The Perfect Believer
The believer is not one who performs the ordained religious duties superficially and avoids what is forbidden only, but he is one whose faith is absolute, with no objection whatsoever arising in his heart and no obsession dwelling in his soul. The more hardships he faces, the more his faith grows and the more his submission strengthens.
He could pray and not see a trace of an answer to his prayers, yet he does not change because he knows that he is owned by One who deals with him in whatever way He chooses. For if an objection was to arise in his heart, he then forsakes the role of the slave and takes on the role of a protester such as that of Iblees (the devil).
A strong faith unveils itself in strong hardships.
A believer sees in Yahya, son of Zakariyya, a fine example. He was killed by a tyrant who confronted him, yet He (subhanahu wa ta`ala), who made him a prophet, did not intervene nor defend him.
Similarly all the tyranny that befell the prophets and the believers was not held back from them. If one goes to think that Divinity cannot answer for them then one is an unbeliever. However if one believes that Divinity can answer for them but chooses not to, and that God (subhanahu wa ta`ala) can make the believers go hungry while infidels are full and inflict the believers with sickness and grant the infidels health, then one is only left with submission to the Owner even when tormented or scorched.
Jacob cried for eighty years when Joseph son of Jacob (peace be upon him) was gone, he never gave up; all he said when his other son was gone too is “May God bring all of them back to me”.
Moses (peace be upon him) prayed against Pharaoh, who killed children and crucified magicians and cut their hands, for 40 years before he was answered.
In such submission the intense of one’s strong faith is manifested not in mere rak`at (bowings in prayer).
So many of those who glorify Qadar were afflicted with tribulations and this did not increase them except in submission and pleasure (with their Lord), and there lies an explanation of the meaning of His words, “Allah is pleased with them” (Qur’an, 5:119 and elsewhere).
Al-Hasan Al-Basree said: people are the same in health but when hardship befalls they show distinction.
Imam Ibn ul Jawzee
Translated from Sayd ul-Khatir, p. 364
Publ. by Dar Al Yaqeen
Tabi kay Fazail
It’s Time For Muslims To Move Toward A New Beginning
Times of difficulty are always a good time to reflect about one’s position in life. This is not only true for individuals, but also for nations. The past year has been troublesome for Muslim ummah. The dissatisfaction of the people with their living conditions reached a point that they took to the streets to demand better leadership for their countries. Today, they are still in the process of finding a new order for their lives and their societies.
As long as the stream of life runs calm and everything seems to be in order, a lot of problems remain hidden under the surface and people enjoy a superficial sense of relief and satisfaction. Nevertheless, even a seemingly calm running river, with a shiny surface, hides a lot of trash underground! It is in times of disturbances that much of this filth comes to the surface and people start to wonder where all these impurities are coming from. It is a mercy of Allah that once in a while he forces us to face reality to recognize all the trash that has built up in the so-called Muslim countries.
Allah said, “Evil, (sins and disobedience to Allah) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds), that He (Allah) may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah, and begging His pardon.)” (Qur’an, 30:41) This is precisely the moment when people have to look deeper into the realities of life to find the root of all this mischief that happened, which led their countries into this state of backwardness.
It is about time that Muslims look for a new path and move in the right direction by leaving behind the path of falsehood, which has given nothing but misery.
The best example to change a society can be found in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his Companions. They transformed a country from utmost backwardness into a large Muslim empire which dominated the world for a long time.
If, however, Muslims do not wake up and do not try their best to clean the society of all impurities, like the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cleaned the Ka’ba from all impurities, then we will break our contract with Allah and would be doomed!
Allah said in the Glorious Qur’an, “But those who reject our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations) and treat them with arrogance, they are the dwellers of the (Hell) fire, they will abide therein forever.” (Qur’an, 7:36)
The times through which we are passing are disturbing and distressing mainly because some Muslims do not follow the true teachings of the Glorious Qur’an and the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) anymore! “How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after they belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers).” (Qur’an 3:86)
Success is only from Allah. It is mercy from Allah for those who follow His way, regardless of the fact he be whether an individual, society or nation. In Islam there are two kinds of societies — Islamic and un-Islamic. The Islamic society is the one that follows Islam not only in belief and worship, but also in matters of law, economy and organization. This is the foundation of a successful Islamic nation and it was the secret behind the success of the first Muslim nation; to follow the teachings of the Noble Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) unconditionally and wholeheartedly.
“The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allah (His words, the Qur’an) and his Messenger (peace be upon him) to judge between them, is that they say: “We hear and we obey.” And such are the successful (who will live forever in paradise).” (Qur’an, 24:51)
“You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged) — you and your fathers — for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e His monotheism); that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.” (Qur’an, 12:40)
One can just hope that Muslims today realize their chance to transform their countries into real Islamic states, according to the will of Allah! We need to understand that life in an Islamic State encompasses our tradition, lifestyle, values and behavior as well as the way we are governed.
– by Tahseen Abu Djihad
Jealousy
Undoubtedly jealousy destroys excellences (good deeds, virtues) and inclines one towards sins. It is a disease with which even the great personalities are suffering. This jealousy has ruined people and put them into the fire of Hell. Know well that 5 evils crop up due to jealousy:
1. Evil in Obedience The Prophet (saw) said: ‘Jealousy eats up virtues (Aa’maal) just as fire eats fuel.’ (Abu Dawood)
2. Sins & Mischief Wahb ibn Munabbah says: ‘When he is face to face he flatters, when he is not face to face he backbites; and when any calamity befalls others he feels happy.’
The greatest proof of the evil of jealousy is that Allah (swt) has enjoined us to seek refuge in Allah against the jealousy of the jealousy ones. Allah (swt) says: ‘…And from the evil of an envious on when he envies.’ (113:5)
Allah (swt) has mentioned the evil of jealousy along with Shaytaan and soothsayers, and enjoined us to seek refuge against all of them. Ponder over this as to how great an affliction jealousy is and how great is its evil. It is for this reason Allah (swt) has said that in order to remain protected from their evil seek Allah’s help and come under his refuge.
3. Attachment of Anxiety and Purposeless Grief and Worry Along with grief and worry a sort of burden and inclination towards disobedience appears: Ibn Sammak(ra) said: ‘Besides an envier I have not found any cruel person more resembling with the oppressed. Such a person remains ever sorrowful, scattered in thought and ever engaged in grief.’
4. Blindness of the Heart The heart becomes so blind that the capability to understand any command of Allah (swt) is removed from it: Sufyan Ath-Thawri (ra) said: ‘Adopt the habit of remaining ever silent. This will generate within you wara’(piety). Don’t be greedy so that you may remain protected from trials. Don’t criticise others so that you may remain protected from the blame and abuse of the people. Don’t be jealous so that you may be endowed with the sharpness of understanding.’
5. Disgrace and Deprivation Man does not become successful in any of his purpose, nor can he overpower an of his rivals: Hatim Asamm(ra) said: ‘One who keeps malice cannot be a man of faith, one who finds fault in others cannot be a worshipper, one who backbites cannot attain peace, one who is jealous is deprived of help from Allah (swt).’
How can a jealous individual succeed in his purpose when his purpose is that all the favors of Allah (swt) be taken away from all his servants and given to him?
How can a jealous person overpower his rivals when they are the pious men of Allah (swt)?
Abu Yaqub (ra) prayed: ‘O Allah! Keep us protected from envying the favors that you have showered on your servants, rather make their states better.’ Jealousy is such a disease, which destroys the reward and compensation of worship and sows the seeds of evil and disobedience. It finishes ones peace and tranquility. It deprives him of understanding his faith. With it a man cannot overpower his rival nor can he become successful in his purpose. It is understood that no disease is more dangerous than envy (and jealousy) which needs immediate cure. Hence don’t become careless in this respect and take care to eliminate this disease of jealousy.
May Allah (swt) protect us from this evil and inculcate in us the ability to recognise our faults Ameen Al-Kauthar.
Mufti Yusuf Danka Al-Kauthar
Janwaroon Say Mutaliq Islam Ki Taleemat
Prophet Zakariya (Alaih Assalaam) & Prophet Yahya (Alaih Assalaam)
Zakariya (Alaih Assalaam) and his wife were very old, and to their sorrow they did not have any children. They wanted very much to have a son, so Zakariya (Alaih Assalaam) prayed to Allah: Let my wife and I have a son before we die.
As Zakariya (Alaih Assalaam) was saying his prayer, an angel of Allah appeared. You have prayed to Allah and Allah has heard your prayer, the angel told him. Your wife will have a son and his name will be Yahya (Alaih Assalaam). He will be a good and honorable man and he will be Allah’s prophet.
Even though Zakariya (Alaih Assalaam) had prayed for this, he was surprised: But my wife and I are very old! he said. How can we have a son?
When Allah has willed a thing, it will happen, the angel assured him. As a sign that you are going to have a son, you must not speak to anyone for three days.
So it happened that even when Zakariya (Alaih Assalaam)wanted to speak to someone, he could not move his tongue. Only after three days was he able to speak again. He knew then that they were going to have a son. Both he and his wife were very happy. They prayed to Allah and thanked Him, and when the son was born, they named him Yahya(Alaih Assalaam).
Yahya (Alaih Assalaam) was a good and loving son. He prayed to Allah together with his father Zakariya (Alaih Assalaam) and his mother. The three of them always did good deeds. Yahya (Alaih Assalaam) was very kind and good to all people and all animals. He was never proud or bad-tempered, and Allah made him His prophet. Yahya (Alaih Assalaam) was a pious and humble servant of Allah and he always told people to pray to Allah because Allah had created mankind.
Allah’s blessing for Yahya (Alaih Assalaam)can be found in the Qur’an: “Peace was with him on the day he was born and on the day he died, and peace will be with him on the day when he will come to life again.”
Whoever is as good and pious as Prophet Yahya (Alaih Assalaam) will be blessed with everlasting peace by Allah.
Holidays Can be Real Fun!!!
Some Ways of Making your Kids Vacation more Rewarding
During the vacation there is a good opportunity to recharge our kids spiritual batteries and start afresh in daily activities. It is a joyous period and a unique break from our busy schedules. Most of us welcome vacations for its fun. It is good to have fun but this must always be done by not compromising the Islamic way of life!!!
By the same token, it is not a bad idea to take time out during these pressure-free holidays to reflect and possibly change our positions and life for the better.
There is an area that is largely ignored by parents when they go on holidays and that is how to guide their children and teenagers to a sin-free vacation. Very often, the newer generations of Muslims growing up in the West have little guidance and sometimes even less knowledge of the Islamic rules that govern our Islamic way of life and they often end up imitating the free unislamic western lifestyle that surrounds them.
No doubt, if we don’t take a proactive approach to maintaining our iman (faith), we might really lose it. The vacation represents an ideal opportunity to boost one’s deen (religion). However if it’s spent inappropriately, it can lead to disastrous consequences. If we truly value our faith, it is imperative that we use this opportunity to its fullest extent.
Parents have a great responsibility to guide their children to an Islamic lifestyle and to provide a vice-free environment. They should use all available strategies to carry out this responsibility effectively and successfully. This can be achieved by attempting to implement the following tips:
PRAYER –
Parents should ensure that prayers are performed punctually and be keen to pray on time, especially when their children are with them. This will help the children learn the importance of prayer and the value of time. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as said, “Refresh yourselves with Prayer…” (Hadith Al-Bukhari).Men should perform prayer at the Masjid.However if on vacation a Masjid is not close by then pray together as a family. Prayer in Jamaat is better than praying alone. Children love to call azan. Make the youngest one the salaat manager, taking care of prayer rugs, timing, and inviting everyone to salaat.
ENVIRONMENT –
Always remain within an environment that is free from sin. Psychologist emphasize that environment has a great effect on the upbringing of kids. Plan visits to places that do not in any way encroach on our Islamic way of life. Parents should try to keep their children and teenagers away from the immoral scenes that people usually see in holiday resorts during vacations. The free intermingling of sexes is totally prohibited in Islam. Children are vulnerable and very easily succumb to peer pressure. Parents need to be diplomatically assertive in emphasizing Islamic values.
INTERACT –
Regular interaction with your children is vital. Teach them through cool behavior. Trying to appear “cool” in front of their peers during adolescence brings tremendous pressure on children. “Children often don’t feel that their parents know what’s cool and what’s happening, so they turn to their peer group for the answers by trying to imitate them. By starting regular interaction while your children are young, parents can ensure that their kids will use them as their role models and not their peer groups. Time spent with children enhances the parent-child relationship, so that in their later life children will emulate their parents’ values and attitudes and that makes the gift of time the greatest gift of all.
Allah Ki Tasbeeh
Winter: Best Season For A Believer
The righteous people of the past would rejoice with the approach of winter. Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali mentions its virtues in his book Lata’if Al-Ma’arif (pg. 276)
Winter is the best season for the believer because Allah strengthens his practice by making worship easy for him. The believer can easily fast during the day without suffering from hunger and thirst. The days are short and cold, and he doesn’t feel the hardship of fasting.
As for praying at night, due to winter’s long nights, one can have his share of sleep and then wake up to pray. He can recite the Qur’an that he usually does in a day while having enough time to sleep. So, it becomes possible to fulfill the interests of both – his religion and the comfort of his body.
Abdullah Bin Mas’ud said: “Welcome to winter! Blessings descend in it. Its nights are long to pray, and its days are short to fast.”
When it was winter, Ubayd Bin Umayr would say: “O people of the Qur’an! Your nights are now long for you to recite. So, recite! Your days are now short for you to fast. So, fast! Night prayer in the winter equals fasting during the day in the summer.” This is why Mu’adh wept on his deathbed. He said: “I weep because I will miss the thirst I felt when I fasted, praying at night during the winter, and sitting knee to knee with the scholars during the gatherings of knowledge.”