The Not So Rich Millionaire

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Richness does not lie in the abundance of (worldly) goods, but richness is the richness of the soul (heart, self)." [Muslim]

There are millionaires who are obsessed with making more money, always worried that their wealth is not going to be enough for them. Their insecurity does not let them enjoy what they are blessed with. Such a person despite having riches cannot be called a rich person. For what good is wealth that does not allow its possessor to feel rich, secure or happy? True wealth is the wealth of contentment. This is a gift from Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) and it lives as contentment in the heart of a person.

I think all of us at some point in our life have fallen into this category...that is not being contend with the Blessings of Allah swt and always looking for other material things to make us happy. Many times we tend to buy stuffs over and over again just to remind us that these items can elevate our status or make us look rich and high class. It is not wrong in owning good things for the right reason. It will be wrong if we buy them hoping to show it off. That is when Takabbur ( arrogance ) enters the heart. The Prophet Muhammad(Peace be upon him) said in an authentic hadith,"Whosoever has an atoms weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Jannah." 

May Allah swt protect us from shaitaan and his mischief and make us Syukur with all the Blessings we have. Ameen

Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) Birthday

Exactly one week from now that is on 12 Rabiul Awwal (15 Feb) we will be celebrating Our Imaam, the Best of all Creation , Prophet Muhammad  saw birthday. It is very common to see people out of joy and tremendous respect to our Beloved Prophet saw, celebrating it not knowing if it is a sunnah or a bid'ah ( innovation). Below is the answer to the question should we celebrate Mawlid or not. by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid.
I hope all Muslim brother and sisters please check with scholars before doing anything in our religion in the name of culture. Culture should not be religion and religion should not be culture. May Allah swt guide and prevent us from doing any innovation to our religion. Ameen.

Why some people accept and some unaccept the celebration of the Prophet (saw )? What is your opinion?   http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/249/mawlid%20nabi

Praise be to Allaah.


There is nothing in the Qur’aan to say that we should celebrate the Mawlid or birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet himself (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do this or command anyone to do it, either during his lifetime or after his death. Indeed, he told them not to exaggerate about him as the Christians had exaggerated about Jesus (upon whom be peace). He said: “Do not exaggerate about me as the Christians exaggerated about the son of Maryam. I am only a slave, so say, ‘The slave of Allaah and His Messenger.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari). What has been reported is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made the day of his birth a day of worship, which is different to celebration. He was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he said: “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was entrusted with the Mission or when I was first given Revelation.” (Reported by Muslim, al-Nisaa’i and Abu Dawood).


Moreover, we know that the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) were the people who loved the Prophet most. Was it reported that Abu Bakr, who was the closest of people to him and the one who loved him the most, celebrated the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? Was it reported that ‘Umar, who ruled for twelve years, or ‘Uthmaan, did this? Was it reported that ‘Ali, his relative and foster son, did this? Was it reported that any of the Sahaabah did this? No, by Allaah! Is it because they were not aware of its importance, or did they not truly love the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? No one would say such a thing except one who has gone astray and is leading others astray.


Did any of the imaams – Abu Haneefah, Maalik, al-Shaafi’i, Ahmad, al-Hasan al-Basri, Ibn Seereen – do this or command others to do it or say that it was good? By Allaah, no! It was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said in a saheeh hadeeth: “The best of mankind are my generation (or my century), then those who come after them, then those who come after them. Then there will come a people who will not care if their testimony comes before their oath or vice versa (i.e., they will not take such matter seriously).” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Muslim and al-Tirmidhi). The celebration of the Prophet’s birthday appeared many centuries later, when many of the features of true religion had vanished and bid’ah had become widespread.


Thus this celebration became a sign of one’s love for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? But can it be possible that the Sahaabah, the imaams and the people of the best three centuries were unaware of it, and it was only those who came later who were aware of its importance?! What the Qur’aan tells us is that love of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is demonstrated by following the guidance he brought. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):


“Say (O Muhammad): ‘If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.


Say: ‘Obey Allaah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:31-32]


The first aayah explains that love is just a claim, but the proof of sincerity is following what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) brought. The second aayah reaffirms the importance and necessity of obeying Allaah and His Messenger. Hence Allaah ended the aayah with a very stern warning in which those who refuse to obey are described as kaafirs, and Allah does not love the disbelievers. We ask Allaah to keep us safe from that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us of the danger of not obeying him, and the danger of adding to what he brought. The celebration of Mawlid or his birthday is indeed an addition to what he brought – as all the scholars agree. He said: “The best of speech is the Book of Allaah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.” (Reported by Muslim and al-Nisaa’i).


We ask Allaah to protect us from bid’ah and to bless us by helping us to follow. Allaah knows best. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.


Islam Q&A

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

99 Names of Allah

Hadith:
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is Witr (one) and loves 'the Witr' (i.e., odd numbers). [Bukhari Vol 8 Book 75, Hadith 419]

My journey to Makkah

I still remember the day when Ak and I went back to our house in Kuala Lumpur, and found the letter from TH saying we were selected to perform our Hajj this year. My excitement turn to anguish when we found out that we had not replied by the deadline date, Then started the many phone calls explaining we have moved to Penang and have not updated our address. So finally TH told us to be on standby. We had to take our vaccine, attend a crash course on Hajj Pilgrimage, pack all ou bags and wait. A few days before departure, we finally got the good news. So now we officially became DuyyufurRahman. Our flight was from Kuala Lumpur. My children were all still very young. My eldest was 19, my son was 15 and my youngest was 10. They will be staying with my in laws for the whole time. 

Our flight was upgraded to business class all the way to Jeddah.  The whole journey was like in a dream. I never would have imagined that I will make this most important pilgrimage before the age of 40. It is difficult to put into words my experience, because each and everything we went through is a test. Whether it is good or difficult, all of it is a test. The only thing I want to highlight here is the first time my eyes, "touched" Kaabah. The feeling is unimaginable. It is beyond words. Tears will come because of the joy and a kind of fear.  I did my Umrah at age of 26. My 2 kids followed us. The youngest was not born. It is the same feeling you get no matter how many times you look at the Kaabah. 

The same feeling when we went to Madinah. The heart flutters with joy when in raudah. We feel so close to the Prophet saw. As though he is welcoming us to his Masjid. All in all it was a very sacred journey. Made a few friends for life. Hope to go again to Makkah, this time with all my children, God Willing

Ask Baba Ali

I came across this hillarious, light hearted and thought provoking video the other day and would like to share with others. For more videos go to ummahfilms.com but for now enjoy this one. Ummah Films

Shared via AddThis

*Home Sweet Home*

I found this interesting hadis from a website and wuld like to share with all.


*Home Sweet Home*

The Messenger of Allaah (sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Everything with which a man amuses himself is Baatil (baseless, null and impermissible) - except three, his practicing with bow (and arrow); his training the horse and his playing with his family." [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) has said: "There are two blessings that many people lose, health and free time." [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Every one of you is a protector and a guardian of his immediate charge and is responsible for the actions of those people who are committed to his charge. A man is a guardian in respect to the family members of his house. A woman is a guardian in respect to her husband's house and his children." [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]

Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "…If you do not have Haya, then do whatever you want." [Saheeh al-Bukharee

Friday’s Business

Friday’s Business

“O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the Salah on Al-Jumu’ah, then hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business. That is better for you if you did but know.” — Surah Al-Jumu’ah 62:9

The scholars agreed that it is prohibited for Muslims to engage in business transactions after the second Adhan…”your abandoning buying and selling, and instead, corcentrating your attention to Allah’s remembrance and the prayer are better for you in this life and the Hereafter.” -- Tafsir Ibn Kathir

“Then when the Salah is complete, you may disperse through the land, and seek the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah much, that you may be successful.” -- Surah Al-Jumu’ah 62:10

Quranic Way of Life

Source : Islamway.com

Some of the lessons learnt from Quran that apply to our general
living!

1. Respect and honour all human beings irrespective of their religion,
colour, race, sex, language, status, property, birth, profession/job
and so on [17/70]


2. Talk straight, to the point, without any ambiguity or deception
[33/70]



3. Choose best words to speak and say them in the best possible way
[17/53, 2/83]


4. Do not shout. Speak politely keeping your voice low. [31/19]


5. Always speak the truth. Shun words that are deceitful and
ostentatious [22/30]


6. Do not confound truth with falsehood [2/42]


7. Say with your mouth what is in your heart [3/167]


8. Speak in a civilised manner in a language that is recognised by the
society and is commonly used [4/5]


9. When you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a
relative [6/152]


10. Do not be a bragging boaster [31/18]


11. Do not talk, listen or do anything vain [23/3, 28/55]


12. Do not participate in any paltry. If you pass near a futile play,
then pass by with dignity [25/72]


13. Do not verge upon any immodesty or lewdness whether surreptitious
or overt [6/151].


14. If, unintentionally, any misconduct occurs by you, then correct
yourself expeditiously [3/134].


15. Do not be contemptuous or arrogant with people [31/18]


16. Do not walk haughtily or with conceit [17/37, 31/18]


17. Be moderate in thy pace [31/19]


18. Walk with humility and sedateness [25/63]


19. Keep your gazes lowered devoid of any lecherous leers and
salacious stares [24/30-31, 40/19].


20. If you do not have complete knowledge about anything, better keep
your mouth shut. You might think that speaking about something without
full knowledge is a trivial matter. But it might have grave
consequences [24/15-16]


21. When you hear something malicious about someone, keep a favourable
view about him/her until you attain full knowledge about the matter.
Consider others innocent until they are proven guilty with solid and
truthful evidence [24/12-13]


22. Ascertain the truth of any news, lest you smite someone in
ignorance and afterwards repent of what you did [49/6]


23. Do not follow blindly any information of which you have no direct
knowledge. (Using your faculties of perception and conception) you
must verify it for yourself. In the Court of your Lord, you will be
held accountable for your hearing, sight, and the faculty of reasoning
[17/36].


24. Never think that you have reached the final stage of knowledge and
nobody knows more than yourself. Remember! Above everyone endowed with
knowledge is another endowed with more knowledge [12/76]. Even the
Prophet [p.b.u.h] was asked to keep praying, "O My sustainer! Advance
me in knowledge." [20:114]


25. The believers are but a single Brotherhood. Live like members of
one family, brothers and sisters unto one another [49/10].


26. Do not make mockery of others or ridicule others [49/11]


27. Do not defame others [49/11]


28. Do not insult others by nicknames [49/11]


29. Avoid suspicion and guesswork. Suspicion and guesswork might
deplete your communal energy [49/12]


30. Spy not upon one another [49/12]


31. Do not backbite one another [49/12]


32. When you meet each other, offer good wishes and blessings for
safety. One who conveys to you a message of safety and security and
also when a courteous greeting is offered to you, meet it with a
greeting still more courteous or (at least) of equal courtesy [4/86]


33. When you enter your own home or the home of somebody else,
compliment the inmates [24/61]


34. Do not enter houses other than your own until you have sought
permission; and then greet the inmates and wish them a life of
blessing, purity and pleasure [24/27]


35. Treat kindly
" Your parents
" Relatives
" The orphans
" And those who have been left alone in the society [4/36]


36. Take care of
" The needy,
" The disabled
" Those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their needs
" And those whose businesses have stalled
" And those who have lost their jobs. [4/36]


37. Treat kindly
" Your related neighbours, and unrelated neighbours
" Companions by your side in public gatherings, or public
transportation. [4/36]


38. Be generous to the needy wayfarer, the homeless son of the street,
and the one who reaches you in a destitute condition [4/36]


39. Be nice to people who work under your care. [4/36]


40. Do not follow up what you have given to others to afflict them
with reminders of your generosity [2/262].


41. Do not expect a return for your good behaviour, not even thanks
[76/9]


42. Cooperate with one another in good deeds and do not cooperate with
others in evil and bad matters [5/2]


43. Do no try to impress people on account of self-proclaimed virtues
[53/32]


44. You should enjoin right conduct on others but mend your own ways
first. Actions speak louder than words. You must first practice good
deeds yourself, then preach [2/44]


45. Correct yourself and your families first [before trying to correct
others] [66/6]


46. Pardon gracefully if anyone among you who commits a bad deed out
of ignorance, and then repents and amends [6/54, 3/134]


47. Divert and sublimate your anger and potentially virulent emotions
to creative energy, and become a source of tranquillity and comfort to
people [3/134]


48. Call people to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful
exhortation. Reason with them most decently [16/125]


49. Leave to themselves those who do not give any importance to the
Divine code and have adopted and consider it as mere play and
amusement [6/70]


50. Sit not in the company of those who ridicule Divine Law unless
they engage in some other conversation [4/140]


51. Do not be jealous of those who are blessed [4/54]


52. In your collective life, make rooms for others [58/11]


53. When invited to dine, Go at the appointed time. Do not arrive too
early to wait for the preparation of meal or linger after eating to
engage in bootless babble. Such things may cause inconvenience to the
host [33/53]


54. Eat and drink [what is lawful] in moderation [7/31].


55. Do not squander your wealth senselessly [17/26]


56. Fulfil your promises and commitments [17/34]


57. Keep yourself clean, pure [9/108, 4/43, 5/6].


58. Dress-up in agreeable attire and adorn yourself with exquisite
character from inside out [7/26]


59. Seek your provision only by fair endeavour [29/17, 2/188]


60. Do not devour the wealth and property of others unjustly, nor
bribe the officials or the judges to deprive others of their
possessions [2/188

12 Tips for Muslim Youth

12 Tips for Muslim Youth

Courtesy of Islamzine

Why should you, a young Muslim, be helping to bring your friends closer to Allah?

After all, you've got your own struggles to deal with: trying to explain why you pray to hostile teachers, Hijab discrimination, standing up in class when the professor attacks Islam, dealing with parents who think you've gone nuts because you're growing a beard, or all the other difficulties faced by a number of practicing Muslim youth?

Islam was never meant to be an individualistic faith, reserved for the "chosen few". Muslims have a duty to spread the Deen, and practicing Muslim youth, whether beginners, activists or leaders have a crucial role to play.

"Allah has put them in a position that perhaps no one else is in," notes Sheema Khan, former Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) advisor for eastern Canada. "They have the means to communicate with their peers, they have an understanding of what they're going through plus they have the guidance of Islam."

Who is your childhood friend, who would rather spend Fridays at MacDonald's than the Masjid, or your classmate who is Muslim in name and only knows that "Muslims don't eat pork" going to listen to: the nice Imam of the Masjid who would freak out if he saw the way they were dressed and talked or you who may have grown up with them, joked with them, or see them everyday in school?

The answer is obvious: you.

Don't panic. Here are some tips and advice which can help from other Muslims, many of whom have been there and done that:

Tip # 1 : Make Your Intention Sincere

All work we do should ideally be for the sake of Allah. That includes the task of bringing someone closer to Allah. That of course means this should not be connected to arrogance, thinking you're the teacher and everyone else should be lucky you've embarked on a crusade to save them. Guidance is from Allah. Make Dua and make sincere efforts and remember Allah can also misguide you if He wills (we seek refuge in Allah from that).

Tip # 2 : Practice What YOu Preach

Not practicing what you preach is wrong and you will lose the confidence of anyone, young or old, once they figure you out. Don't do it.

Tip # 3 : Use The Quran & Seerah (biography of the Prophet peace be upon him) As Dawa Guides

Read and understand those chapters of the Quran which talk about how the Prophets presented the message of Islam to their people. Read the Seerah (for some good Seerah books)to see especially how the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) brought Islam to so many different people, including young people.

As well, talk to Dawa workers, and check out manuals they may have written, like Yahiya Emerick's How to Tell Others About Islam.

Tip # 4 : Talk To People As If You Really Dont Know Them

Don't assume you know someone just by looking at them. You don't know that the Muslim girl in your homeroom who walks through the school's hallways as if they were fashion show catwalks (see Ambe Rehman's perspective on this) is not someone you can talk to about Allah because she looks like a snob. Or that the Muslim guy who you've never seen at Juma at your university is a "bad Muslim". Maybe he was never really taught Islam and has no idea what importance Friday prayers have in Islam, especially for Muslim men.

Tip # 5 : Smile

Did you know the Prophet was big on smiling? But many "practicing" Muslims seem to have "their faces on upside down" as one speaker once said-frowning and serious.

Smiling, being polite and kind are all part of the manners of the Prophet, which we must exercise in our daily lives. If we want to approach others with Islam, we have to make ourselves approachable. Smiling is key to this.

But note that being approachable does not mean being flirtations with the other gender. There are Islamic rules for how men and women should deal with each other which have to be respected. Dawa is no excuse to have long and private conversations and meetings with the other sex, for example. Set up a system where someone expressing an interest in Islam is referred to someone of the same sex.

Tip # 6 : Take The Initiative & Hang Out With Them

Take the first step and invite someone you may have spoken to a couple of times to sit at lunch together, to check out a hockey game or invite them over for Iftar in Ramadan. Also, share difficulties, sorrows and frustrations. Help with homework, be a shoulder to cry on when depression hits, or just plain listen when your friend is upset, discuss common problems and KEEP THEIR SECRETS. There are few things as annoying as a snitch and backstabber. But an important note: if the problem is of a serious nature,(i.e. your friend is thinking of committing suicide or is taking drugs), notify and consult an adult immediately.

Tip # 7 : Show Them Islam Is Relevent Today, Right Here, Right Now

Young people may think Islam is too "old fashioned" and not in tune with the modern age. Prove this wrong. Show how Islam is really about relating to Allah, which any human being can do, anywhere, anytime. Allah is always closer to you than your jugular vein and He hears and knows everything. Encourage friends to ask Allah's help during tests, exams, and in dealing with problems at home with parents and siblings. Also point out how Islam relates to teenagers: Islam gives you focus and an understanding of who you are and where you are going, which most of "teen culture" does not.

Tip # 8 : Get Them Involved In Volunteer Work With You

If you are already involved in the community, get your friend to help out. Ask them to make a flyer for one of your youth group's events or brainstorm for ideas about activities to hold this school year. This involvement makes them feel part of the Muslim community and deepens your friendship, since you are now working together on something beneficial for both of you. Make sure you thank them for their contribution.

Tip # 9 : Ask Them 4 Fundamental Questions

As your friendship develops, you will notice the topics you discuss may become more serious. You may be discussing, for instance, future goals and plans. Khan recommends four questions to ask that can steer the topic to Allah and Islam:

a. Where am I going in life and what would make me really happy deep down inside?
b. What do I believe?
c. Who should I be grateful to?
d. Did I get to where I am today without the help of anyone?
Tip # 10 : Emphasize Praying 5 Times A Day Before Any Other Aspect Of Islam

A person's main connection with Allah, on a daily basis, is through the prayer five times a day. Don't emphasize any other aspect of Islam until your friend starts making a real effort to pray five times a day. Emphasize the direct connection one has with Allah in prayer. If they are facing a problem, tell them to pray, and to ask Allah for help in Salah and outside this time. When possible, make it a point to pray together during your "hang out time". If your friend begins to pray, that is the first step to other aspects of Islam like giving up swearing, treating parents with respect or dressing Islamically.

Tip # 11 : Help Instill Confidence In Adults

Adults, like Bart Simpson's dad Homer, are considered bumbling idiots in the eyes of "teen culture". Your job as a young Muslim is to help turn the tables on this false and unIslamic belief. All you have to do is this: when a Muslim adult does something good (i.e. saving someone's life, donating money to a worthy cause, the Imam gives a good speech, taking good care of his/her family) bring it up in the course of your conversations with your friend and praise the adult in question. Doing this regularly may not only change your friend's perspective, but could lead to them seeing their own parents in a more respectful way.

Tip # 12 : Support Them Even When They Become More Practicing

Remember, just because a person starts practicing Islam more regularly, this does not mean everything will be okay from this point onwards. There will still be hard times, difficulties. There may be times when your friend may have doubts about his or her newfound practice of Islam. Be there to reassure them.

Why Our Prayers and Dua'as are not Answered

It's been almost two months since 2009 dawned on us. This year started with so much of sufferings and pain for our brothers and sisters in Palestine. When major trials and tribulations happen, we all turn to seek divine intervention and seek His mercy. And we start wondering Why our dua'aa and prayers are not answered. The fault time and time again are on us. ..human. Our greed, our indifference, our selfish acts, our disunity, our distrust, and the list go on. When something bad befalls us then only we are jerked awake from our slumber.


Why Our Prayers and Dua'as are not Answered

Taken from Khushoo fis-Salaat (p.62) of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee - rahimullah.

IBRAHEEM IBN ADHAM - may Allah have mercy on him - a third century scholar, a teacher and a companion of Sufyaan ath-Thawree, was asked about the saying of Allah - the Most High:

"AND YOUR LORD SAYS: 'CALL ON ME I WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYER..." [40:60]

"We supplicate and we are not answered." So he said to them:


You know Allah, Yet you do not obey Him,

You recite the Qur'aan, Yet do not act according to it,

You know Shaitaan(Devil), Yet you have agreed with him,

You proclaim that you love Muhammed, (P.B.U.H) Yet you abandon his Sunnah,

You proclaim your love for Paradise, Yet you do not act to gain it,

You proclaim your fear the Fire, Yet you do not prevent yourselves from sins,

You say "Indeed death is true", Yet you have not prepared for it,

You point out the faults with others, Yet you do not look at your faults,

You eat of that which Allah has provided for you, Yet you do not thank Him,

You bury your dead, Yet you do not take a lesson from

Merits of Friday

Question:

What is the merit of Friday over other days ? and why ?Answer:

Praise be to Allah.

Friday has many distinguishing features and virtues that Allah has bestowed upon this day and not others.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah and Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah led those who came before us away from Friday. The Jews had Saturday, and the Christians had Sunday. Then Allah brought us and Allah guided us to Friday. So there is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and thus they will follow us on the Day of Resurrection. We are the last of the people of this world but we will be the first on the Day of Resurrection, and we will be dealt with before all others.” Narrated by Muslim, 856.

Islamway.com

Ramadhan Aspiration

Today is 25 Ramadhan. There is only another 5 days to go before this holy month with all the doors of blessing open, ends. The last ten night which is considered the most impotant nights of this month. Lailatul Qadar ( The Night of Power) could fall in any one of these nights. The Night of Power is full of blessings, because the Noble Qur’an descended on this night. The Qur’an is send to Rasulullah Saw. It distinguishes between the good and evil and shows to the way of peace and the eternal joy for all humanity. Being this thus, the night in which this Divine Book was sent down is worthy of great esteem. The Qur’an says:

“Surely We revealed it [the Holy Quran] on the grandest night. And what will make you comprehend what the grandest night. The grandest night is better than a thousand months. The angels and Gabriel descend in it by the permission of their Lord for every affair. Peace onto it until the break of the morning.” (97:1-5)

On the Night of Power, pray to God with all your heart and He will definitely respond to all your prayers. During this night, as quoted in the above-mentioned verse, the angels and the celestial spirit (Gabriel alaihis-salaam) descends. Its proximity to the Earth gives to a spiritual brightness to the hearts and souls of the believers. The Prophet (SAW) on this night spend time in oration and adoration of God. To that they spend his night in oration, the unimaginable experience joy, a deep feeling of great pleasure, like result of immense celestial blessings in tonight.

Recite the Qur’an, look for the pardon of Allah and pray for the good of this world, as well as in the next.

15 punshiments of missing prayer...

The one who disdains the prayers will receive Fifteen punishments from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.Six punishments in this lifetime,Three while dying Three in the grave & Three on the Day of Judgment. I thought this would be interesting to share with all of you... THE SIX PUNISHMENTS OF LIFE: 1. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala takes away blessings from his age (makes his life misfortunate) 2. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'aladoes not accept his plea (Dua's) 3. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala erases the features of good people from his face 4. he will be detested by all creatures on earth. 5. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala does not award him for his good deeds. (No thawab) 6. he will not be included in the Dua's of good people. THE THREE PUNISHMENTS WHILE DYING: 1. he dies humiliated. 2. he dies hungry. 3. he dies thirsty.Even if he drinks the water of all seas he will still be thirsty. THE THREE PUNISHMENTS IN THE GRAVE: 1. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala tightens his grave until his chest ribs come over each other. 2. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala pours on him fire with embers. 3. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala sets on him a snake called "the brave", "the bold" which hits Him from morning until afternoon for leaving Fajr prayer,from the afternoon until Asr for leaving Dhuhr prayer and so on. With each strike he sinks 70 yards under the ground. THE THREE PUNISHMENTS ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT: 1. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala sends those who would accompany him to hell pulling him on the face. 2. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala gives him an angry look that makes the flesh of his face fall down. 3. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala judges him strictly and orders him to be thrown in hell. THOSE WHO DO NOT SAY THEIR PRAYERS OF: FAJAR: the glow of their face is taken away. ZOHAR: the blessing of their income is taken away. ASAR: the strength of their body is taken away. MAGHRIB: they are not benefacted by their children. ISHA: the peace of their sleep is taken away. May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala protect us and show us the right path all the time Ameen

Reflect on this

Don't be Sad is a book I'm currently reading. There is a particular paragraph in this book which I have reproduced below to allow others to recite this as their Do'a/prayer and ask Allah swt to grant us a good life and success in the world and the hereafter. I write this doa/prayer in a clean sheet of paper and keep it in my handbag. This gives me a sense of security and feeling of protection from Allah. Try writing it down and you will know what I mean.

" There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Ever-Forebearing, the Most Great. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. There is none worthy of worship except Allah,the Lord of the Heavens, the Lord of the earth, and the Lord of the Noble Throne. O'Ever-Living, and O'One Who sustains and protects all that exists, there is none worthy of worship except You and by Your mercy do we seek Your aid."
O'Allah, Your mercy do I hope for; so do not leave to myself, not even for the blinking of an eye. and make well for me all of my affairs. There is none worthy except You."
" I seek forgiveness from Allah: none is worthy of worship except Him. He is the Ever-Living and the One ho sustains and protects all that exists, and I turn to Him in repentance."
" There is none worthy of worship except You, and how perfect You are: verily; I am among the wrongdoers."
" O' Allah, verily I am Your slave, the son of Your slaves; my forelock is in Your hand. Your order concerning me will be executed and just is Your judgement upon me. I ask You by all of Your names that You have named Yourself with, have revealed in Your book, have taught to one of Your creation, or is in Your knowledge only (from the matters of the unseen)-make Qu'ran the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the remover of my sadness, and the purger of my anxiety."
"O' Allah, I seek refuge in you from anxiety and grief, from inability and laziness, from avarice and cowardice, from being engrossed by debt, and from being overpowered by men."
" Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)." Ameen

Al Isra' Al Mikhraj' 27 rejab

All praise and thanks are due to Allah swt the Exalted,the Lord of the universe. May the choicest blessings and peace be upon the last of the messengers and prophets, Muhammad saw, his family, Companions and all those who follow his footsteps till the end of this universe.

27 Rejab is the day of Israq Mikhraj. The Prophet’s Journey by Night and Ascension to the Heavens.It is sunnat for all Muslims to fast on this day the day Allah swt commanded the five daily prayers directly to Rasullulah saw.

Please read on to discover the magnificent journey Al Isra' Al Mikraj'

Glorified is He Who took His slave for a journey by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram (in Mecca) to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighborhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him some of Our signs. Verily He is the All-Hearer the All-Seer.　Al-Isra: 17.1


INTRDUCTION
The Prophet’s wife Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “The Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, would sometimes fast until we never thought he would break his fast, and sometimes he would refrain from fasting until we thought that he would never fast. Yet, every night he would recite Surah Al-Isra and Surah Az-Zumar.”
After the ‘Year of Sadness’, when his beloved wife Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her, and his dear uncle and protector Abu Talib died, the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, went to Taif to call the people there to Islam. They rejected his invitation to Islam and treated him cruelly. How much pain could the compassionate heart of our Prophet withstand? The people of Mecca had exiled his small band of believers and now the people of Taif had stoned him because he called them to leave their idols and worship Allah. As he sat, wounded and bleeding in the garden of the sons of Rabi’ah he raised his hands and prayed in despair to Allah: “O Allah, I complain to you that I am weak, and the people treat me with contempt. O Most Merciful of the Merciful! You are the Lord of the Oppressed, and You are my Lord. Would you leave my fate to those who insult and dominate me? I only seek to please You and pray that You are not angry with me. I take refuge with You and beg You for Your support. There is no power and no strength except in You.”
In spite of his suffering at the hands of the people of Taif, the Prophet’s heart was so compassionate that he would not permit the angel of the mountains to punish them. He returned to Mecca accompanied by his faithful slave and companion, Zaid, may Allah be pleased with him, who advised him to enter the city under the protection of one of the powerful idolaters because the Quraysh were plotting against him. In spite of his humiliation and rejection by the people, the Prophet had born every trial with patience and courage, only seeking the pleasure of his Lord.
Allah ta ‘ala had not forsaken His beloved Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, and answered his prayer by inviting him to the journey of Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj, to reassure him that in contrast to his low esteem on the earth, he had a high status amongst the people of the Heavens.
On the night of Al-Isra, the Prophet Muhammad was staying in the house of his cousin Hind, also called Umm Hani, daughter of Abu Talib. Umm Hani related: “The night journey of the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, took place while he was staying at my house, after the Prophet had retired to sleep, after we had prayed the night prayer and before we prayed the morning prayer . After he had prayed the dawn prayer with us, he said to me: “During the night I went to Masjid Al-Aqsa and prayed in it.” I advised him not to say anything to the Quraysh about this experience, because people would call him a liar and harm him, but he said: “By Allah, I will tell them!”
He went out and soon met Abu Jahal who asked rudely: “What happened to you last night?”
The Holy Prophet replied: “I visited Bayt Al-Muqadis (Jerusalem).”
“And you are with us now?” Abu Jahal asked in disbelief.
“Yes,” replied the Holy Prophet.
Abu Jahal asked him: “Could you say that to the Quraysh?”
“Of course,” replied the Holy Prophet. Abu Jahal gathered the people of the Quraysh together to hear what the Prophet would tell them.
The Allah’s Messenger said to them: “Last night I went to Jerusalem.” They were surprised. How could he go to Jerusalem and return back in the same night; a journey which normally took forty days by camel to get there and another forty days to return? They were suspicious and one of them asked: “As you say you have been there, can you describe Jerusalem to us?” The Prophet tried to remember what it looked like but to his dismay, he couldn’t. Then he saw it in a vision. Allah displayed Jerusalem in front of the Holy Prophet and he described it to the Quraysh while he was looking at it.



The Story of Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj
This story is reported in well-known authenticated hadith literature, and so we will just study some of the main points. On that night the angel Jibril (Gabriel), peace be upon him, came to the Holy Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, and took him to the Masjid al-Haram where he prayed two rakats. Then Jibril brought the Buraq, a white animal smaller than a mule but bigger than a donkey, which was so swift that each step was as far as the eye could see. It would not let the Prophet mount it so Jibril said to it: “No one like Muhammad, peace be upon him, will ever ride you, for he is the Best of Creation.” At this the Buraq was ashamed and broke into a sweat. The Prophet mounted the Buraq and they began their journey accompanied by Jibril. On the way he saw an old woman. “Who is that?” asked the Prophet. “She is Al-Dunya,” replied Jibril. “The time remaining for the Dunya is equivalent to the time which remains before that old woman dies.”
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him arrived at the Holy Mosque in Jerusalem and Allah gathered all the prophets and messengers together for the prayer and the Prophet Muhammad was their imam.
Then they ascended to the First Heaven. When he asked for the gate to be opened, Gabriel was asked: “Who is it?” “Jibril,” he replied. “And who is with you?” he was asked. “Muhammad,” replied Jibril. Then he was asked: “Has he been summoned?” “Yes,” replied Jibril. Muhammad, peace be upon him, entered and met Adam, peace be upon him. Adam welcomed him and prayed for him. Then he ascended to the Second Heaven. He entered in the same way and saw ‘Issa (Jesus) and Yahya (John), peace be upon them, and they greeted him and prayed for him. He ascended to the Third Heaven and the same questions were asked at the gate. Here he met Yusuf (Joseph), peace be upon him. In the Fourth Heaven he met Idris (Enoch), peace be upon him. In the Fifth Heaven he saw Haroon (Aaron), peace be upon him. In the Sixth Heaven he saw Musa (Moses), peace be upon him. In the Seventh Heaven he saw Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him, sitting with his back to the Bayt Al-Mamur, Allah’s Sacred House where seventy-thousand angels enter and perform prayers daily and when they leave they never return it until Yaum al-Qiyamah (the Last Day). Jibril brought him three cups, one of wine, one of milk, and one of honey. He asked the Prophet to chose one and he chose the one of milk. Jibril said: “Allah has guided you to the fitra (the natural way).” Then he was shown the Sidrat ul-Muntaha (lote tree of the farthest boundary). Its leaves were as big as elephant’s ears and from its base flowed four rivers. He was taken to a place which Jibril could not pass beyond, and fifty prayers were enjoined on him. He descended until he met Musa, peace be upon him, who advised him to return and ask for less until Allah reduced the number to five.
It is significant that Jibril brought all of the teachings of Islam to the Holy Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, in revelation except for the five prayers, which the Holy Prophet received directly from Allah. We can understand from this the excellence and importance of performing the daily prayers. They are a pillar of Islam and the one who fails to perform them has broken this pillar.
During his ascension the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, saw many strange things, and asked Jibril about them. He saw men sitting at a table loaded with delicious fresh meat and stinking bad meat. They were leaving the good meat and eating the bad. “Who are they, O Jibril?” the Prophet asked. “They are men who left their pure wives and ran after other women illegitimately,” replied Jibril.
He saw some men who were continually eating red-hot balls of fire. Jibril explained that they were men who stole the inheritance of orphans. Verily, those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, they eat up only fire in their bellies, and they will be burnt in the blazing fire. Surah An-Nissa, Women, 4:10.
He saw some men whose stomachs were as big as houses. When they got up they toppled over again. Jibril said that they were the ones who profited from interest. Those who eat usury will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytan (Satan). That is because they say: “Trading is only like usury.” Whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden usury. Al-Baqarah, The Cow:2:275.
He saw some people cutting meat from their own sides and eating it, and the angels said to them, eat as you ate the flesh of your brothers in the Dunya. Jibril told him that these were the detractors and spreaders of slander.


Sahih Al-Bukhari
Before Al-Mi’raj, the Muslims prayed twice a day, at dawn and at night.



Allah Tests the Muslims’ Belief

Allah tested the faith of His slaves by requiring them to believe in His Messenger’s account of Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj. And remember when We told you: “Verily, your Lord has encompassed mankind.” And We made not the vision that We showed you but a trial for mankind, and the accursed tree in the Quran. We warn them and make them afraid but it only increases their disbelief, oppression and disobedience to Allah. Surah Al-Isra, The Journey By Night, 17:60.
The Iman (Belief) of some of the Muslims was weak. They returned to disbelief because they could not accept that it was possible for Allah to cause the Prophet to travel to Al-Aqsa and return to Mecca in one night. But we are Muslims and we believe in the Power of Allah. Verily, His command when He intends a thing is only that He says: “Be!” – and it is. Surah 36, Ya Sin,36:82.
So we must not compare our ability with the Ability of Allah or our power with the Power of Allah. Allah is the Lord and Sustainer of the Universe and He is the Lord of His Messenger’s journey by night and his ascension to the Heavens. Everything is possible for Allah. He controls time and so He stopped time in order that the Holy Prophet could return to his bed while it was still warm.
Imam ibn Kathir mentions in his commentary from a work called Dhalail an-Nubaway that Abu Sufiyan went to As-Sham on business and the Roman Emperor, Heraclius asked him about the Prophet. Abu Sufiyan wanted to denounce the Holy Prophet, blessings and peace be upomn him, but he was unable to lie about him. Then he remembered the story of Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj, and he said to the Emperor: “I will tell you something which will prove that this man is a liar. He pretended that he had traveled to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and returned to Mecca in the same night.”
The Bishop of Jerusalem happened to be with them and when he heard this he said: “I remember that night!”
Caesar looked at him with surprise and said: “What do you know. Please tell us!” The Bishop continued: “Every night before I sleep I go around and make sure all the doors of the mosque are locked, but on this night I locked all the doors except for one. I could not shut it. I called one of my workers and he tried without success. Then I called some carpenters, but they could not make the door close. Eventually, I left it open and I went to sleep. In the morning I was so certain about it that I told my congregation that the door could not be closed because during the night a prophet had come and prayed in our mosque.”
Abu Dhar, may Allah be pleased with him, related , “I asked the Holy Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him: “Did you see your Lord Allah?” The Holy Prophet answered: “My sight was blinded by an overpowering light.” In another hadith from the same sources, Abu Dhar related that the Holy Prophet told him: “Allah showed me Paradise. I saw that its mountains were made of pearls and its dust was musk.
Later, when Urwa ibn Zubair asked his aunt Aisha: “Did the Holy Prophet see Allah in the Mi’raj?” She replied: “You have made my hair stand on end!” (How could you ask such a question?)
The idol worshippers went to Abu Bakr and told him about the Holy Prophet’s night journey. “Your friend pretended that he traveled to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and returned to Mecca in one night.” They scoffed. They did not mention the Holy Prophet’s ascension to the Heavens. Abu Bakr said: “Did he really say that?” “Yes, he did.” They replied. Then Abu Bakr said: “By Allah, if Muhammad himself has said so, then it is true. He tells us that the revelation comes to him directly from the Heaven in the night or the day and we believe him. Isn’t that a greater miracle? I swear by Allah that if he told me he had ascended into the Heavens I would still believe him.” Abu Bakr went directly to the Holy Prophet and said: “You spoke the Truth, O Prophet of Allah!” From that day on the Prophet called Abu Bakr “As-Siddiq”.
Ahl As-Sunnah (The people of the Sunnah), believe that the Holy Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, made Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj with his body and soul. If the journey had only been by soul the unbelievers would not have accused him of lying because, in a dream, the ordinary man can see anything that he wishes and no one will argue with him. If Al-Mi’raj were only by soul, a lot of Muslims would not have reverted to disbelief. However, Allah says: “The eye (of the Prophet) did not turn aside, nor see beyond what was permitted.” An-Najm 53:17. And the eye is a part of the body. And He also said: Glorified is He Who carried His slave by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Masjid Al-Aqsa. Al-Isra: 17:1.
Here the Holy Quran clearly states that Allah carried His slave, not the soul of His slave. This makes it clear that the Prophet, peace be upon him, traveled to Jerusalem and returned to Mecca in his body.

Sahih Bukhari and Muslim.

Don't Be Sad

Currently I am reading this book titled “DON’T BE SAD”. It is written by ‘Aaidh ibn Abdullah al Qarni and published by the International Islamic Publishing House. Actually I think I was probably destined to find this book. There was a time when I had a lot of questions in my heart which I could not find answers to. I prayed to Allah for all the answers and asked for Divine guidance so that I get peace of mind. Then one day I took my children to the local bookstore to get them some revision books. At this shop, I went to the religious book corner and there I found this book. I treasure the book so much, since the author with his simple and convincing method eased the burden that I had. To date I have given this book as gifts to family members and also recommended the book to others who need guidance and examples from the Muslims who came before us. It has been more than six months since I bought this book but I still had not finish reading it. The reason is because, I need to pause and reflect on all the messages from the Quran and sunnahs that I read from this book.

I would like to quote this book especially on the verses of the Quran so that we will be able to as the author says “ get answers to the doubts that besiege us when we are afflicted with hardship or depression.”

The first few pages of this book teaches us how to contemplate and be thankful for all the blessings that we have.
“health, safety, nourishment, clothing, air and water-these all point to the world being yours, yet you do not realize it. You possess all that life has to offer, yet remain ignorant. You have at your disposal two eyes, a tongue, lips, two hands, and two legs.”

(Then which of the blessings of your LORD will you both (jinns and men) deny?) ( Qur’an 55:13 )

This book also teaches us how to deal with bitter sarcasm and criticism.
“ You will always face criticism. As long as you shine, give, produce, and have an effect upon others, then disapproval and condemnation will be your lot in life.”

“ So remain firm and patient when facing their insults and criticism. If you are wounded by their words and let them have an influence over you, you have realized their hopes for them. Instead, forgive them by showing them the most beautiful of manners. Their disapproval of you only increases you in worth and merit.”

Apart from the above this book teaches us how to give comfort to the heart. How doing good to others and repelling boredom with work gives comfort to the heart.
Nowadays our minds have been distorted and we are not sure what happiness is. Some people think having expensive or branded stuffs bring happiness, others may think good food brings them happiness. Then why is it we find more and more people especially in the western world, turning to meditation and yoga to find relieve and happiness?

“ Show kindness to others, and you will be the first to find solace and comfort. Give to the needy, defend the oppressed, help those in distress, and visit the sick.. you will find that happiness surrounds you from all directions.”

The Prophet saw said:

“ Do not dismiss certain acts of kindness by deeming them to be insignificant, even if ( such an act) is to meet your brother with a smiling face ( for that is a deeed which might weigh heavily on your scale.”
There is still so much to write about this book. I find such happiness when I read the verses of the Quran and how it totally relates to our lives. I will keep updating on this book title “ Don’t Be Sad ” Happy reading

The Journey Of Discovery

All praises to Allah swt.
As I have mentioned before, one of my greatest interest in life is learning about my religion, ISLAM. Firstly I am most grateful to be born as a muslim in my country for I'm able to perform my obligation to the religion freely. In this world of moral decadence, we need our religion to keep us in check and also find solace and comfort. I find great relief especially when I read the verses of the Quran which relates to certain incidents that happened in my life. It's as though, God himself spoke to me. Islam as we know is a Total way of life. How we live, eat, dress, learn, get married, have children, righr up to the roles of woman, man husband, wife, children, parents and everything about life. I also would like to remind myself what Aisha Lemu said in her book " Women in Islam " that Islam is to be taken as a whole.We should not take part of certain law in isolation from the other parts of the law.

I am writing about the religion here in the hope to educate myself and my children as learning is a process and it never ends.
The Prophet saw said, " The search for knowledge is a duty for every Muslim (male/female)."
"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave."