijab). No one has the right to observe, gawk at and judge a Muslim woman by the highlights in her hair or curves on her body. Instead they judge her for what is in her mind, her character, and her goals and ambitions.  Hijab is prevention from being accosted by ignorant minds who only judge a woman by the clothes she wears and the skin she shows. A woman’s body as you know is sacred and this is why Islam encourages women to strive to cover and protect it.

Let us return to the second saying, “Walk a day in my shoes.” This is where WHD comes in. What is that you ask? WHD is short for World Hijab Day. This first time annual event will be held on February 1st, 2013 (Insha allah). On this day, we ask Non-Muslim and Non-Hijabi Muslim women worldwide to observe Hijab for a day. It will be a day for everyone willing to experience what it’s like to step inside the shoes of a Hijabi. Our hopes are no less than that. We wish you will gain a wealth of knowledge and experience a slightly different definition of FREEDOM.

Excellence of Simple Living and being Content with Little

Take Lesson from our mother A'aisha RA - My Dear Brothers and Sisters

 

`Urwah from `Aa’ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported that she used to say to Urwah (May Allah be pleased with him): "O son of my sister, by Allah, I used to see the new moon, then the new moon, then the new moon, i.e., three moons in two months, and a fire was not kindled in the house of Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ). "I (`Urwah) said, "O my aunt, what were your means of sustenance?" She said; "Dates and water. But it (so happened) that Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) had some Ansar neighbours who had milch animals. They used to send Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) some milk of their (animals) and he gave that to us to drink."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 Commentary:

`Aa’ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) did not say this by way of complaint but as warning and exhortation to the Muslims, especially women, so that they would also live a simple life. The latter should prepare their family budget keeping in view the lawful earnings of their husbands and do not place so much burden on them that they are compelled to look for unfair means of earning.

56/492 - Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

 

Surah Kafirun Against Idolatry

 

Rasuallah(صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said, "Recite Surah Al-Kafirun(no. 109, part 30) because it suppresses disgust from idolatry and polytheism."  (Mishkat, Tirmizi)

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Surah al Falaq & An’ Naas Against Evil

The Prophet (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) used to seek refuge from the jinn as well as from the evil eye until Surah al Falaq and An Naas were revealed. When they were sent down, he utilised them and left other things.

 [At-Tirmidhi #1984, Riyad as-Salihin by Imam an-Nawawi Ch.183 #1014]

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Surah Zilzalah is 1/2 of Qur’ran

Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas and Anas Ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112)would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’ (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)

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Read Qur’an Frequently

 Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (RA) reported: The Prophet (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said, "Read the Qur'an regularly. By the One in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, it escapes from memory faster than a camel does from its tying ropes.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

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INVOCATION DURING THE NIGHT

Narrated Shaddad bin Aus (رضي الله عنه ): The Prophet  رســــول اللـــه صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ said, "The most superior way of asking for forgiveness from ALLAH is:        

'Allahumma Anta Rabbi,la ilaha illa Anta,Khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu. Abu'u laka bini' matika, wa abu'u laka bidhanbi faghfirli, fainnahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa Anta.A'udhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu.                                                       

If somebody recites this invocation during the night, and if hour should die then, he will enter paradise( or he will be from the people of paradise), and if he recited it in the morning, and if he should die on the same day, he will have the same fate(i-e., will enter paradise).                                   

سُبْحَانَ اللَّه

SAHIH AL BUKHARI Volume 8 hadith no 6323

THE HELL FIRE IS SURROUNDED BY ALL KINDS OF DESIRES AND PASSIONS

 

Narrated Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه ): ALLAH'S Messenger  رســــول اللـــه صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ said, "The hell fire is surrounded by all kinds of desires and passions, while paradise is surrounded by all kinds of disliked undesirable things."                                    

Inordinate desires and animalistic passions lead to the fire, while self control, perseverance, chastity and all other virtues, and the obedience to ALLAH and his Messenger  رســــول اللـــه صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ leads to Paradise. What leads to hell is easy to do while what leads to paradise is difficult to do.               

SAHIH AL BUKHARI Volume 8 hadith no 6487.

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THE INHABITANTS OF PARADISE WILL SEE THE PEOPLE IN THE HIGHEST PLACE IN PARADISE AS PLANETS ARE SEEN IN THE SKY.

 

It was narrated from Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri that the Messenger of ALLAH  رســــول اللـــه صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ said : 'The inhabitants of paradise will see the people of the highest place in Paradise above them, as you see the brilliant star far away on the horizon in the east, or the west, because of the difference in status between them." They said: "O Messenger of ALLAH, is that the status of the Prophets that no one else will attain?" He said :"No, by the One in Whose Hand is my soul. They are men who believed in ALLAH and believed in the Messengers."

 

SAHIH MUSLIM Volume 7 hadith no 7144 page no 228.

 

We should strive for the highest stages!!!

 

 

Keeping the Right Friends

Keeping the Right Friends

'Who we keep company with is reflective of who we are'

For as far back as I can remember, my parents would always admonish me and my siblings to keep good company. My Dad specially had a favorite saying, "Show me your friends and I'll tell you who you are."

Needless to say, I was always very conscious, and careful about choosing the right people to surround myself with. In Islam it is doubly true and essential to surround yourself with righteous companions, because they will help to keep your feet planted on the straight path, while doing otherwise may lead you astray.

It was Ahmad ibn Harb, rahimahullaah, who said, "There is nothing more beneficial to a Muslim's heart than to mix with the righteous and to watch their actions, while nothing is more harmful to the heart of the Muslim than mixing with sinners, and watching their actions." No matter who you are, or how strong or independent you may feel, no man, or woman, is an island, and you can't make it through this life alone. This is why Islam so stresses the Jama'ah, or the congregation. The sayings that there is strength in numbers and that it is the lone sheep that gets devoured by the wolf are true.

Therefore we need to adopt correct manners, in that we try ardently never to do an action or to befriend anyone without knowing whether the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala is in it or not, and never loving and hating for worldly reasons. For the Prophet of Allah Ta'ala, sallallahu alayhi wassalaam said, "Whoever loves for Allah, and hates for Allah, gives for Allah and withholds for Allah, has completed his faith." (Abu Dawud) So who should be our companions?

First of all they should be good Muslims, who believe in Allah and His Messenger. For Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an, "And who so obeys Allah and the Messenger [Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wassalaam], then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophets, the Siddiqun (those followers of the prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them), the Martyrs, and the Righteous. And how excellent these companions are." [4:69]

Secondly, being around them should make you want to increase in good deeds. Allah Ta'ala says, "And We have sent down to you [O Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wasallam], the Book [this Qur'an] in truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it and Mohayminan over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ." [5:48]. By aligning ourselves with people who do good deeds, we are then prompted to compete with them in this regard, and thus improving the character and the religion of everyone involved.

Lastly, but by no means the least, our companions should help us to remember Allah Ta'ala. For Allah Ta'ala says, "O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does this, then they are the losers." [63:9] .In this time of hustle and bustle, it is very easy for us to get caught up in the pursuit of worldly gains. This is why it is increasingly important to surround ourselves with people, who will encourage us to think of Allah Ta'ala, in every instance of our lives.

The superiority of the remembrance of Allah was explained by the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, who said, "The example of the one who remembers his Lord, in comparison to the one who does not remember his Lord, is that of a living creature compared to a dead one. (Bukhari)

So let us take stock of the people we spend our time with. Do they fall into the above categories?. If our friends aren't doing these things, then what does being with them say about us?. We should strive to love those who love Allah Ta'ala, and to hate those who hate Allah Ta'ala, and what He has sent down of guidance for humanity. For the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wasallam said, "Whoever possesses three things will find the sweetness of eman. For Allah and His Messenger to be more beloved to him than anything else; to love a person for Allah's sake alone; and to hate to return to disbelief the way he hates to be thrown into the fire." (Bukhari)