LESSONS OF THE DAY

Ibn Mubarak's precious advice....

2012-01-30T11:21:00.000-06:00

'When intending to do something good, do not delay it until tomorrow.

When involved in something to do with the hereafter, keep yourself involved as long as you can.

When involved in some worldly matter, put your mind to it-
so as to get it done

And if you are praying and Satan whispers, ‘You are showing off,’ then make your prayer even longer.

The Muslim is Contented and Satisfied
Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu 'anhu) said :-

Allaah's Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa'sallam) said:-

"Richness is not having many belongings, but richness is the richness of the soul" (contentment).

Pearls of wisdom 328

2012-01-27T13:26:00.002-06:00

1. When He gives, He shows you His kindness (birr); when He deprives, He shows you His power (qadr). And in all that , He is making Himself known to you and coming to you with His gentleness.

2. Deprivation hurts you only because of the lack of your understanding of good in it.

3. When He alienates you from His creatures, then know that He wants to open for you the door of intimacy with Him.

4. When He loosens your tongue with a request, then know that He wants to give you something.

5. When He makes you submissive to His command outwardly and provide you with resignation to His power inwardly, then He has enhanced the greatness of the favor accorded you.

6. Ritual prayer is a purification for hearts and an opening-up of the door of the invisible domains.

7. He knew the existence of weakness in you, so He made the number of ritual prayers small; and He knew of your need of His grace, so He multiplied their fruitful results.

8. When He wants to show His grace to you, He creates states in you and attributes them to you.

9. How can the laws of nature be ruptured for you so that miracles result, while you, for your part, have not yet ruptured your bad habits.

10. Cling to the attributes of His Lordship and realize the attributes of your servanthood. [Above quotes by Ibn Ata Allah Iskandari]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1298

2012-01-24T11:39:00.000-06:00

Ayahs of the day:
O believers, enter wholly into Islam, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is an open enemy to you. [2: 208]

Hadith of the day:
The most blessed marriage (nikah) is the one with the least expense. [Bayhaqi]

Wise quote of the day:
To advise others is an easy matter, the difficulty is accepting advice -- since it is bitter for those who follow their own inclinations and desires. [Imam al Ghazali]

Guidance of the day:
Just as it is not allowed to backbite anyone so too it is not allowed to listen to one who backbites. If a person is present at a place where another begins to backbite someone then he should stop him from proceeding further. There are two ways to stop him -- telling him in so many words that it is a sin, if he cannot then he should introduce a new topic so that the evil is stopped. If he cannot do either then he should get up from that gathering and go elsewhere. [Spiritual Discourses by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani]

Food for thought:
Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom. Without forgiveness life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation. 'I can forgive but I cannot forget', is only one way of saying, "I will not forgive." Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note, torn into two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one. The weak can never forgive -- forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

The Dirty Laundry…

2012-01-20T10:36:00.001-06:00

By Abu Muhammad Yusuf

In life we tend to be judgmental and very often look down upon others without exploring deeper and finding out why the person is behaving in such a way. The Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said "It is enough of evil for a person to hold his brother Muslim in contempt. All of a Muslim is sacred to another Muslim: his blood, his wealth and his honour." (Hadith- Muslim)

A young couple moves into a new neighbourhood. The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbour hanging the laundry outside. "That laundry is not very clean", she said. "She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap. "Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbour would hang her washing to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

Some time later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean laundry on the line and said to her husband: "Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this."

"The husband said, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows"

Lesson: If our windows are dirty so will we see others as dirty too. What we see in others is indeed a reflection of our inner-selves! So it is with life that what we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look. It is easy for us to condemn, discuss other people, their lives & things that really doesn't even concern us and we tend to forget - our windows may not be that clean after all! If we are good we will see good…

The Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:
"A Muslim is a mirror to another Muslim"(Hadith_Abu Dawud)

info@eislam.co.za

Pearls of wisdom 327

2012-01-16T11:12:00.000-06:00

1. If you want to know your standing with Him, look at where He has made you abide now.

2. When He gives you obedience, making you unaware of it because of Him, then know that He has showered you liberally with His graces both inwardly and outwardly.

3. The best that you can seek from Him is that which He seeks from you.

4. Hope (raja) goes hand in had with deeds, otherwise it is a wish.

5. Sometimes He gives while depriving you, and sometimes He deprives you in giving.

6. If you want a glory that does not vanish, then do not glory in glory that vanishes.

7. The real journey is when the world's dimension is rolled away from you so that you see the Hereafter closer to you than yourself.

8. Suffice it as a recompense for the doers of good that He judged you worthy of obedience.

9. It suffices as a reward for the doers of good that He has inspired obedience to Him in their hearts and brought upon them the existence of His reciprocal intimacy.

10. He made the Hereafter an abode to reward his believing servants only because this world cannot contain what He wishes to bestow upon them and because He deemed their worth too high to reward them in a world without permanence. [Above quotes by Ibn Ata Allah Iskandari]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1297

2012-01-13T11:13:00.001-06:00

Ayahs of the day:
And spend for the sake of God, and do not invest in ruin by your own hands. And do good; for God loves those who do good. [2: 195]

Hadith of the day:
Traders will be gathered on the Day of Judgment as transgressors, except those who feared Allah, were righteous in their oaths and spoke the truth. [Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]

Wise quote of the day:
Before the time of prayer comes, the servant must be in a state of preparation and his attitude must be that which is essential for prayer, namely a state of meditation and recollection, free from wandering thoughts and consideration or remembrance of anything save God alone. [Abu Nasr al Sarraj]

Guidance of the day:
The Qur'an says backbiting is like eating flesh of a dead brother. It is a grave sin, a kabirah, not an ordinary one. Backbiting is a sin just as consuming wine, eating pork, stealing or robbing are sins. Rather, it is more severe. To drink wine or to consume pork is to violate rights of Allah and the sin pertains to the self of the perpetrator and has no relation with rights of fellow men. Hence, if Allah will enable the sinner at anytime and he repents to Him then He will forgive the sin.

The sin of backbiting, however, pertains to fellow human beings. The principle in such cases is that the sin is not forgiven unless the owner of the rights forgives it. The sinner may make repentance and seek forgiveness for thousands of times, offer salah and fasting, but the sin of backbiting will not be forgiven. Allah has said, "I will forgive you My rights. But, if you damage My slave physically or his property, or his honor; or you violate his rights then until he pardons you or you repay him his rights, I will not forgive you." The case of rights of fellow men is very serious but we have considered it very ordinary and minor. Backbiting is also among rights of fellow men. [Spiritual Discourses by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani]

Food for thought:
Faith means, no worrying. Faith is passionate intuition. Every tomorrow has two handles -- we can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith. He who has faith has an inward reservoir of courage, hope, confidence, calmness, and assuring trust that all will come out well, even though to the world it may appear to come out badly.

Gentle Reminders....

2012-01-10T11:35:00.000-06:00

'When intending to do something good, do not delay it until tomorrow.

When involved in something to do with the hereafter, keep yourself involved as long as you can.

When involved in some worldly matter, put your mind to it-
so as to get it done

And if you are praying and Satan whispers, ‘You are showing off,’ then make your prayer even longer.

Ibn Al-Mubârak in Al-Zuhd wa Al-Rqâ’iq Vol.1 p126

The Muslim is Contented and Satisfied
Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu 'anhu) said :-

Allaah's Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa'sallam) said:-

"Richness is not having many belongings, but richness is the richness of the soul" (contentment).
Muslim -2/501/ # 2287)

Pearls of wisdom 326

2012-01-04T11:57:00.002-06:00

1. One of the signs of relying on one's own deeds is the loss of hope when a downfall occurs.

2. Your striving for what has been guaranteed to you (i.e. dunya), and your remissness in what is demanded of you (i.e. akhirah), are sings of the blurring of your intellect.

3. If in spite of intense supplication, there is delay in the timing of the Gift, let that not be the cause for your despairing. For He has guaranteed you a response in what He chooses for you, not in what you choose for yourself, and at the time He desires not the time you desire.

4. Actions are lifeless forms, but the presence of an inner reality of sincerity within them is what endows them with life-giving spirit.

5. Nothing benefits the heart more than a spiritual retreat wherein it enters the domain of meditation.

6. How can it be conceived that something veils Him, since He is the one who manifests every thing?

7. How can it be conceived that something veils Him, since He is more manifest than anything?

8. How can it be conceived that something veils Him, since He is nearer to you than anything else?

9. How can it be conceived that something veils Him, since He is alongside of whom there is nothing?

10. How can it be conceived that something veils Him, since were it not for Him, the existence of everything would not have been manifest? [Ibn Ataillah Iskandari]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1296

2011-12-30T13:47:00.001-06:00

Ayahs of the day:
Righteousness is not that you should turn your faces to the East or the West; rather, the righteous are those who believe in God and the last day, and the angels and scriptures and prophets; and who give material gifts out of love for God, even what they care for, to relatives and orphans, and the poor and the traveler and the needy.......[2: 177]

Hadith of the day:
If the son of Adam possessed a valley of gold he would want to have two valleys, yet his mouth will only be filled by earth. Allah turns towards those who turn to Him in repentance. [Bukhari & Muslim]

Wise quote of the day:
A man of bad character punishes his own soul. [Imam al Ghazali]

Guidance of the day:
Courage is such a thing created by Allah that it enables a man, Muslim or non-Muslim, to accomplish exceptional feats and Allah blesses his efforts. Allah will certainly bless the courage of a believer who works hard to submit to Him and avert disobedience. Allah has blessed the quality of courage with exceptional power so that great things can be achieved with firm resolve.

The tasks that a person is asked to do are within his ability. He only has to show courage. One has to courageously show obedience and keep away from sin. One has to spend one's whole life doing it and if there ever is a slip, he must courageously renew his efforts. It is through courage that man moves forward but without courage he can do nothing in the world. Only courage enables him to do everything.

The method to correct deeds and inner condition is to oppose the sentiments of the nafs (lower self) and accustom it to hard work. The more you accustom it to hard work, the more it responds and you will get your work done, inshaAllah. As a result, the apparent deeds will be corrected and the unseen character will also be reformed. [Spiritual Discourses by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani]

Food for thought:
Good judgment comes from experience and often experience comes from bad judgment. What one has not experienced, one will never understand. Experience is simply the name we give to our mistakes. Learn all you can from the mistakes of others -- you won't have time to make them all yourself. Nothing is a waste of time if you use your experience wisely.

The Love of Almighty Allah !!!

2011-12-27T14:42:00.001-06:00

It is a stage that all of those who are striving and competing are competing for it and it is a kind of life that if you are missing it you are one of the dead.

It is a light that if you are without it you are in and ocean of darkness.

It is a medicine or cure that if you are without it, your heart becomes a place of sicknesses.

It is a sweetness or pleasure that if you are without it,
life becomes a thing of worries and of pain.

“And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.”

[Ibn al-Qayyim ]

Pearls of wisdom 325

2011-12-23T13:46:00.001-06:00

1. Do not abandon the invocation (dhikr) because you do not feel the presence of God therein. For your forgetfulness of the invocation of Him is worse than your forgetfulness in the invocation of Him.

2. Perhaps He will take you from an invocation with forgetfulness to one with vigilance, and from one with vigilance to one with the presence of God (hudur), and from one with the presence of God to one wherein everything but the invoked (al-Madhkur) is absent. "And that is not difficult for God."

3. There is no minor sin (saghira) when His justice confronts you; and there is no major sin (kabira) when His grace confronts you.

4. No deed is more fruitful for the heart than the one you are not aware of and which is deemed paltry by you.

5. He only made an inspiration (warid) come upon you so that you would go to Him.

6. He made an inspiration come upon you so as to get you out of the grip of alterities (aghyar) and free you from the bondage of created beings.

7. He made an inspiration come upon you so as to take you out of the prison of your existence to the unlimited space of your contemplation.

8. Whoever does not draw near to God as as result of the caresses of love is shackled to Him with the chains of misfortune.

9. Whoever is not thankful for graces runs the risk of losing them, and whoever is thankful fetters them with their own cords.

10. Be fearful lest the existence of His generosity towards you and the permanence of your bad behavior towards Him not lead you step by step to ruin. [Above quotes by Ibn Ataillah Iskandari]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1295

2011-12-19T11:32:00.000-06:00

Ayahs of the day:
Believers, eat of the good things We have provided for you, and be grateful to God, if it is God that you worship. [2: 172]

Hadith of the day:
Allah does not look at your bodies nor your forms, but He looks at your hearts and your actions. [Bukhari & Muslim]

Wise quote of the day:
Try to gladden the hearts of believers in every possible way, as long as these ways are not sinful.

Guidance of the day:
The lower self (nafs) is like a child. It is accustomed to sin and disobedience and finds pleasure in these things. It keeps away from obedience. If it is not stopped from sinning, it will never give up its habit. If it is prevented from those things, there certainly will be much difficulty in the beginning but finally it will relent and give up its sinful ways. Man must resist laziness and be submissive and give up his sinful ways.

Allah has given man the character trait of laziness and also courage. Courage is a great thing. It can be compared to rubber which will stretch as much as we pull it. Courage is like that. One can stretch it as much as he wills and take it to heights. The accomplishments of men in this world have courage behind them whether it relates to worldly affairs or religion. Even meaningless pursuits and sinful feats are accomplished through courage. [Spiritual Discourses by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani]

Food for thought:
Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.
Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.
Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open mind.
Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing temper or self-confidence.
Education is being able to differentiate between what we know and what we do not know.

Precious words of guidance....

2011-12-16T14:02:00.002-06:00

Imam Sufyaan once wrote to one of his Muslim brothers

May Allaah, with His Mercy, protect both me and you from the Hellfire.

I advise both you and myself to fear Allaah.

And I warn you not to turn to ignorance after you have learned, not to turn to destruction after you have seen and recognized the truth, and not to leave the (Straight) Path after it has been made clear to you.

Do not become deceived by worldly people, and do not become unduly impressed by the way they strive for and greedily gather worldly things, for the terror (that will envelop them on the Day of Resurrection) is indeed SEVERE.

The danger (of the Day of Resurrection) is grave indeed, but what is more, is that it is near at hand.

So occupy yourself exclusively with the Hereafter, and empty your heart of all other thoughts; once you have done that, work hard! Do not waste time! And flee from the world and its temptations! Travel to the Hereafter (with your worship) before you are taken there… I have indeed given you the same advice that I gave myself.

And understand that success comes from Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala). The key to gaining His help is supplication, prayer, feeling remorse for past negligence, and complete submission to Him.

Your days and nights are numbered, so use the time you have left wisely, and do not be negligent in fulfilling the rights of your Lord.

I ask Allaah, Who has blessed us to know Him, not to entrust us and you to our ownselves; and I ask Allaah to be our Guardian and Helper, just as He is the Guardian and Helper of His beloved, righteous slaves.

Beware of doing that which will spoil your deeds, and know that it is showing off that spoils a person’s deeds; and if it is not showing off, then it is conceitedness – for you to imagine that you are better than one of your Muslim brothers, when in reality he performs more good deeds than you do; or perhaps he performs his deeds with a purer intention than you do.

And even if you are not conceited, beware of developing a love for praise.
Be ever so careful not to come to love other people’s praise of your good deeds, or the respect they feel for you and bestow upon you because of your good deeds.
And beware of desiring that others should help you in your personal affairs just because they have become impressed with your good deeds.

You surely claim (as does everyone else), after all, that you are doing good deeds only for the sake of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta'ala); well, then turn that claim into a reality.

If you want to be less desirous of this world – its things, wealth, and pleasures – and more desirous of the Hereafter — Paradise and its bliss – then remember death frequently.

And know that you have long term hopes for this world – which one should not have — if you fear Allaah only a little or if you recklessly perpetrate sins.

And one will be sufficiently regretful and wretched on the Day of Resurrection if he has knowledge but does not apply it.

* Transcribed from: The Biography of Sufyaan Ath-Thauree, rahimahullaah, page 181-182

Pearls of wisdom 324

2011-12-12T11:22:00.001-06:00

1. Your postponement of deed till when you are free is one of the frivolities of the ego.

2. No search pursued with the help of your Lord remains at a standstill, but any search pursued by yourself will not be fruitful.

3. Among the signs of success at the end is, the turning to God at the beginning.

4. He who is illumined at the beginning is illumined at the end.

5. Appeal to no one but Him to relieve you of a pressing need that He Himself has brought upon you.

6. Travel not from creature to creature, otherwise you will be like a donkey at the mill. Rather go from creatures to the Creator.

7. Do not keep company with anyone whose state does not inspire you and whose speech does not lead you to God.

8. You might be in a bad state: then, your associating with one who is in worse state makes you see virtue in yourself.

9. No deed arising from a renouncing heart is small, and no deed arising from an avaricious heart is fruitful.

10. Good works are the results of good states. Good states arise from the stations wherein those having spiritual realization abide. [Above quotes by Ibn Ataillah Iskandari]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1294

2011-12-09T13:04:00.002-06:00

Ayahs of the day:
Everyone has an aim, to which God gives direction; so preserve everything good. Wherever you are, God will bring you together. For God has power over everything. [2: 148]

Hadith of the day:
Fear Allah wherever you are and follow up an evil deed with a good action which will wipe it out. Treat people well. [Tirmidhi]

Wise quote of the day:
The outward appearance of an angry person is ugly enough, yet his inner appearance is even uglier. [Abdul Khaliq al Shabrawi]

Guidance of the day:
If man was free from urge to commit sin then there would have been no difference between him and angels. The angels lack the urge to sin, as also anger, sexual incitement, hunger and thirst. If man was also deprived of these things then he would have no excellence over the angels. Man enjoys excellence over them because he is endowed with the capacity to do good as well as evil and resists the temptation to do evil.

The angels are not only innocent, they are also devoted exclusively to prostration and glorifying Allah while man is endowed with possibility to commit sin and he resists that urge for the sake of Allah. The merit itself demands that the ability to err and sin should remain in him. With that possibility there, he will continue to struggle against temptation. In the beginning, the struggle will be severe but after mujahidah (striving) it will become mild. He should not be anxious or hopeless because of it nor neglect it.

In short, one should suppress the temptations and urge of the soul through mujahidah so that they are moderated and keep him away from the unlawful. He must continue this all his life. The struggle mitigates with passage of time. [Spiritual discourses by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani]

Food for thought:
No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow. As a well spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death. Healthy children will not fear life and their elders have the integrity not to fear death. He who doesn't fear death dies only once.

“O my eye! All men have eyes!”

2011-12-05T11:07:00.000-06:00

Let not your tongue mention the shame of another
For you yourself are covered in shame-

And all men have tongues.

If your eye falls upon the sins of your brother
Shield them and say:-

“O my eye! All men have eyes!”

Imam Shafi'i (Rahimahullah)

"Never Despair Of The Mercy Of Allah"

'Son of Adam! You are nothing but a number of days, whenever each day passes then part of you has Gone.'

[Al-Hasan Al-Basree]

Pearls of wisdom 323

2011-12-02T12:53:00.001-06:00

1. Remembrance of Him is the light of the heart, and His presence is the key to the invisible.

2. Real knowledge of what is good implies dwelling in it and real knowledge of evil implies departure from it.

3. Real prostration is the yielding of the heart to the ordinance of the Lord.

4. If anyone has faith in the divine apportionment (qisma), he should not dispute the divine wisdom (hikma).

5. There are two virtues that facilitate the way to God; mystical knowledge and love. Your love for material things renders you blind and deaf.

6. Mystical knowledge is that which has severed you everything except God and brought you back to Him.

7. Whenever the lower self (nafs) is dominant and the spirit (ruh) is subordinate, then occur drought and sterility, the whole order is overturned, and every evil befalls. So heed the guiding of Qur'an and the healing words of His Apostle.

8. Any affliction for which a hope for reward is entertained and punishment is feared, is not an affliction. An affliction for which a reward is not hoped nor a punishment is feared -- that only is an affliction.

9. O servant of God, detach yourself from converse with the lower-self, the desire of Satan, obedience to lust, and emotion of chronic illness, and you will be righteous.

10. Sustenance is divinely apportioned. It is not the piety of a pious man that increases it nor it is the impiety of an impious man that diminishes it.

11. Preserve God in the heart and He will preserve you. Keep God in mind and you will find Him in front of you. Worship God with means of purification and be of the thankful ones. [Above quotes by Shaykh Abul Hasan al- Shadhili]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1293

2011-11-29T12:29:00.000-06:00

Ayahs of the day:
Thus We have made you a centered nation, that you may be witnesses to humanity. [2: 143]

Hadith of the day:
Faith wears out in the heart of anyone of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah to renew the faith in your heart. [Tabrani]

Wise quote of the day:
The religious traits of character cannot take firm root in the soul until it has grown accustomed to every good habit and renounced every evil one. [Imam al-Ghazali]

Guidance of the day:
God bestows material wealth and poverty upon individuals for reasons known only to Him. There is good in whatever He bestows. It is not wealth or poverty in itself that is good, but rather the state of mind that has disciplined (and triumphed over) the worldly self and set its sight upon eternal life.

The surest way for the believers to progress is to understand that whatever God gives is designed to perfect them. Regardless of personal circumstances, believers should strive to improve the welfare of others and trust inwardly and outwardly in the All-Mighty and All-Merciful. The best attitude toward this world, which is only a resting place on the way to our everlasting destination, is expressed in this brief poem:

I accept, my Lord, whatever comes to me from You,
For whatever comes to me from You is my good;
Whether a robe of honor comes or a shroud,
Whether a sharp thorn or a sweet, fresh rose,
If it comes with Your blessing,
It is my good that comes. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
Death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity. The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of our eternity. We cannot banish dangers, but we can banish fears, we must not demean life by standing in awe of death. To be idle is a short road to death, and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle and wise people are diligent.

Muharram Mubarak -- Happy new year!!!

2011-11-25T20:50:00.003-06:00

Abu Hurayra (radi Allahu anhu) reported:
the Holy Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said,

"Wealth is not diminished by giving (in charity).
Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) augments the honour of one
who forgives; and one who displays humbleness towards
another seeking the pleasure of ALLAH (Subhanu wa Ta'ala),
Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) exalts him in ranks.''
[Muslim].

Commentary:
This Hadith has described three facts.

First, Sadaqah does not
diminish wealth because Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) blesses the rest of it and thus
recompenses it in this world, and the almsgiver will certainly be rewarded on the Day of Resurrection.

Second, man
thinks that a conciliatory or forgiving attitude will weaken his position in the eyes of others. He erroneously takes it as his disparagement and insult. However, this Hadith reveals the reality that by this way, Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) raises his image and he is not belittled at all, because a forgiving gesture will enhance his esteem in the hearts of people. And in the Hereafter, Divine reward for it will definitely lead to his elevation.

Third, if somebody displays affability and humbleness
in his behaviour, Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) will project his prestige and dignity into the hearts of others and bless him in the Hereafter.

Pearls of wisdom 322

2011-11-21T10:27:00.001-06:00

1. Remembrance of God strengthens the spirit and acts as its wings and feathers in its heavenward flight.

2. Even if the spirit does not reach heaven, every moment it achieves a loftier height.

3. We may not attain to the Essence of God, but remembrance of Him, whether it be with the tongue or in the heart leave its mark upon us.

4. It is only burnished breast freed from greed, avarice, and hate, a heart cleansed of all taints of corruption that can reflect the Divine Light.

5. Death is no occasion for sorrow, but an occasion for rejoicing for it means Homeward flight of the human spirit, freed from the trammels of matter.

6. If you have no eyes, do not walk blindly; take a staff in your hand.

7. If you have no staff of insight, do not walk without a guide.

8. Hidden creatures good and bad always touch the heart -- the touch of the angel is inspiration; Satanic touches temptations untold.

9. Tarry with patience until your confusion is resolved and you know whom you rejected and who became the leader of your heart.

10. As he beheld the light of God he felt protected, and was delivered from the throes of doubt. [Mawlana Rumi]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1292

2011-11-18T11:21:00.000-06:00

Ayahs of the day:
That was a people that has passed away; they will get what they earned, and you will get what you earned. And you will not be questioned about what they used to do. [2: 134]

Hadith of the day:
Rights will be given to those who they are owed on the Day of Judgment, even the hornless sheep will have retaliation from the horned sheep. [Muslim]

Wise quote of the day:
Do not dispute anyone in any matter as far as possible. For in argumentation lies much harm and its evil is greater than its benefit. [Imam al-Ghazali]

Guidance of the day:
We cannot attribute evil to God, for that comes from ourselves. We have only ourselves to blame for what we suffer. What happens to us is based upon our choices and actions, and accords with the law of the cause and effect that God has decreed for His creation. Thus, those who persistently adhere to false beliefs and refuse to listen to and obey Divine commandments gradually lose the ability to perceive the truth.

Happiness in the Hereafter is the natural consequence of our efforts to attain righteousness and inner illumination while alive. God does not cause anyone to go astray. Deserving His favor and blessings or deserving their withdrawal depend upon our free choice, and nothing else. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
Things do not change unless we change. If there is something we wish to change in a child/adult, we should first examine it and see whether it is something that could better be changed in ourselves. If we don't change, we don't grow, if we don't grow we aren't really living. They must often change, who would be constant in happiness and wisdom. We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.

Means to increase Allah's love....

2011-11-14T11:27:00.001-06:00

Ibn Qayyim al-Jaoziyah mentioned in his book 'Madarij al-Salikeen' ten points that produce will Allah's Love in a person's heart. Also, such points and causes result in Allah's Love for him/her. We briefly state these points and causes as follows:

1. To read, understand and consider the Qur'an carefully.

2. To keep on coming closer to Allah by performing Nawafil (optional good deeds). Such an action will help one to be lifted to the rank of being Allah's beloved after one loves His Lord.

3. To mention Allah at all states and in all occasions. The more you mention Allah, the more beloved you will be.

4. To prefer what Allah likes to what one likes.

5. To think about Allah's Names and Attributes, since whoever becomes aware of His Names and Attributes will certainly love Him.

6. To think of Allah's innumerable blessings and favors, hidden and apparent.

7. To show subordination, submission and surrender to Allah, The Great and Almighty.

8. To perform optional prayers at midnight and read Qur'an and to end such actions with repentance and seeking forgiveness.

9. To associate with the righteous and religious and to get benefit from their good words.

10. To avoid every misdeed and sin that may come between a slave and His Lord, Allah.

As for acquiring the Messenger's Love (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), know that there are two matters that bring forth such a love:

1. To consider carefully the Qur'anic verses that describe and praise the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) character such as: "And verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) are on an exalted standard of character." [68:4].

2. To read and regard the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) biography, good features and stories attentively.

Allah knows best.

===============================================

Pearls of wisdom 321

2011-11-11T12:09:00.001-06:00

1. We must go through the fire of self-mortification and purge ourselves from self's pollution.

2. Nothing is of greater merit in this world of afflictions than a good disposition.

3. From good disposition good manners arise.

4. Good manners are forbearance with the ill-mannerly people.

5. Whatever gloom and grief comes upon us is the result of our insolence, that is, of flouting religious injunctions; it is the result of our indiscipline.

6. Abstinence is the result of piety. It involves abstaining from what the Lord has forbidden. It also involves abstaining from everything except God.

7. Full abstinence cannot be achieved so long as desire is not renounced.

8. Exertion is necessary in our daily life as well as on the spiritual path.

9. Envy is the worst of all evils. Pride and envy led Satan to disobey the Lord's command to bow to Adam and caused his expulsion from Paradise.

10. Trust in God is an important station on the spiritual path. The elect do not tremble for fear of hunger -- in trust in God, they live full-fed. [Above quotes by Mawlana Rumi]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1291

2011-11-08T11:28:00.000-06:00

Ayahs of the day:
And make us submissive to You, our Lord, and make our descendants a people submissive to You. And show us our places for rituals, and be relenting toward us, for You are Most Relenting, Most Merciful. [2: 128]

Hadith of the day:
It is sin enough for a man that he neglects someone whom he is supposed to feed. [Abu Dawud]

Wise quote of the day:
Never break a Muslim's heart by refusing what he offers you, when you know that anything that comes to you through him is in reality from God, and he is only His powerless and compelled means. [Imam al Haddad]

Guidance of the day:
Satan also uses obscene scenes to lead believers astray. He torments us with call to illicit pleasures. On such occasions, we must remind ourselves that indulging in any illicit pleasure will engender remorse and may engender both our present and future lives. We must never forget that the life of this world is but a passing plaything, a comforting illusion, and that the real or true life is that of the Hereafter.

When Satan whispers evil thoughts, believers should realize that he is using his weakest strategy and it can be ignored. Dwelling on such thoughts only exaggerates and aggravates our weakness or susceptibility. We also must avoid heedlessness and make sure that we do not neglect of worship, for such oversights attract Satan's attention. If we remember the All-Merciful, focus on noble or sacred phenomena and living a religious life, we will be able to resist Satan. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Life belongs to the living and he who lives must be prepared for changes. Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens -- the sleeper must awaken. The world hates change, but it is the only thing that has brought progress.

Eid Mubarak!!!

2011-11-04T14:30:00.001-05:00

POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE LIFE

1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.

2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest
your energy in the positive present moment.

3. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does.

4. Don't waste your precious energy and time on gossip.

5. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

6. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind people of their mistakes
of the past. That will ruin their present happiness.

7. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

8. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

9. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away
but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

10. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

11. Each day give something good to others.

13. Forgive everyone for everything -- hoping to be forgiven by Allah.

14. What other people think of you is none of your business,
just do the right things.

15. Put Allah first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.

16. The best is yet to come -- Paradise!-- strive for it.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. If you know Allah you will always be happy. So, know Him and be happy.

19. The hardship of obedience disappears and its reward remains.

20. The pleasure of sins disappears and its punishment remains.

Pearls of wisdom 320

2011-10-31T12:37:00.003-05:00

1. He who walks on the mystic path, has no longing after fine palaces and fair gardens; in his heart is nothing but the pain of yearning love of God.

2. Though you build lofty palaces as high as the heavens, yet in the end you will come to be buried under the earth.

3. Be not unmindful of Eternity and set not your heart upon the transient goods of this world.

4. Be patient in the midst of the trials and tribulations of this life and when things go well give thanks to God Most High.

5. He who truly knows God by contemplation, realizes that Eternal life means passing away from the personal self -- without this knowledge man has no real existence.

6. Seek for Reality within your own heart, for Reality, in truth, is hidden within you.

7. Cast aside the veil from existence and nonexistence, and you will see forthwith the true meaning of God's purpose.

8. O Lord! How glorious is the manifestation of Your Light! You are the Sought and the Seeker. [Above quotes by Khwaja Fariduddin Attar]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1290

2011-10-28T12:04:00.000-05:00

Ayahs of the day:
And be wary of a day when no soul can compensate for another soul, and no compromise will be accepted from it, and no intercession will avail it, and they will not be helped. [2: 123]

Hadith of the day:
If you were to rely on Allah as He should be relied on, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning hungry and return in the evening full. [Tirmidhi]

Wise quote of the day:
Devotion to one's religious duty (taqwa) is the foundation of all that is good, it is a source of worldly benefit, a source of wisdom and all kinds of knowledge, of purity of heart and of many secrets. [Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani]

Guidance of the day:
In fact, the guile of Satan is ever feeble (4: 76). It is like a cobweb appearing before you -- it cannot prevent you from going forward, and you do not have to attach any great importance to it. Satan only suggests or whispers, gilds sinful acts and presents them in falsely ornamented wrappers. Believers must never accept his invitations.

When Satan resorts to whispering, we should realize that he is using his weakest strategy and ignore him. If we pay attention to these whisperings, we may be defeated. Believers who listen to Satan weaken their ability to resist both him and their carnal selves. In the end such believers are defeated. Believers who want to avoid this trap should remain far away from sins, all of which Satan tries to make attractive. Heedlessness and neglect of worship are invitations to Satan's "arrows". Remembering the All-Merciful, thinking about noble or sacred phenomena, and living a religious life protect us from Satan's attacks. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
Morality, reason, judgment, and enthusiasm are the qualities of a leader and the foundations for success. Nothing so conclusive proves a man's ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself.

Zaki's Interview

2011-10-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

An Interview with Zaki Hasan, Professor of Communication and Media Studies:

http://www.islamintheageofnewmedia.com/blog/59/zaki-hasan-interview/

Pearls of wisdom 319

2011-10-24T12:15:00.001-05:00

1. When you get up in the morning, start your day with the glorification of the Most Glorious.

2. Aspirant of worldly indulgence is like a person who drinks salt water of the sea -- the more he drinks, the more his thirst increases.

3. To overcome appetitive desire, is the quality of the angels and to be overpowered by them is the traits of animals.

4. The best device to get vigilant awareness in prayer is to keep in view the meanings of what you recite.

5. Heart can never be radiant by Divine light unless ego and carnal desire, by undergoing austerities and mortification, become subservient to Shariah.

6. The servants desire of worldly gains is more disastrous than the tricks of Satan.

7. To revile the calamities and turmoil of the world is equal to assail God with bitter abuse.

8. Be moderate in worship of Him, shun heaviness but be consistent.

9. Attain that knowledge which creates awareness of your inmost being.

10. To earn lawful livelihood for the dependents is the task of abdal, to bring them up teaching good manners and best conduct is the greater jihad. [Above quotes by Imam Ghazali]

The Masjid invites you....

2011-10-21T11:56:00.000-05:00

A few days after Ramadan, many masjids were seen to cry.
Someone asked one, why?

You ask me why I am so grieved?
It's because I have been deceived.

I ask, Oh Muslim, where have you gone, where are you?
Was the past month a dream? It doesn't seem real or true.

Oh my beloved, was it all a dream, was it all a show?
That is why my tears do flow.

Why don't you visit me, why have you not returned?
From the past month is this what you learned?

My soul is empty without you and also my heart
How can you feel at ease being so far apart?

You are the one, whom the Lord chose for his own remembrance,
So why should I not lament at your absence?

Why do I no longer hold any charm?
From where else will you attain inner peace or calm?

I call you every day but you do not respond
Day by day weakens our bond!

I call you in the day and I call you at night.
What's happened? For sure something's not right

Don't you recognize me anymore? Don't you hear my voice?
Is it deliberate or do you really have no choice?

When will you light me up again? Will I have to wait another year?
Going by past experience, that is what I fear.
*****

LESSON OF THE DAY 1289

2011-10-18T11:24:00.001-05:00

Ayahs of the day:
Those to whom We have given the Book read it as it really is to be read; they believe in it. And if any repudiate it, then they are the losers. [2: 121]

Hadith of the day:
Allah does not look at your bodies nor your forms, but He looks at your hearts and your actions. [Bukhari & Muslim]

Wise quote of the day:
Good character consists in three traits -- avoiding that which is forbidden; seeking that which is permitted; and being generous towards others. [Imam Ghazali]

Guidance of the day:
Satan does everything he can to seduce us. We are very complex beings, for God manifests all of His names on us in this world of testing. We are sent here to be trained so that we can serve as a mirror to God and earn eternal happiness.

In order to do this, we must train and develop all of our God-given feelings, faculties, and potentials. If some of these are not trained (e.g., intellect, anger, greed, obstinacy, and lust) and directed to lofty goals, but abused and used for disagreeable purposes, we will place our present and future life in danger. This is also true if we do not restrict our natural desires and animal instincts by satisfying them in acceptable ways. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
There are no secrets to success -- it is result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failures. Try, try, try, and keep trying is the rule that must be followed to become an expert in anything. Luck is when opportunities and preparation meet.

Pearls of wisdom 318

2011-10-14T13:07:00.000-05:00

1. It cannot be denied that where Beauty is perceived, it is natural to love it and if it is certain that God is Beauty, He must be loved by the one to whom His Beauty and His Majesty is revealed.

2. God has created His creatures in darkness and then He shed upon them His light -- it is by the help of this light that the search for truth must be carried out.

3. Human nature in fact testifies that it is subject to the will of God and governed in accordance with His laws.

4. To believe in the Prophet is to admit that there is above intelligence a sphere in which are revealed to the inner vision truths beyond the grasp of intelligence.

5. The highest faculty in man is reason which fits him for the contemplation of God.

6. The real light is He in whose hand lies creation and its destinies.

7. It is the mark of saint ship to show compassion to all God's servants, to be kind towards them and to fight for them and with them against the forces of evil.

8. It is incumbent on a man to dive deep into the sea of love; if the wave of love lands him on the shore of favor, he has attained the highest achievement.

9. It is difficult to save from wickedness unless lustful glance is protected.

10. It is better to disclose good deeds of others and connive their evil acts. [Above quotes by Imam Ghazali]

Friends who bring us closer to Allah should be sought....

2011-10-10T11:05:00.003-05:00

Not everyone suits to be your friend

Friends have a large influence on our lives. Islam has emphasized on choosing companions who are upright and noble. The Prophet (peace be upon him said), “Man is on his friend’s religion. Therefore, man should see with whom he is making friends.” (Abu Dawood, no.4815).

Friendship that leads one to Allah’s disobedience is not worth it. Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi mentions in his book Mukhtasar Minhaj Al-Qasidin (pg. 126-132) some valuable points on this topic:

Know that not everyone is suitable to be your friend. You must verify that this potential friend has the neccessary characteristics that make friendship with him something to be desired. The one you seek to befriend must have five characteristics:

• He must be intelligent, as there is no good in befriending an idiot, as he will only harm you when he wants to benefit you. By intelligent, we mean one who understands things as they are, either on his own, or if they are explained to him.

• He must have good manners, and this is a must. One who is simply intelligent might be overcome by anger or desire, and obey his desire. Thus, there would be no benefit in befriending him.

• He must not be a fasiq, the one who openly disobeys Allah, as such a person would not fear Allah, and whoever does not fear Allah cannot be trusted.

• He must not be an innovator, as his over-indulgence innovation is feared from befriending him.

• He should not be too eager in seeking the dunya. Which means that he is not willing to sacrifice his hereafter for it.

LESSON OF THE DAY 1288

2011-10-07T13:41:00.000-05:00

Ayahs of the day:
To God belongs the East and the West; and wheresoever you turn, there is the presence of God. For God is omnipresent and omniscient. [2: 115]

Hadith of the day:
Anyone who shows the way to something good has the same reward as the person who does it. [Muslim]

Wise quote of the day:
Give priority to the Hereafter over this world, because you will then gain both of them together. [Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani]

Guidance of the day:
God revealed religion out of His mercy, because we need it and cannot be truly human without it. Only those who have passed through the trials of religious experience are worthy of eternal happiness and will be distinguished in the Hereafter.

True religion is the assemblage of Divine Revelations and Divine Laws by which we can know bliss in this world and the next. Our peace and happiness depend upon leading a religious life, for only through religion can the Law be observed in all the inner and outer spheres of our existence. Only religion makes it possible for us to deserve Paradise and the vision of God. Such achievements are beyond the power of every human-made civilization, regardless of how advanced they are. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
So little done; so much to do. Time is the scarcest resource and unless it is managed, nothing else can be managed. Don't simply retire from something, have something to retire to.

Pearls of wisdom 317

2011-10-03T11:31:00.000-05:00

1. To be a believer means to abide continuously in God and to live at peace with men.

2. The right attitude toward fellow-men is that you should not lay burdens upon them but rather burden yourself for them.

3. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

4. Faith is not made perfect unless one desires for others what he desires for himself.

5. God alone should be the object of love and worship for the believer.

6. A believer's heart is free from defilement and from distraction, because of his love for his Lord.

7. A believer does not rely upon anything, save Him who he worships.

8. The means of cleansing the heart of all but Him is dhikr and concentration of every thought upon Him.

9. Love for God means soul's contemplation of Divine Attributes.

10. God grants the vision of His Divine Qualities to His friends (auliya) and hence His lovers love Him because He wants that He should be loved. [Above quotes by Imam Ghazali]

You will reap what you plant....

2011-09-30T11:59:00.000-05:00

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap success.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.

If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.

LESSON OF THE DAY 1287

2011-09-26T11:52:00.000-05:00

Ayahs of the day:
Surely anyone who surrenders his being to God and is a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord and there will be no fear upon them, and they will not sorrow. [2: 112]

Hadith of the day:
Abandon anything that gives you doubt for what gives you no doubt. Truthfulness is peace of mind and lying is doubt. [Tirmidhi]

Wise quote of the day:
If men wish to draw near to God, they must seek Him in the hearts of men. They should speak well of all men, whether present or absent, and if they themselves seek in a light to guide others, like the sun, they must show the same face to all. [Shaykh Abu Sa'id bin Abil Khair]

Guidance of the day:
While we cannot resemble the Messenger (peace and blessings upon him) physically, we can -- and should -- try to resemble him in our behavior and actions. Doing so is our way of promising God that we will do good deeds, that He may protect us from Hell.

Islam teaches that virtue also consists in avoiding sins. Pursuing virtue, whether by observance or avoidance, prayer and remembrance, or establishing the Revealed Law and justice, are essential elements of Islam's unity. Such unity is integral, for one part cannot be separated from another.

While even the wisest philosophers have gone astray, the most ordinary Muslims have been able to lead upright lives because they follow the clear way of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him). Muslims who seek God's approval and take the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) as their guide can lead a most fruitful life, one in harmony with their deepest nature as responsive and responsible creatures of God. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the after glow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best. Shoot for moon -- even if you miss you will land among the stars.

Pearls of wisdom 316

2011-09-23T12:18:00.000-05:00

1. When a man is satisfied with God's decrees, it is a sign that God is satisfied with him.

2. Eternal life is gained by spiritual sacrifice and by renunciation of self-interest in fulfilling God's commandments.

3. Mortification stands in the same relation to contemplation as Divine blessing to obedience.

4. There is no contemplation without mortification.

5. When you have obtained the knowledge of the lower soul, you recognize that it can be controlled by discipline.

6. When a person resigns himself to God, God protects him.

7. God has caused the prophetic evidences to remain down to the present day and has made the saints the means whereby it is manifested.

8. God is not finite that the imagination should be able to define Him or that the intellect should comprehend His nature.

9. The true object of pilgrimage is not to visit the kaaba, but to obtain contemplation in God. [Above quotes by Shaykh Ali ibn Uthman Hujwiri]

The soul is a grinding stone & never left idle

2011-09-20T11:04:00.002-05:00

It is well known that man has not been given to power to kill his thoughts nor the strength to severe them.

They invade him just as his breathing invades his body.
However the strength of Imân and intellect helps him to accept his best thoughts , to be pleased with them, to experience peace and tranquility from them.

It also helps him to repulse his most evil thoughts and dislike and recoil from them.

Allâh created the soul similar to a grinding stone that goes round and round – one that does not stop;and always in need of something to grind.If seeds are placetherein it will grind them.If stones are placed therein it will still grind them.So the thoughts that revolve in the soul are like a seed that is placed in a grinding stone.That grinding stone is never left idle.

Something or the other has to be placed inside it. From amongst the people are those whose grinding stone grinds seeds which comes out as flour – which he and others derive benefit from.

But most of them grind soil, stones, straw and so forth – when the time of making the dough and baking comes; he sees the reality of what he ground.

Source:-[Ibn al Qayyim رحمه الله , al-Fawaa’id p31 & 173-174]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1286

2011-09-16T11:55:00.000-05:00

Ayahs of the day:
And pray regularly, and give alms; whatever you send forth for your souls, you will find it with God; for God sees whatever you do. [2: 110]

Hadith of the day:
Part of the excellence of a person's Islam is in leaving alone what does not concern him. [Tirmidhi]

Wise quote of the day:
You must fill up your time with acts of worship so that no period of time elapses whether by night or by day, without being used in some act of goodness. [Imam al Haddad]

Guidance of the day:
The vigor and stability of our faith depends upon worship and good deeds. Muslims who neglect the religious obligations may end up doing little more than speaking well of certain ancestors who lived a disciplined, religious life. Faith not nourished by worship and good deeds eventually dies.

Praying five times a day strengthens our faith and renews our covenant with God. As long as we worship with an alert and conscious intent, we receive assurance from God and thereby strengthen our will and ability to fulfill our obligations. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
Holding to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing at someone else -- you are the one who gets burned. For every minute you remain angry you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind. If a small thing has the power to make you angry, does that not indicate something about your size.

Pearls of wisdom 315

2011-09-12T11:11:00.002-05:00

1. Knowledge is a Divine attribute and action is a human attribute.

2. Ordinary people seek indulgences to keep themselves within the pale of the sacred law, but the elect practice self-mortification to feel the fruit thereof in their hearts.

3. God preserves His saints in all circumstances from the guiles of Satan.

4. Learning is not learning unless it is practiced.

5. The heart is the seat of the knowledge of God and is more venerable than the Kaaba.

6. Men are ever looking to the Kaaba, but God is ever looking to the heart.

7. The friends of God behold in every gift and benefit the Giver and the Benefactor.

8. When you are reconciled to God in affliction, you see only the Author of affliction, and the affliction itself does not come.

9. If you are not reconciled to God when affliction comes, your heart is filled with anguish.

10. When a man sees God's choice and abandons his own choice, he is delivered from all sorrow. [Above quotes by Shaykh Ali ibn Uthman Hujwiri]

Words of wisdom....

2011-09-09T14:18:00.002-05:00

1. Whoever puts their trust in Allah, Allah will never disappoint them.

2. Allah's help always comes so long as one has patience and perseveres.

3. The love and dedication that parents have for their children is extra special.

4. We need to appreciate our parents while they are still with us.

5. Practicing Islam is not an obstacle to our material progress, in fact it aids our progress.

6. Never give up hope despite the odds.

7. If we work for Allah, Allah will work for us.

"Don't tell Allah how big your problems are...

tell your problems how big your Allah is"

Keep Smiling

LESSON OF THE DAY 1285

2011-09-06T13:25:00.000-05:00

Ayahs of the day:
Is it that you believe in some of the Book, yet disbelieve in some of it? What is the reward for those who do that, other than disgrace in life in the world? On the day of resurrection, they will be returned to the most intense torment, for God is not heedless of what they do. [2: 85]

Hadith of the day:
No child can repay his father unless he finds him enslaved and then buys him and sets him free. [Muslim]

Wise quote of the day:
In an expansive character lie the treasures of provision. [Imam Ghazali]

Guidance of the day:
To find and deserve guidance, you must strive for it sincerely and search for the ways leading to it. Those whom God has blessed with guidance should set good examples and call others to it through all lawful (Islamic) means. The one who leads another to guidance receives the same reward as the new believer, without any decrease in his or her own reward.

Those who lead others to guidance should not remind them of this by saying such things as: "If I hadn't been a means to your guidance, you never would have been guided." This is a grave sin and shows ingratitude to God, for only God guides and causes one to lead another to guidance.

As for those who found guidance, they should think: "Seeing my need and helplessness, God, my Master, used one of His servants to lead me toward guidance. All praise be to Him." Nevertheless, the one led to guidance should be thankful to the person so used by God. After all, since God is the Creator of us and whatever we do, He also creates the means to enable guidance and misguidance. But this does not negate or diminish our free will when it comes to guidance or misguidance. [[M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
He who angers you conquers you. No man can think when his fists are clenched. Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.

Pearls of wisdom 314

2011-09-02T14:37:00.001-05:00

1. Every good and evil that happens to man is decreed by God.

2. Implore God to deliver you from the wickedness of your soul.

3. Whoever refrains his soul from lust, verily Paradise shall be his abode.

4. God alone can help a man to do good deeds.

5. Knowledge without action is not knowledge.

6. The Divine knowledge penetrates what is hidden and comprehends what is manifest.

7. It behooves the believer to contemplate God in every act, knowing that God sees him and all that he does.

8. Whoever bows his head with humility, like a servant, God will exalt his state in both worlds.

9. Knowledge and action cannot be divorced in any way, just as the light of the sun cannot be separated from the sun itself.

10. Anyone who pretends to know God without lowliness and fear, is an ignorant fool. [Above quotes by Shaykh Ali ibn Uthman Hujwiri]

Eid Mubarak!!!

2011-08-29T14:40:00.000-05:00

Remember Allah Most High always gives us:

Enough happiness to keep us sweet.

Enough trials to keep us strong.

Enough sorrow to keep us human.

Enough hope to keep us happy.

Enough failure to keep us humble.

Enough success to keep us eager.

Enough friends to give us comfort.

Enough enthusiasm to make us look forward.

Enough wealth to meet our needs.

Enough determination to make our each day a better day than the last.

What we need to do is -- to stop complaining and fill our hearts with gratitude.
Allah Most High has guaranteed "If your are grateful, I will grant you increase;" [14: 7]

The Night of Power!

2011-08-24T14:40:00.002-05:00

Allah, Most Wise, says:

"The Night of Power is better than a thousand months." (97:3 Quran)

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

"Whosoever stands in "Ibaadah-Worship" on this night, with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

"Seek it (laylatul qadr) in Ramadan in the last ten nights. For verily, it is during the odd nights, 21st 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th or the last night of Ramadhan." (Sahih Hadith Ahmad 5:318)
From traditions we learn that among the signs of this night is that it is a serene, quiet, shining night, neither hot, nor cold but temperate as if a moon is shining clear, and no meteors are shot at the

"Shayateen" on that night; it lasts until the break of the dawn. Another sign is that at morn, the Sun rises without any radiant beams of light, appearing rather like the moon in it's fullness. On that day, Allah prohibits the "Shayateen" from rising up with the Sun.

What to do on this night?

Worship during this night can take on many forms. Here are a few suggestions to help you through Laylatul Qadr:

· Take a vacation for Allah! If possible, for the last 10 days of Ramadan.

· Plan ahead if you are working. Discuss the importance of this night with your friends and family.

· Perform Itikaaf (seclusion in a mosque for worship) –If you cannot stay at your local mosque ask family or friends to help out during your Itikaaf at home. If you cannot spend all 10 days in Itikaaf, then do as many days as you can - even if it is only one day.

· According to the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam whosoever performs "I'tikaaf" for a day thereby seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah will spread three trenches between him and the fire of Hell, the width of each trench being greater than the distance between Heaven and the Earth.

· Increase the recitation of the Qur'an [reflect on the meaning of the verses, especially the verses used in Salah. This will help you concentrate.]

· Increase Salah (prayer). Read as many Nawaafil Prayers as possible.

· Make abundant Zikr [i.e remembering Allah, sending salawaat on our belove Prophet (pbuh) and making Istigfaar(seeking forgiveness from Allah]

· Dua (Asking from Allah)- Spend lots of time begging from Allah to fulfil your needs and the needs of the Ummah both in this world and the hereafter. Ramadaan is replete with moments when duas are accepted.

· Aaisha (RadhiAllaho anha) reports: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), should I find myself the "Laylatul Qadr", what shall I pray. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied: say, Allaahumma innaka afuwwun tohibbul'afwa fa'fu anna "O Allah, Thou art the One who grants pardon for sins. Thou lovest to pardon, so O pardon me." (Recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi)

· Make list of Things you need from Allah-Ask yourself what you really want from Allah. Make a list of each and everything, no matter how small or how big it is, whether it deals with this world or not. Allah loves to hear from us. Once this list is ready then use it in your prayers.

· Make long, sincere and deep Duas.

· One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night.Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet(pbuh) said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Hadith-Bukhari, Muslim).

· Take regular breaks during the night to avoid getting over-exhausted. Try switching between different forms of worship.

May Allah accept our prayers and allow us to take full benefit of this Mubarak night. Ameen!

LESSON OF THE DAY 1284

2011-08-22T14:05:00.001-05:00

Ayahs of the day:
And beware of a day when no soul can compensate for another soul, for anything; and no intercession will be accepted from one, and no ransom will be taken from one; and they will not be helped. [2: 48]

Hadith of the day:
Be in the world as though a stranger or a passerby. [Bukhari, Tirmidhi]

Wise quote of the day:
From the signs of relying in one's works is loss of hope when a downfall occurs. [Ibn Ataillah]

Guidance of the day:
The ego or self (nafs) is created and entrusted to us that we may know and declare the Creator's Existence and Unity. Therefore, we prove God's Existence with our own existence, and show God's Attributes with our own attributes. For example, our deficiencies and imperfections show God's all sufficiency and perfection; our privations show God's wealth and abundance; and our inability, weakness, and poverty show God's power, favor, and benevolence. Our proper response is to know and declare God's Existence throughout creation and to perceive His Light in all lights. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
Consider how much more you suffer from your anger and grief, than from those things for which you are angry and grieved. How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it!

Hadith -- Best of both the worlds

2011-08-19T14:47:00.000-05:00

Sayyiduna Abu Razin (RadhiAllaho anho) narrates that
Rasul'Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

Should I not guide you
to the fundamentals of Deen
by which you will obtain
the best of this world and the Hereafter?

Make it incumbent upon yourself
to frequent the gatherings of those
who engage in Dhikr.

And when you are alone,
engage your tongue
in the remembrance of Allah
as much as you can.

{Baihaqi, Mishkat}

Pearls of wisdom 313

2011-08-15T11:28:00.001-05:00

1. Freedom from lower qualities is an essential qualification required for spiritual progress.

2. If you wish that God should dwell in your heart, purify your heart from all save Him for the king will not enter a house filled with stores and furniture. He will only enter a heart which is empty of all save Himself.

3. Take one step out of yourself that you may arrive at God.

4. God bestows purity of self upon him who earnestly desires it and is eternally nourished by Him through His contemplation.

5. Knowledge of the Unity of God (tawhid) is revealed in the illuminated hearts of the saints.

6. The behavior of a true saint of God towards His creation always remains friendly and affectionate.

7. If men wish to draw near to God, they must seek Him in the hearts of men.

8. To bring joy to a single heart is better than to build many shrines for worship.

9. To enslave one soul by kindness is worth more than the setting free of a thousand slaves.

10. The true believer is he who is pleased with all that God does, in order that God may be pleased with all that he does.

11. The true man of God is that who sits in the midst of his fellow men, eats, drinks, sleeps, buys, sells, who gets married, has social dealings and yet is never for one moment forgetful of God. [Above quotes by Abu Sa'id ibn Abil Khayr]

Time -- the coin of your life.

2011-08-12T13:55:00.004-05:00

Remember to keep your focus on your ultimate purpose of life -- how you define your life.

Remember to keep your focus on where you are going and what route you are going to take.

Remember each day is one step towards your dream, and each day will define your life – so take each day seriously and plan it out.

Remember you cannot keep the time but you know how to well spend it.

Remember you cannot own the time but you can use it to your benefit.

Remember time is priceless but you are blessed with it – so use it wisely.

Remember when you plan your day, you are removing time wasters out of your schedule and making more time for yourself, your family, your life!

Plan your day so you don’t find yourself as a person who is always rushed through life, or a person who did not finish a project he/she always wanted to complete, did not find time to earn some bonus points on his/her Ibadah.

Plan your day, plan your life!

Plan and you will find yourself more productive and at the end of the day, you will be able to measure your success and feel accomplished, because by planning, you will earn some extra time for yourself, you can measure your success and feel more accomplished by looking at the list of things you have completed and look forward to another productive day, inshaAllah.

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.

LESSON OF THE DAY 1283

2011-08-08T13:43:00.003-05:00

Ayahs of the day:
And seek help by patience and prayer, though that is formidable but for the humble, those who believe they are to meet their Lord, that there is where their destiny leads. [2: 45,46]

Hadith of the day:
Patience is illumination. [Muslim, Tirmidhi]

Wise quote of the day:
You must thank God for all that He has favored you with; whatever good you have, whether outward or inward, religious or worldly, but it comes from Him. [Imam al Haddad]

Guidance of the day:
We are in constant need of help, guidance, and counsel. If we pray according to the revealed method, we avoid pitfalls of excess and impropriety, and obtain advantage and blessings beyond our imagination. With every word, gesture, movement, and pattern, we may be opening hidden doors and secret locks to hidden realms and eternal bliss.

Prayer straightens all ways and opens all doors. God hears our recitals and supplications, and angels gather around us when we prostrate with sincerity. As the Creator knows what will cause us to prosper in this world and the next, we should follow what He has revealed and how His Messenger (peace and blessings upon him) practiced it in his daily life. It is we who need to worship God; not God who needs to be worshipped -- He is free of all needs. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:
We end up as we deserve -- in old age we must put up with the face, the friends, the health, and the children we have earned. We pay when old for the excesses of youth.

Ramadan Mubarak!!!

2011-08-01T13:33:00.001-05:00

Ramadan: Save the Changes

Don't Press the "redo" after we "undo" and "save the changes"!!!

During the Mubarak and beautiful month of Ramadhaan many have navigated themeselves to the Deen of Allah and have brought about substantial positive deeni changes. Now is a critical time to click on the left tab- Save those changes!

Nearly everyone in this age of modern technology has at some stage worked with a P.C. We have used it to draft documents, amend these documents, copied and pasted onto documents, used the 'undo' icon, edited documents, just to mention a few of the time saving operations that we find on this device.

After opening a document that we have worked upon previously and made the necessary changes and improvements a little box appears on the screen asking the question: Do you want to save the changes you have made to this document? You are then given the option of selecting the YES tab or the NO tab. Selecting the YES tab will give you the desired results while selecting the NO tab literally takes you back to square one. All the effort made in editing, improving and shaping the document becomes an exercise in futility.

Don't we all find ourselves in a similar predicament when the blessed month of Ramadaan passes us? Just think of your book of deeds like a document on your P.C. During the month of Ramadaan we have done amongst other things the following-

· Increased our Ibaadah and acts of charity;

· Took control of our feelings and emotions;

· Responded with compassion and sensitivity to the needs of other;

· Multiplied our good deeds;

-Repented: we have spent many hours on the Musallah begging for Allah's forgiveness for our sins, errors and transgressions.

The vital question that needs to be asked is :

Do we want to save the changes that we have made in the month of Ramadaan? Are we going to press the YES tab or the No tab?

Pressing the YES tab will leave us with a new, improved version. A version of heightened spirituality, a version of righteousness, a version that is pleasing to our Creator. Pressing the NO tab will take us back to square one; back to our old habits before Ramadaan, back to the life of sin and immorality, back to a life of heedlessness and back to a life subjecting ourselves to the wrath of the Almighty.

How do we improve on this document; the document of our lives, the document of our deeds, the document that we are going to present to Allah the Almighty on the Day of Reckoning? Here are some hints: Copy and Paste from the life of our illustrious master Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi Wasallam.

Use the 'undo' icon by making Taubah immediately after any transgression as the Hadith states "The one who repents from sin is like one who has committed no sin at all"

There may not be a need to do a "spell check" but there is certainly a need to do a "sincerity check" and a "Shari'ah check"? Are we complying?

There may be files and folders that we want to keep while there could be some others we would not even want others to know exist. Many of us begged Allah to "delete" our sins and dark deeds .We cried before Allah, shed tears of remorse and vowed not to commit those sins in future. Going back to the sins that we have asked Allah's forgiveness for would be like making a visit to the "recycle bin".

What about viruses? P.C. users are also very wary about e-mails they receive and the sites that they visit, fearing the admission of a virus that may pollute their system and cause it to malfunction.The environment and people who we associate with could adversely infect us!Why do we then subject our minds and thoughts to immoral sites and dens of vice which would pollute our moral system and cause us to malfunction? What anti-virus software have we installed to ward off the variety of Fitnahs that confront us everyday?

We need to install the right version of the anti-viruses. There is indeed only One version. Without delay install every Commad of Allah and the Sunnah of Rasulullah ( Salallaho alaihe wassallam) onto our hardrives(lives). This will allow us to repel the attemps by shaytaan and other evil forces to infect our PC's(souls).

It s Now time to Run the Programs...

Begin By:

Connecting ourselves to the right network. When we need an I.T solution we ago to I.T specialist. We also in our lives need to consult with Ulama and pious people so that we are connected to the right network!

Delete ALL harmulful programs Permanetly! Lets Repent over our past evil deeds and make a firm niyyah (intention) NEVER to Redo those evil deeds

Ensure that the service provider provides the installation guide for the following programs to be run on your PC:

Program 1:

Dawah (Inviting ourselves, families,communities and humanity towards Allah and help Allah's Deen by striving for it)

Program 2:

Ta'alim (Learning and teaching Deen)

Program 3:

Ibaadah-Worship ( Salaah, Haj, Umrah, Quran, Zikr, Dua and all other forms of Ibadaat)

Program 4:

Khidmah- Acts of Charity ( All acts Charity including Zakaah especially helping the Ummah in whatever possible way)

Now lets connect ourselves to Deen of Islam and the Amaal (good actions) that takes place in our Musjids...as no one knows when his or her PC will crash (when we will die)! By performing Good Deeds we will have Permanently Backed Up our records in Jannah(Paradise). Be carefull not to engage ourselves in Evil lest we Back-Up our evil deeds in Jahannam (Hell)

Fortunate is the person who has "saved the changes". Extremely unfortunate is the person who has made no changes as he /she has nothing to save.!

IMPORTANT: As we dont know the time when our PC will shut down ...Make those Changes Now and more importnat.........Save it!

** *** ***

Pearls of wisdom 313

2011-07-29T15:20:00.001-05:00

1. When trouble and suffering come upon you, accept them and do not complain.

2. Seek a simple and humble life and be happy and content with it.

3. The eyes that shine with the light of Allah will give light to the eyes that look upon them.

4. Beware of your states, count each breath and every moment of time allotted to you -- let it not go to waste.

5. Listen and be respectful and humble in the presence of those who remember and call upon Allah.

6. In generosity and benevolence, follow the example of the holy Prophet (sws).

7. Accept the Truth from those who preach it -- to be humble is to accept the Truth.

8. Expel all self-approval and pride from your being and envy is a dreadful thing that you should flee from.

9. Be more occupied with your inner state than with your outer state -- for the inner state is what Allah looks at.

10. Show respect to the devout, show kindness to the sinful, do not cause discomfort to anyone; let your outer self be the same as your inner self. [Above quotes by Abu Abdul Rahman al Sulami]

Installing Love....

2011-07-25T14:01:00.001-05:00

Tech Support: Yes, how can I help you?

Customer: Well , after much consideration, I've decided to install Love.
Can you guide me through the process?

Tech Support: Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?

Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?

Tech Support: What programs are running?

Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off?

Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.

Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program not running on internal components." What should I do?

Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart.

Customer: So, what should I do?

Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.

Customer: Okay, done.

Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?

Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before We hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.

Customer: Thank you, God.

LESSON OF THE DAY 1282

2011-07-22T14:10:00.001-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

This is the Book, without doubt, in it guidance for the conscientious, those who believe in the unseen, who practice regular prayer, and who give of what We have provided them; and those who believe in what was revealed to you, and what was revealed before you, and who are certain of the Hereafter. [2: 2,3,4]

Hadith of the Day:

Worldly things are sweet and seemingly, whoever takes them with permission will find them blessed, while whoever takes them with avidness shall not find any blessings in them and will be like those who eat and yet are not satiated. [Bukhari & muslim]

Wise quote of the Day:

When the inward is good the outward is also inevitably so, for the outward follows the inward, whether for good or evil. [Imam Abdullah Ibn Alawi al Haddad]

Guidance of the Day:

The Arabic word ilah is the counterpart of the English word god. Both mean the thing or entity being worshiped. The persian khuda, the Latin deus, and the Turkishi tanri have similar meaning and connotations.

God, with a capital G, is not an exact equivalent of the term Allah. Rather, it is closer to the Islamic conception of ilah. In Arabic, Allah is the essential personal name of God and comprises all His Beautiful Names (asma' al-husan). When Allah is said, the One, the Supreme Being, the Creator, the Owner, the Sustainer, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Encompassing, whose Names and Attributes are manifested in creation, comes to mind. This term also refers to His Absolute Oneness as well as Having no defect or partner.

As Allah is a proper name peculiar to the One Supreme Being, we say la ilaha illa Allah (there is no god but Allah). By saying this, we first deny all non-deities and then affirm the One known by the name Allah. In other words, only Allah is Allah, and only He is worthy of worship. [M. Fethullah Gulen]

Food for thought:

To resist the frigidity of old age, one must combine the body, the mind and the heart, and to keep these in parallel vigor one must exercise, study, and love. A comfortable old age is the reward of a well-spent youth, instead of its bringing sad melancholy prospects of decay, it would give us hope of eternal youth in a better world.

If you have to complain then try to be the best of those who complain....

2011-07-18T14:03:00.004-05:00

Imām Ibn al-Qayyim {may Allāh have mercy upon him} said:-

The ignorant one complains about Allāh to the people!

This is the height of ignorance in complaining and in whom the complaint is about.

For if a person were to truly know his Lord, he would never complain of Him.

If he truly knew people, he would never complain to them …

The gnostic complains only to Allāh,

and the most knowledgeable of the gnostics are those who complain to Allāh about themselves, not others …

So there are three levels:-

# 1/-The most contemptible of them is to complain to people about Allāh;

#2/ The loftiest of them is to complain to Allāh about oneself;

#3/ The middle level is to complain to Allāh about others.

Pearls of wisdom 312

2011-07-15T14:04:00.001-05:00

1. Bring joy into the lives of believers and meet their needs, respond cruelty with kindness.

2. Love each other and meet each other for Allah's sake.

3. Remember that you are a servant of Allah -- humble yourself and do not regard yourself and your actions as significant.

4. Repent ceaselessly, with the strongest will not to return to the sin -- for only then is the repentance acceptable.

5. By loving the ones whom Allah loves, you attract His love for yourself.

6. Retain the fear of Allah both inwardly and outwardly.

7. Fast-- for hunger is a protection against the Devil.

8. The effect of remembrance of Allah (dhikr) inwardly is acceptance (rida) with the Divine decree, and outwardly is humility (khushu) and piety (taqwa).

9. Education of the heart is through safeguarding the limbs and sense organs.

10. Forgive -- even though you may have the power to retaliate; instead of seeking the faults of others, look for your own faults. [Above quotes by Abu Abdul Rahman al Sulami]

What is it that's hard to break?

2011-07-11T14:11:00.002-05:00

Diamonds are hard to find but not hard to Break.

What is the hardest thing to break then?

The answer is: HABIT!

If you break the H, you still have A BIT.

If you break the A, you still have BIT.

If you break the B, you still have IT!

Hey, after you break the T in IT, there is still the 'I'.

And that "I" is the root cause of all the problems that you/me/all are facing.

Isn't it right? Do You endorse? Do You agree?

Now you know why "HABIT" is so hard to break.

Moral of the story:

We have to respect each other's opinion and views too.

We just need to listen others actively and their point of view

KEEP SMILING -- not because of something but despite everything.

LESSON OF THE DAY 1281

2011-07-08T14:36:00.003-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

Say, "I take refuge with the Lord of humankind, the ruler of humankind, the God of humankind, from the ill of flighty suggestion that whispers in the people's hearts from the demonic and human sources." [114: 1 to 6]

Hadith of the Day:

Take advantage of five before (another) five -- your life before your death, your health before illness, your free time before your preoccupation, your youth before your old age, and your wealth before poverty (i.e. preparing for the Hereafter). [Ahmad & Bayhaqi]

Wise Quote of the Day:

Renew your wudu whenever you break it, for wudu is the weapon of the believer, and when the weapon is in evidence, the enemy does not approach. [Abdullah ibn Alawi al Haddad]

Guidance of the Day:

To hope for the Hereafter but do nothing for it in terms of conduct and morality is false hope. A perennial teaching of revealed religion since the creation of Adam is that entry into Paradise is a matter of God's mercy and that this mercy is attained by combining faith and sincere deeds for the sake of God. Unfortunately, on the Day of Judgment many Muslims will find themselves in Hell because of false hopes. All they have to show for their religiosity is the mere declaration of faith, a testimony unconfirmed by deeds, especially the rites of worship and charitable acts towards others.

The Quran states that there are people who desire to continue in their wrongdoing throughout the entirety of their lives. The scholars have said that although people may be aware of ultimate accountability, they put off repentance as if they are guaranteed a long life. This is an ethic exemplified by the saying, "Sow your wild oats," which advocates getting all the lewdness and sin out of life when one is young, and then later calming down and getting serious about religion.

Besides being simply wrong, another terrible flaw in this ethic is that people die at all ages and never get the chance to repent and make amends. Moreover, what kind of repentance is this when people intentionally indulge in sin banking on the possibility that later on in life -- after all the energy and drive diminishes -- they will turn in penitence to God? We know that God loves those who spend their youth obedient to Him and His commandments. [Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Purification of the Heart]

Food for Thought:

Some die without having really lived, while others continue to live, in spite of the fact that they have died. Be of good cheer about death, and know this of a truth, that no evil can happen to a good man, either in this life or after death. A faithful life in this world is the best preparation for the next. This world is the land of dying; the next is the land of living.

Raising Moral Children

2011-07-04T14:17:00.000-05:00

Nothing is difficult with Allah's help and nothing is easy without His help.

1. Commit to Raising A Moral Child
How important is it for you to raise a moral child? It's a crucial question to ask, because research finds that parents who feel strongly about their kids turning out morally usually succeed because they committed themselves to that effort. If you really want to raise a moral child, then make a personal commitment to raise one.

2. Be a Strong Moral Example
Parents are their children's first and most powerful moral teachers, so make sure the moral behaviors your kids are picking up from you are ones that you want them to copy. Try to make your life a living example of good moral behavior for your child to see. Each day ask yourself: "If my child had only my behavior to watch, what example would he/she catch?" The answer is often quite telling.

3. Know Your Beliefs And Share Them
Before you can raise a moral child, you must be clear about what you believe in. Take time to think through your values then share them regularly with your child explaining why you feel the way you do. After all, your child will be hearing endless messages that counter your beliefs, so it's essential that he/she hears about your moral standards. TV shows, movies, newspapers, and literature are filled with moral issues, so use them as opportunities to discuss your beliefs with your child.

4. Use Teachable Moments
The best teaching moments aren't ones that are planned—they happen unexpectedly. Look for moral issues to talk about as they come up. Take advantage of those moments because they help your child develop solid moral beliefs that will help guide his behavior the rest of his life.

5. Use Discipline as a Moral Lesson
Effective discipline ensures that the child not only recognizes why her behavior was wrong but also knows what to do to make it right next time. Using the right kind of questions helps kids expand their ability to take another person's perspective and understand the consequences of their behavior. So help your child reflect: "Was that the right thing to do? What should I do next time?" That way your child learns from his mistakes and grows morally. Remember your ultimate goal is to wean your child from your guidance so he or she acts right on his or her own.

6. Expect Moral Behavior
Studies are very clear: kids who act morally have parents who expect them to do so. It sets a standard for your child's conduct and also lets her know in no uncertain terms what you value. Post your moral standards at home then consistently reinforce them until your child internalizes them so they become his or her rules, too.

7. Reflect on the Behaviors' Effects
Researchers tell us one of the best moral-building practices is to point out the impact of the child's behavior on the other person. Doing so enhances a child's moral growth: ("See, you made her cry") or highlight the victim's feeling ("Now he feels bad"). The trick is to help the child really imagine what it would be like to be in the victim's place so he or she will be more sensitive to how his or her behavior impacts others.

8. Reinforce Moral Behaviors
One of the simplest ways to help kids learn new behaviors is to reinforce them as they happen. So purposely catch your child acting morally and acknowledge his or her good behavior by describing what he or she did right and why you appreciate it.

9. Prioritize Morals Daily
Kids don't learn how to be moral from reading about it in textbooks but from doing good deeds. Encourage your child to lend a hand to make a difference in his world, and always help him or her recognize the positive effect the gesture had on the recipient. The real goal is for kids to become less and less dependent on adult guidance by incorporating moral principles into their daily lives and making them their own. That can happen only if parents emphasize the importance of the virtues over and over and their kids repeatedly practice those moral behaviors.

10. Incorporate the Golden Rule
Teach your child the Golden Rule that has guided many civilizations for centuries, "Treat others as you want to be treated." Remind him or her to ask himself before acting, Would I want someone to treat me like that? It helps him or her think about his behavior and its consequences on others. Make the rule become your family's over-arching moral principal

Pearls of wisdom 311

2011-07-01T12:19:00.003-05:00

1. There is nothing more noble than servitude, nor is there a more perfect title for the believer than 'slave'.

2. Just as 'Lordship' is eternal quality of God, so is 'servitude' a quality of man that stays with Him as long as he lives.

3. Shame means abandoning all pretensions before God.

4. Sincerity is guarding oneself from the opinions of men and truthfulness is cleansing oneself of awareness of self.

5. The sincere one is not hypocritical, and the truthful one is not conceited.

6. Truthfulness is that you be with people just as you perceive yourself to be or that you perceive yourself to be just as you are.

7. God will beautify the inner faculties with contemplation for one who adorns his outer being with striving.

8. Whoever refrains from speaking the truth is a mute devil.

9. It is best that a person be given enough wealth to sustain him and then he maintains himself within those limits.

10. The one who humbles himself before a rich person on account of his wealth loses two thirds of his religion. [Above quotes by Shaykh Abu ad Daqqaq]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1280

2011-06-27T13:59:00.002-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

Say,"I take refuge in the Lord of dawn from the ill of what is created, and from the ill of darkness when it's gloomy, and from the ill of those who curse, and from the ill of the envious when he envies." [113: 1 to 5]

Hadith of the Day:

Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that no one boasts over another. [Muslim]

Wise Quote of the Day:

Your time is your life, and your life is your capital, it is the basis of your transactions (with God), and the means to attain everlasting felicity, in the proximity of God the Exalted. [Imam Ghazali]

Guidance of the Day:

It is no coincidence that those very people who do good and hope to do more of it are in fact those who reflect on death and work for the Hereafter the most, so that the Day of Judgment will be a moment of joy and light for them. It is wise to meditate on death -- its throes and the various states after it. For example, one should imagine -- while he or she has life and relatively safe -- the trial of the Traverse(Sirat) that every soul must pass over in the Hereafter, beneath which is the awesome inferno and the screams and anguish of those evildoers who already have been cast therein.

People of spiritual elevation prepare themselves psychologically for the ultimate journey. Although death is a sudden severance from this life, one remains conscious in a different way. In fact, the deceased is in a hyper-conscious state that makes this life appear life a dream. Ali ibn Abi Talib, may God be pleased with him, said, "People are asleep. When they die, they wake up."

Many of the righteous forbears of Muslim civilization stressed that one should visualize the states of death and the Afterlife -- their bodies being washed and prepared for burial, being lowered into the grave, having soil cove them, being questioned by the angels, climbing out of the grave on the Day of Resurrection, and being called to stand in judgment before God the Exalted. Reflecting on death brings sobriety to one's state. [Hamza Yusuf,Purification of the Heart]

Food for Thought:

What most counts is not to live, but to live aright. Not only must we be good, but we must be good for something. Purpose is what gives life a meaning. A useless life is an early death. Be a life long or short, its completeness depends on what it was lived for. Strong lives are motivated by dynamic purposes. Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible.

Time is Priceless....

2011-06-20T12:52:00.006-05:00

To realize

The value of a sister/brother

Ask someone

Who doesn't have one.

To realize

The value of ten years:

Ask a newly

Divorced couple.

To realize

The value of four years:

Ask a graduate.

To realize

The value of one year:

Ask a student who

Has failed a final exam.

To realize

The value of nine months:

Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize

The value of one month:

Ask a mother

Who has given birth to a premature baby..

To realize

The value of one minute:

Ask a person

Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize

The value of one-second:

Ask a person

Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when

You can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

Remember....

Hold on tight to the ones you love!

Do not keep this letter.

Send it to friends & family to whom you wish A good, long, happy, life

5 Wisdoms

2011-06-08T11:10:00.000-05:00

1.
If you are right, then there is no need to get angry.
And if you are wrong then you don't have any right to get angry.

2.
Patience with family is love
Patience with others is respect.
Patience with self is confidence.

3.
Never think hard about past, It brings tears.
Don't think more about future, It brings fears.
Live this moment with a smile, It brings cheers...

4.
Every test in our life makes us bitter or better.
Every problem comes to make us or break us.
Choice is ours, whether we become victim or victorious.

5.
Search a beautiful heart, not a beautiful face.
Beautiful things are not always good, but good things are always beautiful.

LESSON OF THE DAY 1279

2011-06-06T14:45:00.000-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

Say, "It is God, unique, God the eternal, not begetting or begotten, nor having any equal." [112: 1 to 4]

Hadith of the Day:

The best of you is one who learns the Quran and teaches it. [Bukhari]

Wise Quote of the Day:

Our living in this world will inevitably bring us tests. Those tests are subtle and open, they occur in great and small things. Through these tests, God shows which of us truly believe, and which of us are empty claimants. [Imam Zaid Shakir]

Guidance of the Day:

Ignorance urges people to see only short-time relief as a blessing and to ignore the benefits of patience and temporary discomfort. Knowledge opens the eyes to the long term benefit, which lasts for ever. There is a necessary link between intelligence and morality, the willingness to put off a short-term gain for a long-term benefit that ultimately is greater and ever lasting. This kind of intelligence is conditioned by Islam.

Blessings are either roots or branches. The roots are things like iman, Islam, health, safety, and well-being. The branches are money, clothing, shelter, and so on. The best blessings are those connected with entering Paradise (which is the completion of blessings). Faith, patience, good character, swiftness in doing good, and promptness in worship are blessings of God and they are everlasting. Islam itself is the completion of God's blessings upon humanity.

The ornaments of this life are such things as a house, furnishings, and clothing. The more that one has of these blessings, the more he will be accountable for them. To be zahid (ascetic) does not always mean a lack of material possession. There is asceticism of the heart, in which one is not attached to the material world and is indifferent to it. In other words, a person's character and level of faith will not change if he loses his wealth. That's the sign of a zahid. But if one falls apart and plunges into despondency when losing something valuable, it shows an inordinate attachment to worldly life. [Hamza Yusuf, Purification of the Heart]

Food for Thought:

To be simple is to be great. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Simplicity is the exact medium between too little and too much. To be simple is the best thing in the world. Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough. Reduce the complexity of life by eliminating the needless wants of life, and the labors of life reduce themselves.

Pearls of wisdom 310

2011-06-03T11:21:00.000-05:00

1. Trust in God is that the heart lives with Allah Most High without other attachment.

2. Trust in God is the state of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and earning in his Sunna, whoever maintains his state will never abandon hisSunna.

3. There is no helper other than Allah, and there is no guide other than the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).

4. There is no provision other than taqwa (piety), and there is no work other than perseverance in taqwa.

5. He who subdues his soul with correct behavior -- by following the commands of Allah, worships God sincerely.

6. Yaqeen (certainty) is a branch of faith, and it comes from abundance of faith and its inward realization.

7. Allah protects the heart of those who protect their limbs from wrong actions.

8. The carnal self (ego) is the real cause of all evil and the worst enemy for the seeker of God -- thus self mortification is indispensable for the attainment of spiritual discipline. [Above quotes by Shaykh Sahl bin Abdullah Tustari]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1278

2011-05-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

Ruined are the hands of the one who flares up, and ruined is he: His wealth is no avail to him, nor what he's acquired: He will roast in a flaming fire, his wife carrying the fuel, with a rope around her neck. [111: 1 TO 5]

Hadith of the Day:

Whoever is slowed by his deeds, will not be hastened by his lineage. [Muslim]

Wise Quote of the Day:

The night is long, so do not shorten it by sleeping, and the day is brilliant, so do not obscure it with your sins. [Yahya ibn Mu'adh]

Guidance of the Day:

While we cannot count our blessings, we are charged to be grateful for having them. The fact that the Quran has been revealed to us to reflect on these blessings is in itself a great blessing, for the human being cannot on his own figure out how to live with guidance. To deny God's blessings can lead to outright disbelief and denial of God the Exalted. God will not take away a blessing unless people show ingratitude. A poet said, "If you are in a blessing, guard it, for disobedience shall snatch away." Gratitude to God protects one from having blessings removed.

There is an interesting concept called istidraj, in which God allows an ingrate to flaunt his blessings, while God does not diminish the ingrate's blessings in the least. In fact, He may increase it. The person will then begin to think that God really loves him, and the only thing worse than a person who is misguided is the person who is stray but believes himself to be favored by God. [Hamza Yusuf, Purification of Heart]

Food for Thought:

The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress. We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden. Readjusting is a painful process, but most of us need it at one point or another. Change the fabric of your soul and your own visions, and you will change all. He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils.

Pearls of wisdom 309

2011-05-20T11:35:00.000-05:00

1. The sign of hope is goodly obedience to God Most High.

2. Insight is granted to the one who lowers his gaze from illicit things.

3. Insight is granted to the one who restrains his soul from passionate longings.

4. Insight is granted to the one who cultivates his inner being with constant vigilant awareness.

5. Insight is granted to the one who lives in conformity to the Sunna.

6. Insight is granted to the one who accustoms himself to eating only the licit.

7. As long as they do not see their merit, the possessors of merit are virtuous.

8. Patience has three signs: not to complain, surrender to His will, and acceptance of Divine decree. [Above quotes by Shaykh Shuja Kirmani]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1277

2011-05-13T11:43:00.002-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

When God's help has arrived, and victory, and you have seen people entering the religion of God in crowds, then praise your Lord and seek Divine forgiveness, for God is merciful. [110: 1,2,3]

Hadith of the Day:

Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this life and the Hereafter. Allah is helping the servant as long as the servant is helping his brother. [Muslim]

Wise Quote of the Day:

Be with people in such a way that if you should die, they should weep for you, and if you live, they should long for you. [Ali radi Allah anhu]

Guidance of the Day:

Obliviousness to blessings is a disease, it's a lack of acknowledgement, a noxious disregard that whatever blessing you have, it is from God. The blessings that come to us, night and day, are beyond numeration, as the Qur'an reminds. These blessings come in all forms -- what we can see and touch (by way of material good: food, clothing, shelter, wealth, and the like), as well as what we cannot see (like safety, friendship, love health, and protection from harm and calamity).

The Qur'an begins with the phrase translated as, In the name of God, the Merciful, the Mercy-Giving. Some Scholars have said that "Merciful" (Rahman) implies the giver of the major blessings, while "Mercy-Giving" (Rahim) implies the giver of subtle blessings that are not perceived until they are removed. We blink, for example, thousands of times a day without thought. There are people, however, who require artificial lubricants because their tear glands do not function.

There are countless blessings related to the eye, let alone other aspects of our lives, like our ability to walk in balance without needing to consciously stimulate dozens of muscles required to take one step. Our thumbs permit us to do with our hands what most creatures cannot attempt. God has made food delicious instead of bland. And He has given us dignity in our nutrition, which is a tremendous blessing, especially when one considers the way carnivores devour their prey. [Translation by Hamza Yusuf, Purification of the Heart]

Food for Thought:

Character is the real foundation of all worthwhile success. Try not to become a man of success, but rather a man of value. Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. If a man is self-controlled, truthful, wise, and resolute, is there aught that can stay out of reach of such a man?

Pearls of wisdom 308

2011-05-06T11:20:00.001-05:00

1. The self is complete darkness -- the lamp of self is its striving for God Most High.

2. Servitude is the beautiful adornment of the servant -- whoever abandons servitude is shut off from beauty.

3. Moral character consists of what God chose for His Prophet (peace be upon him) when He commanded: "Hold to forgiveness and command what is right."

4. The best means for the slave to reach his Master is by being constantly in need of Him in all states, adhering to the Sunna in all deeds, and seeking his sustenance in a lawful manner.

5. Poverty/neediness is a state that leads to the nearness to God.

6. Depend not on your devotions and spiritual exercises but His grace.

7. Turn to God, as the poor beggar turns to the rich for alms.

8. When you sit instructing the people be a preacher to your heart and soul and do not allow their gathering around you to beguile you for they are attentive to your external being, while God is attentive to your inner being. [ Shaykh Abu Hafs al Haddad]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1276

2011-05-03T11:05:00.001-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

Say, "O disbelievers, I don't serve what you serve, and you don't serve what I serve. And I won't serve what you serve, and you won't serve what I serve. You have your way, and I have my way." [109: 1 to 60

Hadith of the Day:

No man helps a Muslim at a time when his honor is being belittled or his rights are violated except that Allah will help him in a place in which he loves to have His help. [Abu Dawud & Ahmad]

Wise Quote of the Day:

Be joyous only for an increase in your good works, for they are your companions who will accompany you in your grave when your family, wealth, children and friends stay behind. [Imam al-Haddad]

Guidance of the Day:

Remind others to treasure life: Too often we take this incredible gift of life too much for granted. We rush around as if we have forever, respond out of habit instead of out of wisdom, and fail to attend to our highest stated priorities. We often fail to recognize and acknowledge not only what we have -- a home, family, friends, possessions, and health -- but life itself. Treasure life -- In fact, gratitude is one of, if not the most important, tool for living a peaceful life. Gratitude has a way of putting almost anything into its proper perspective.

I have found that when I do acknowledge the gift of life, much of the "small stuff" that used to bother me takes on far less relevance and significance. Appreciation puts things in perspective and allows me to be less uptight and reactive. In face, when I'm feeling really grateful, virtually nothing seems to get to me. Sometimes I can even see the humor in all the chaos.

When you remind others to treasure life, you can't help but do so yourself. Try it sometime. Remind your spouse or child, a friend, parent, neighbor, or someone else to treasure life, and observer what happens to you. You'll probably connect with the feeling of gratitude, of feeling blessed. The quality of your day -- and of your life -- will improve, as will the quality of life of those around you. Appreciation of life reminds you to be kind, humble, and generous and to take moments, frequently, to stop and smell the roses.

I encourage you to take this strategy to heart and implement it in your daily life. Remind others frequently to treasure life. Doing so will be a tremendous service to mankind and will help you as well. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:

Doing our duty and pursuing goals leads to happiness. Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected. When we devote ourselves to the strict and unsparing performance of duty, then happiness comes of itself. He who never sacrificed a present to a future good, or a personal to a general one, can speak of happiness only as the blind speak of color.

Pearls of wisdom 307

2011-04-29T11:17:00.001-05:00

1. Poverty is -- fear of poverty; and wealth is -- security with God Most High.

2. Neither poverty nor wealth will carry any weight on the Day of reckoning -- only patience and thankfulness will be weighed.

3. External abstaining is that there be no outward movement except for God Most High, and internal abstaining is that nothing other than God enter your heart.

4. Poor son of Adam, if he feared the Fire as much as he fears poverty, he would enter Paradise.

5. Death is like the bridge that joins the devotee to his beloved Lord.

6. To worry about the affairs of the past and to be preoccupied with the affairs of the future takes the blessing out of life.

7. The secret of success in the pursuit of the Spiritual Path is to depend entirely upon the Lord of the Universe.

8. Whoever feels joy in serving Allah will see that the whole material world feels joy in serving him.

9. The eyes that shine with the light of Allah will give light to the eyes that look upon them.

10. Every benefaction from God necessitates gratitude, and this is without end.

11. Strengthen your outer self with prayer and your inner self with remembrance of Allah.

12. Allah created man's soul and made its life dependent on remembrance; He created man's flesh and made its life dependent on prayer.

13. Allah created the world, and protection from its dangers is possible only by abandoning it (except for one's needs); He created the Hereafter and made it possible to benefit from it only by working for it. [Above quotes by Shaykh Yahya bin Ma'adh Razi]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1275

2011-04-26T10:44:00.001-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

We have given you abundance, so pray to your Lord and sacrifice. As for the one who hates you, he'll be the one without issue. [108: 1,2,3]

Hadith of the Day:

The one who loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, gives for the sake of Allah and withholds for the sake of Allah has completed his faith. [Abu Dawud]

Wise Quote of the Day:

The serene place belongs to the one occupied with the correction of his own self, who struggles against it in every state. [Shaykh Muhammad ibn al-Habib]

Guidance of the Day:

Treat your family members (and those you love most) as if this were the last time you were going to see them. How often do we run out the door without saying good-bye -- or to say something less than kind or something critical under our breath as a parting shot as we go our separate ways? How often do we take for granted those we love and count on the most, assuming we will always be together? Most of us seem to operate under the assumption that we can always be kind later, that there's always tomorrow. But is that the wise way to live?

Our daily lives can be precious. A powerful exercise to practice on a regular basis is to imagine that this is your final good-bye. Imagine that, for one reason or another you won't see your family member again after this meeting. If this were true (and it's always a possibility), would you like to act in the same way? Would you remind your parent, child, sibling, spouse, or other loved one of yet another shortcoming, flaw, or imperfection in his or her behavior or personality? Would your last words be complaints or pessimistic comments that suggest that you wish your life were different than it is? Probably not.

Perhaps, if you thought there was always possibility that this were the last time your were going to see someone you love, you'd take an extra minute to give a loving hug and say good-bye. Or may be you'd say something kind and gentle, an affirmation of your love, instead of your business-as-usual "See you later." If you thought this were the last time you were going to see your teenager, sister,parent, in-law, or spouse, you might treat that person differently, with more kindness, and more compassionately. Rather than rushing away, you'd probably smile and tell the person how much you care. Your heart would be open.

I make this suggestion not to create a fearful environment but to encourage you to remember how precious your family is and how much you'd miss them if they (or you) weren't around to share your life with. The implementation of this strategy into my life has added additional perspective to what's most important. I believe it can help you to become more patient and loving -- and perhaps most of all, to remember to not sweat the small stuff with your family. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:

Make love, not war! Have you declared war against friends and family members and devoted yourself to changing their bad habits through criticism and conflict? Well, if you want peace of mind and happiness in your life and in the world, declare love and devote yourself to other people's well-being than trying to change them. What will you declare, love ore war?

Pearls of wisdom 306

2011-04-22T12:43:00.000-05:00

1. The sign of vigilant awareness is choosing what God chooses, making great what God makes great, and belittling what God belittles.

2. The signs of satisfaction are -- having no preference before divine decree, and feeling no bitterness toward the divine decree.

3. Certainty (in the Hereafter) calls one to cut short worldly expectations -- which results in renunciation, renunciation bequeaths wisdom, wisdom bequeaths discernment of the outcome.

4. Servitude is that you be His slave every instant just as He is your Lord every instant.

5. Truthfulness is a sword of God -- whenever it meets with something it cuts it apart.

6. Protection of the heart is for the one who is most in possession of his tongue.

7. Whoever is busy looking for the faults of others is blinded to his own faults.

8. One who is content is saved from his contemporaries and prevails over all.

9. The key to worship is reflection -- the sign of attaining the goal is opposing the self and base desires.

10. The sign of God's displeasure with a servant is that the servant fears poverty. [Above quotes by Shaykh Dhun Nun al Misri]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1274

2011-04-19T10:56:00.001-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

Do you see the one who rejects religion? That is the one who rebuffs the orphan and does not encourage feeding the poor. So woe to those who pray yet are inattentive to their prayer: those who put on the appearance and yet are withholding assistance. [107: 1 to 7]

Hadith of the Day:

A believer sees his sins as if he is at the foot of a mountain and he fears that it will fall upon him. The hypocrite views his sins like a fly that lands on his nose that he just swats at. [Bukhari]

Wise Quote of the Day:

God says: "I have created you, your moments, your breaths, your possessions, your lives. If they are expended on Me, if you give them to Me, the price of them is everlasting Paradise. This is your worth in My sight." [Mawlana Rumi]

Guidance of the Day:

Remember, this too shall pass: A nugget of ancient wisdom that has served me well is the saying "This too shall pass." Think about it. Everything comes and then it goes. Problems develop and they disappear. One day we are on vacation, the next we're back to work. We get a cold or flu, and it goes away. . . . . There is enormous freedom in remembering this wisdom. In fact, it can be the fountain of a very peaceful life. It serves as an important reminder that everything has a season, a time, and a place. It gives us perspective during hard times, a frame of reference that nothing lasts forever. It gives us hope and confidence that we will get through this -- it will pass; it always does.

As we look back on our lives, it's easy to see that all things come and go: winter, spring, summer, and fall; joy, sorrow, praise, and blame; hardship, ease, rest, and exhaustion; accomplishments, mess-ups, and all the rest. Genuine freedom and happiness come when we can see this dynamic, not only in retrospect but while we're going through something difficult. This way, we can keep our perspective right in the midst of the chaos. When you remember that all things come and go, it allows you to keep your perspective, an open heart, and even a sense of humor during all the phases of your life.

I encourage you to remind yourself of this bit of wisdom whenever you feel annoyed, stressed, or bothered, as well as when you are going through something terribly difficult. Life is very short. Our children are little; they grow up. We are young; we grow old. We will get through it all. The best and most effective way to maintain a grateful spirit and keep yourself from being overwhelmed is to remember that all things -- even the hard things -- will pass. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:

Being bored is an insult to oneself. Boredom is a sickness of the soul. Is not life too short for us to bore ourselves? The one sure means of dealing with boredom is to care for someone else, to do something kind and good. The amount of satisfaction you get from life depends largely on your own ingenuity, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness. People who wait around for life to supply their satisfaction usually find boredom instead.

Pearls of wisdom 305

2011-04-15T12:13:00.000-05:00

1. Adorer of God is His lover and whom He makes His lover -- doors of blessedness are made open to him and doors of evil are shut to him.

2. Immodest talks are signs of going astray, and to remain conscious is the sign of knowing the Truth.

3. Quest of Paradise without good deeds, hope for intersession without following the sunna, and hope for Divine blessing after disobedience (without sincere repentance) is foolishness.

4. Those who attain the true knowledge of God, live in eternal peace.

5. He who trusts in God remains secure from the evils of the people.

6. The affliction and calamity from which people should flee is heedlessness.

7. Satan loves the miser Muslim and hates the generous sinner.

8. Idol worship is outer polytheism and trust in the creation is inner infidelity.

9. The solution for the worldly tribulations is nearness to Allah Almighty. [Above quotes by Shaykh Ma'ruf al Kharkhi]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1273

2011-04-11T11:02:00.001-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

For the union of Quraish, their collaboration in travel, winter and summer, let them serve the Lord of this House, Who feeds them lest they starve, and gives them security from fear. [106: 1 to 4]

Hadith of the Day:

God will say on the Day of Resurrection, "Where are those who have mutual love for My sake? Today I shall shelter them in My shadow." [Muslim]

Wise Quote of the Day:

Make it your habit to weep in awe of the Divine, so that you may laugh on the Day of Resurrection. [Yahya bin Mu'adh]

Guidance of the Day:

Become Clutter-Free: The reason so many people end up letting clutter take over their lives is that they have never felt or experienced the joy of a clutter-free home. There is, however, something incredibly peaceful about a clutter-free home: opening a closet and actually having space to hang up something; open a drawer without having to use force; being able to find virtually everything you look for; having open, airy space where there is nothing at all.

There is something effortless and pleasant about sitting at your desk and being able to see the surface and to find your address book. There is something equally freeing about opening a kitchen cabinet and being able to choose easily and quickly from your favorite pots and baking trays without having to sort through and push back as if you were trampling through a thick forest.

Becoming clutter-free is an easy way to simplify your life and to feel more organized and in control. It gives you a peaceful feeling of space. It lifts your emotional spirit by giving you a feeling of openness and of being connected to, rather than overwhelmed by, life. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:

Prayer is a means of adding power to the strength we already possess. Sometimes we know what is right, but we lack the will power to do it. Time spent on the knees in prayer will do more good to remedy heart strain and nerve worry than anything else. A man is continually at prayer when he lives according to truth.

Pearls of wisdom 304

2011-04-08T11:48:00.000-05:00

1. It is offensive that there should be seen in the outward appearance of man more humility than what is in his heart.

2. The scholars of the Merciful possess humility and submissiveness, and the scholars of the rulers possess pride and arrogance.

3. Whoever considers his soul to be of any worth has no share of submissiveness.

4. Submit to the Truth; obey it and accept it from whoever says it -- this is submissiveness.

5. God placed all evil in one house and made its key love of the world, He placed all goodness in another house and made its key renunciation.

6. Five of the signs of wretchedness in a man are -- hardness in the heart, severity in the eyes, paucity of shame, desire of this world, and limitless expectations of worldly gain.

7. World's renunciation is a gift from God -- granted to the chosen few.

8. On the Day of Judgment many a rich will suffer imprisonment and the office-holders will have a terrible time, being called to answer for their deeds -- so be prepared to answer for your acts on that Day. [Above quotes by Fudhail bin Iyaadh]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1272

2011-04-01T14:25:00.001-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

Didn't you see how your Lord treated the troops with the elephants? Did not God foil their strategy, sending against them flocks of birds pelting them with the rock-hard clay, making them like stubble of grain that's been consumed? [105: 1 to 5]

Hadith of the Day:

The first to be summoned to Paradise on the Day of Resurrection will be those who praise God in (both) prosperity and adversity. [Tirmidhi]

Wise Quote of the Day:

If you do remember death and prepare for its coming, you will know endless joy when death arrives. Whereas if you are complacent and procrastinate, death will come to you at an unforeseen moment and you will know regrets without end. [Imam Ghazali]

Guidance of the Day:

Become Clutter-Free: As simple as this suggestion is, it's worth discussing. And as simple as it sounds, it's actually not an easy task. It's taken a great deal of persistence, but I'd estimate that I have eliminated more than 90 percent of the clutter in my life. I'm convinced that this effort has helped me measurably in becoming a more easygoing person, as well as in my desire to stop sweating the small stuff at home!

Virtually every day, different forms of "stuff," much of which is useless and only takes up physical and mental space, comes into our lives. Without a concerted and conscious effort to counter this accumulation, we end up with piles and piles of useless junk to contend with. The reason: Clutter comes into our life whether we want it or not. So, if we don't have a method of getting rid of at least as much (on average) as is coming in, it's inevitable that the piles will become ever larger and more difficult to sort through. Many people fool themselves that they will "get to it soon" or fall prey to the (almost always) false belief that they may need it someday. The latter excuse is validated by remembering a time or two when they needed something and found it buried under stacks of boxes in the back of the garage. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:

Now is the only time we own; give, love, toil with a will. And place no faith in tomorrow, for the clock may then be still. You had better live your best and act your best and think your best today; for today is the sure preparation for tomorrow and all the other tomorrows that follow. The here-and-now is no mere filling of time, but a filling of time with God.

Pearls of wisdom 303

2011-03-29T10:51:00.001-05:00

1. Renunciation of the world is reduction of hope for worldly gain -- it is not eating coarse foods or wearing a rough cloak.

2. Flesh eaters are those who backbite -- they eat human flesh.

3. Certainty is that every affliction be considered sent by Allah.

4. Be warned of being envious of the higher rank of any Muslim -- for it is a sign of ingratitude to Allah.

5. Be warned of ignoring warnings of God Most High and express dejection of His promises -- for it causes infidelity.

6. Sell not the friendship of the Lord for the friendship of the world and its possessions.

7. Worse than sin against God is sin against man.

8. For the people of the world sleep is more profitable than keeping awake -- for then they keep off worldly discourses during sleep. [Above quotes by Sufyan al Thawri radi Allah anhu]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1271

2011-03-25T10:27:00.000-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

Woe to every backbiting critic who gathers money and multiplies it, assuming his money will make him last. But no -- he will be flung into destruction. And what will convey to you what destruction is? The fire of God alight, which rises to the hearts, indeed closed over them, in distended columns. [104: 1 to 9]

Hadith of the Day:

A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands. And an emigrant (Muhajir) is the one who gives up (abandons) all what Allah has forbidden. [Bukhari]

Wise Quote of the Day:

The total and lasting mistake is to have free time and not betake yourself to Him or for the obstacles to be few and not journey to Him. [Ibn Ata'Allah]

Guidance of the Day:

Express Gratitude for Your Home: Think about your home for a minute. Whether you live in a tiny apartment, a room in someone else's house, or your own home, it's yours to use. It's your space. What in the world would you do without it? How would you survive? It's remarkable to reflect on how fortunate your are to have a home, a place to rest, a haven of potential peace. When was the last time you consciously expressed gratitude for your home?

Take a deep breath and express gratitude for your lovely home. Despite its imperfections, it's yours. You live in your home. It protects you from the elements of hot and cold, and against everything from insects to strangers. It helps keep you alive and comfortable. Yet, for the most part, it is taken entirely for granted. I'm asking you to take a few moments every day, for the rest of your life, to quietly reflect on the joy of having a home -- whatever it looks like and however hard you work to maintain it. Taking part in the expression of gratitude does many things. It puts your attention on how lucky you are instead of all that needs to be done. It helps to keep things in perspective.

When times are difficult, it reminds you that, despite the difficulty, you are indeed fortunate to be alive and to have a home. When you are overwhelmed by the work involved in having a home, or by the cost or all that goes along with it, gratitude will help keep you pointed in the right direction. Gratitude is a very powerful emotion. It brings forth the best in you and helps you maintain your emotional bearings. It helps you be happy. Enjoy the feelings of gratitude and, perhaps for the first time, really enjoy the privilege of having a home. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:

Religion is the dominion of the soul. It is the hope of life, the anchor of safety, the deliverance of soul. Religion is the fear and love of God; its demonstration is good works; and faith is the root of both, for without faith we cannot please God; nor can we fear and love what we do not believe. Religion is not an escape from life; it is life. It is not an abstraction; it is a career. It is the metaphysics of people.

Pearls of wisdom 302

2011-03-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

1. A grain of genuine piety (taqwa) is better than a thousand fold weight of (nafl) fasting and prayer.

2. Meditation is a mirror which reveals you your virtues and vices.

3. How excellent is he who takes no thought of his own interest so that his patience is for God's sake -- this is the mark of true sincerity.

4. He who attains contentment requires nothing.

5. He who seeks retirement from the world finds peace.

6. He who rids himself of jealousy attains friendship.

7. He who lives with patience for a little while, gains an eternal abode.

8. Humility is constant fear accompanying the heart.

9. Seek sweetness in three things -- prayer, making remembrance of God, and reciting the Holy Qur'an.

10. Correct behavior is -- learning religion, moderation in the world, and knowledge of what constitutes your duty toward God Most High. [Above quotes by Shaykh Hasan al Basri]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1270

2011-03-18T09:52:00.001-05:00

Ayahs of the Day:

By the age, man is indeed at loss, except those who have faith and do good works and (join together) in the mutual teaching of truth, and of patience and perseverance. [103: 1,2,3]

Hadith of the Day:

A prudent man subdues his passions and works for what comes after death, but an imprudent man follows his passions and puts his hope in God (for forgiveness). [Tirmidhi]

Wise Quote of the Day:

Had there not been five bad qualities, all the people would have been righteous -- contentment with ignorance, love for worldly life, miserliness, ostentation in good deeds, and pride in their own intelligence. [Ali radi Allah anhu]

Guidance of the Day:

Be an example of peace: The old saying "Do as I say, not as I do" doesn't work very well at home! What does work, however, is the reverse, or "Do as I do, not as I say." Whether you live alone, with one other person or with many, the most effective way to create a more peaceful home is for you to become an example of peace. The emotional climate you live in begins with you. If you are agitated, nervous, frantic, and frustrated, it's unrealistic to expect that the people in your home are going to thrive.

If you wait for others to set the example you'd like to see, you're going to have a long wait! However, when you are calm, patient, and loving, you bring out the best in those around you. By being an example of peace, you open the door for others to be more patient, accepting and gracious. By being peaceful, you eliminate many of the mental distractions that interfere with your wisdom and common sense, thus making it easier to see solutions instead of problems.

The first step in becoming calmer yourself is to acknowledge this goal as a priority in your life. Instead of waiting for others to step forward and blaming them for the chaos in your home, make the decision to have peace as your priority -- decide it's a goal worth striving toward. When peace is your primary goal most everything else will fall into place and will be much easier to deal with. In addition, you'll be setting the stage for others to live a more peaceful life, which, in turn, further reduces the chaos you must live with. Becoming more peaceful might not happen over night, but it is certainly a goal worth striving for. Beginning now, you can make choices that lead you in this direction. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:

The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits. There is no substitute for hard work. The best prize life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. Work is not man's punishment, it is his reward and his strength and his pleasure. Nothing ever comes to one that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.

Pearls of wisdom 301

2011-03-15T11:02:00.001-05:00

1. On the day of judgment you shall not be asked about your wealth or honor, or your ancestry and acquisitions, but for the spiritual practices undergone and the worship you have performed.

2. God is not met until you are extremely distressed for Him, and seek Him as a drowning person calls for help.

3. He who does not bridle his tongue is abashed.

4. Seek counsel from such people who are well-versed in His obedience.

5. He who seeks company of everyone is not safe, he who treads wrong path is calumniated.

6. His worship without repentance is not right, since Allah Most High has preferred repentance over His adoration.

7. Islam is entirely discipline, he who is not conscious of it, is unfortunate.

8. Afflictions descend not for perdition but for trial and probation.

9. Sin is like cancer -- if it is not given up, it keeps growing.

10. Whoever does not behave toward his brethren as he behaves toward himself is not paying brotherhood its due. [Above quotes by Imam Ja'far Sadiq]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1269

2011-03-09T11:28:00.002-06:00

Ayahs of the Day:
The rivalry among yourselves for piling up diverts you. Until you go to the graves. But no, you soon shall know (the reality). Again, you soon shall know! No, if you were to certainly know within the mind (you'd be aware!) You shall certainly see the fire of Hell! Again you shall see it with the certainty of sight! Then, shall you be questioned concerning bliss on that day. [102: 1 to 8]

Hadith of the Day:
Whenever kindness is in a thing it adorns it, whenever it is removed from anything it disfigures it. [Muslim]

Wise Quote of the Day:
Do not lose hope in Allah, for He is the Creator. He will create another way for you. Do not flee from your trials; patience and adversity is the foundation of all virtue, of compassion and sainthood. Patience is the foundation, and without a sound foundation you cannot build a monument. [Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani]

Guidance of the Day:
Speak softly: There is something nurturing and calming about someone who speaks softly. Speaking softly is a quality you can develop. If you do, the rewards are tremendous and measurable. These rewards will have a positive effect on the love in your family and in your home. If you make a gentle effort to speak a little more softly you might discover some surprising, almost instant, changes in the feelings around your home. You, for example will feel calmer and less stressed. As you quiet down your voice, you will actually relax the rest of your body, as well as your mind. Next, you'll discover that as you quiet down, everyone around you will quickly follow suit. This latter benefit happens almost like magic and is a welcome relief in any home.

Often, calming down starts with the voice, which leads to calmer feelings and behavior. If you think about it, it makes sense that if you want others to behave in a relatively calm manner, the worst thing you could do is be yelling and acting crazy yourself. The truth is, if you really want someone to listen to you the best thing you could possibly do is to soften your voice. You'll be surprised at how attentive and respectful your audience will become. If you give this strategy a fair chance, if you make an honest attempt to soften your voice, however slightly, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the calming effect it will have on your family and on your life at home. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:
We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about. First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do. The aim of life is self-development, to realize one's nature perfectly. Concentrate on finding your goal, then concentrate on reaching it.

Pearls of wisdom 300

2011-03-08T11:23:00.000-06:00

1. Anxiety does not avert Divine destiny but wastes recompense and requital.

2. He who hears backbiting is counted with the backbiter and he who endorses evil acts is considered an evil-doer.

3. Obedience to Allah Most High is not attainable without self restraint.

4. One cannot taste the relish of blessedness prior to tasting pangs of misfortune.

5. Sign of satisfaction with God is that the servant resigns to Divine destiny.

6. For the people of spiritual insight, there is admonition in every glance and lesson in every experience.

7. The best gratefulness is that you share others in the bounties and blessings of God conferred on you.

8. Contentment is a treasure which will never exhaust.

9. People in this world are like travelers whose journey continues even though they are asleep.

10. Acquire patience and endurance, because their relation with true faith is that of a head to the body -- a body is of no use without the head, similarly true faith can be of no use without attributes of resignation, endurance and patience. [Above quotes by Ali radi Allah anhu]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1268

2011-03-07T10:53:00.000-06:00

Ayahs of the Day:
The catastrophe: What is the catastrophe, and what will convey to you what the catastrophe is? A day when humanity will be like scattered moths and the mountains like fluffed wool. Then those whose balance is heavy will be in a pleasant life, while those whose balance is slight wind up in an abyss. And what will convey to you what this is? Raging fire. [101: 1 to 11]

Hadith of the Day:
Allah is kind and loves kindness in every matter. [Bukhari & Muslim]

Wise Quote of the Day:
Hoping for Paradise without good works, hoping for the intercession (of the Prophet, may blessings and peace be upon him) without embodying the sunna, and hoping for mercy while constantly in sin, are nothing but absurdities. [Ma'ruf al Kharkhi]

Guidance of the Day:
Don't read between the lines: This is a common problem -- especially at home. When we know someone really well there is an almost insidious tendency to think that we know what that person is thinking and/or how he or she is going to behave. You can probably see that this tendency greatly contributes to sweating the small stuff at home. When you read between the lines, it's almost as though you're actively looking for things that bother and annoy you. And when you're looking for something, especially when you assume you're going to find it, you rarely disappoint yourself.

Obviously, an occasional assumption isn't going to ruin a relationship and is no big deal. However, this tendency is rarely occasional. Instead, it becomes a way of life -- a habit, something we do a great deal of the time, often without even knowing we are doing so. Our mind works so quickly in its assumptions -- what it thinks it knows -- that it prejudges without any awareness on our part.

The solution is simple -- but not easy. You must have the humility to admit that you don't know what someone is going to do or what he or she is thinking -- you only think you do. It's important to take each day, each individual circumstance, as it comes. Don't assume that simply because something has always been a certain way there is no room for change. When you do, you show a subtle form of disrespect. After all, you probably don't appreciate it when someone you love reads your mind and predicts your behavior. When you make a shift from predicting behavior to responding to it, you'll find yourself being annoyed far less. In many cases, this slight shift can make a world of a difference in the feelings of mutual respect in a family. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:
No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has. Wealth consists not in having great possessions but in having few wants. Riches are not an end of life, but an instrument of life. A man's true wealth is the good he does in this world.

Pearls of wisdom 299

2011-03-04T11:23:00.000-06:00

1. Do not consider admitting ignorance as a necessarily bad thing, for saying, "I don't know" is itself half of knowledge.

2. Agreeing with everything one hears is from the habits of hypocrites and disputing with everything one hears is the breeding ground of enmity.

3. The sign that Allah is pleased with His servant is that His servant is pleased with His decree.

4. For those of spiritual insight, every thing they lay lies upon have within it a lofty message and a gentle reminder.

5. Slay your lowly desires with the sword of knowledge (ilm), and your anger with the sword of forbearance (hilm).

6. Go not near places of wickedness and indecency, for they are epicenters of Allah's wrath, and punishment.

7. The best of the words is that which is confirmed by the best of the actions.

8. When a man's character becomes goodly, his words become lofty.

9. What a tremendous gift has been given to the one who finds acts of disobedience difficult.

10. Perfecting one's intellect causes one to speak less, and those words spoken will be adorned with wisdom.

11. The noble scholar becomes humble in gaining knowledge, while the ignoble matches his increase in knowledge with an equal share of arrogance. [Above quotes by Ali radi Allah anhu]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1267

2011-03-03T11:01:00.000-06:00

Ayahs of the Day:
Man is indeed ungrateful to his Lord, and he bears witness to that, for he is sure violent in love of goods. Doesn't he know that when what is in the graves is scattered and what is in the hearts is found out -- that their Lord had been well aware of them (even to) that Day? [100: 6 to 11]

Hadith of the Day:
Whoever travels a path seeking (sacred) knowledge, Allah eases for them a path to Paradise. [Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi]

Wise Quote of the Day:
Keep the company of the scholars; love them; benefit from them; be humble before them; and make you children accustomed to that as well, for the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. [Shaykh Bayanuni]

Guidance of the Day:
Remind yourself that you can't take it with you: Unless you know something I don't, when you die you will leave behind your home and all possessions behind. Despite this rather obvious observation, many of us fail to live as if this were true. Instead, we spend a huge amount of our time and energy tending to -- purchasing, insuring, protecting, taking care of, showing off -- our stuff, as if it had some lasting value.

It's incredibly important to remind yourself that you can't take any of it with you! This doesn't suggest that you shouldn't enjoy your things while you are here -- you most certainly should. Instead, it's a gentle reminder to keep things in perspective and ask yourself, "What's really most important here?" Your things and your home are here to enjoy and to make your life easier and more comfortable. But don't give them the authority to overwhelm you. By reminding yourself that you can't take any of it with you, you open a door of acceptance and freedom.

I can almost guarantee you that someday, as you look back on your life, you'll be less interested in how many items and achievements you were able to collect than in how much you were able to express love, spend time with the people you care most about, and contribute to the world you live in. Acknowledging this truth right now can help you prioritize your goals and your time in a way that nurtures your spirit. It can be the difference between a superficial life and a life of substance. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:
Life needs to be appreciated more than it needs to be understood. The best day of your life, and everyone's life, is today. Don't forget that and live it. It is the only day you have. Lighten up and have your best day ever, daily.

Pearls of wisdom 298

2011-03-02T11:02:00.001-06:00

1. The excellence of knowledge lies in its practice; and the excellence of kindness to others lies in mentioning it not.

2. Friendship with the ignorant and heedless are as fickle as the changing times and as quick to disappear as the setting sun.

3. Consider not a man worthless until you have had a chance to converse with him.

4. Health and well being on one hand and gluttony on the other are mutually exclusive.

5. Face off your difficulties with patience; and fence in your blessings with thankfulness.

6. A man's intellect becomes apparent from his speech; as does his character from the goodness of his action.

7. Always consider your intellect to be lacking -- otherwise too much faith in it surely leads to error.

8. Seek Allah's refuge from the heedlessness which comes from prosperity -- so deep it is that it will take one very long to climb out of it.

9. It is not in the make-up of a noble person to delay in rewarding nor is it that of a generous one to exact revenge.

10. Even if Allah had not decreed to abstain from the foul and impure the man of intellect would still surely do so. [Above quotes by Ali radi Allah anhu]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1266

2011-02-28T10:32:00.000-06:00

Ayahs of the Day:
When the earth convulses in its shock and the earth unloads its burdens and man says, "What is the matter with it?'' That day it will relate its information, as your Lord has inspired it. That day humanity will go out separately, to be shown their works: then whoever has done a bit of good will see it, and whoever has done a bit of ill will see it. [99: 1 to 8]

Hadith of the Day:
Whoever protects the honor of his brother in his absence, Allah protects his face from the fire on the Day of Judgment. [Tirmidhi]

Wise Quote of the Day:
People praise you for what they suppose is in you, but you must blame your soul for what you know is in it. [Ibn Ata'Allah]

Guidance of the Day:
Put things in Perspective: We're all so blessed to be alive, to be God's guests on this beautiful planet. Whether it takes us thirty minutes or forty-five minutes to get home from work need not interfere with our gratitude. If our kids are bickering, we can get all upset and let it ruin our day, or we can accept it as part of raising a family. If our homes aren't perfectly clean, we can feel defeated and worthless, or we can remember how fortunate we are to have a shelter to live in. If we can't afford the vacation we really want, we can feel victimized and sorry for ourselves, or we can plan a special adventure within our own budget.

I could probably go on for many pages, but the point is that our response is up to us. We can complain that life isn't perfect and wait for life to accommodate us with fewer demands, or we can put things in perspective and lighten up a little. If you're like most people, you've probably already tried the struggle approach to life. My suggestion is that we all strive to become a little more accepting of life and take it as it comes, put things in perspective. The more we're able to do so, the happier and less stressed we will become. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:
The future is not in the hands of fate, but in ours. The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm. If you would have a faithful servant, and the one that you like, serve yourself. There is no dependence that can be sure but a dependence upon one's self. He who would be well taken care of must take care of himself.

Pearls of wisdom 297

2011-02-25T11:06:00.004-06:00

1. Honor lies in hastening to forgive; dishonor lies in hastening to revenge.

2. The more worldly greed in one's heart, the less certainty in God.

3. The best an evil person can do is to think others are like him.

4. Time wasted in youth must be made up in later years, if what you seek is a solicitous end.

5. Remain silent about the favors done by you, yet proclaim the favors others do for you.

6. Self satisfaction is a sure sign of lacking intellect.

7. The one whom small calamities seem large, will certainly be afflicted by truly large calamities.

8. He whose thoughts are vile and low can have nothing but the worst opinion of others.

9. Thankfulness to the Creator in the form of service to His creation is the ultimate expression of gratitude.

10. The one who acts as if death will come tomorrow feels no sorrow when it finally comes. [Above quotes by Ali radi Allah anhu]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1265

2011-02-23T10:26:00.000-06:00

Ayahs of the Day:
As for those who scoffed, among both people of scripture and polytheists, they will be in hellfire, where they will remain. They are the worst of creation. As for those who have faith and do good works, they are the best of creation. Their reward is in the presence of their Lord: gardens of eternity with rivers flowing below, where they will abide forever, God being pleased with them and they being pleased with God. That is for those in awe of their Lord. [98: 6,7,8]

Hadith of the Day:
Glad tidings to the one busied by his own faults from the faults of others. [Bazzar]

Wise Quote of the Day:
Of all worldly possessions, few are more precious than a grateful heart. It is a well-spring of belief, attuning us to the Divine presence and driving us to His worship. [Imam Magid bin Muhammad]

Guidance of the Day:
Put things in Perspective: I have found it to be very helpful to remind myself -- each and everyday -- how trivial most things really are. Whether it's dealing with bills, crabby or demanding children, a messy home, pesky neighbors, a barking dog, an overwhelming schedule, a traffic jam, an unreturned phone call, weeds in the yard, whatever -- in reality, it's all small stuff.

I watch the news and remind myself that the stuff I have to deal with isn't front page news. A vast, vast majority of the time, it's not life-or-death. And if I see all the things confronting me as small stuff instead of as a series of major emergencies, it's all so much easier to deal with. With perspective, life is smoother and more manageable. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:
Pray to God, but row for the shore. Prayer is not a lazy substitute for work. It is not a short cut to skill or knowledge. And sometimes God delays the answer to our prayer in final form until we have time to build up the strength, accumulate the knowledge, or fashion the character that would make it possible for Him to say "yes" to what we ask.

Pearls of wisdom 296

2011-02-20T11:06:00.001-06:00

1. Beware of having long term expectations (for this world), for it makes one forget his true purpose.

2. Thankfulness for blessings is the condition for attaining more blessings, and ingratitude for blessings is the condition for losing them.

3. Death is always a silent companion.

4. There is no age which does not have its calamities hidden in its every moment.

5. The heights of felicity are reached through the breaking of bad habits.

6. The wise attain honor through their humbleness, whereas the fool bears humiliation through his haughtiness.

7. Regret over misdeeds erases them, and pride over good deeds ruins them.

8. Vain desires is a ruinous companion, and bad habits make up a formidable foe.

9. The intellect of a man lies hidden behind his tongue.

10. To panic during a calamity is itself a greater calamity. [Above quotes by Ali radi Allah anhu]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1264

2011-02-18T13:06:00.002-06:00

Ayahs of the Day:
And those to whom scripture was given did not become divided among themselves until after the evidence came to them. Yet they have only been enjoined to worship God sincerely in their way of life, devoted; and to practice regular prayer, and to give alms; that is true religion. [98: 4,5]

Hadith of the Day:
Whoever eavesdrops on the conversation of the people who dislike to have him listening shall have molten lead poured into his ears. [Bukhari]

Wise Quote of the Day:
The deceased await your imminent arrival, so gather now your provisions for that journey. [Dawud Tai]

Guidance of the Day:
One of the most important things we can do is to put things in perspective. Most of the things that upset us most are not life-or-death emergencies. In fact, I find it fascinating that when people are confronted with truly "big stuff" -- natural disasters, divorce, financial crisis, illness, death of loved ones, sick children, aging parents, and so forth --most of them are remarkably courageous and innovative. For some reason, we respond to major life events by rising to the occasion, calling on our inner strength, and getting through whatever it is that life has to offer. We pray, ask for help, become highly creative, and exhibit enormous endurance.

However, the same people (all of us) who somehow get through a chemical addiction, business disaster, or some other crisis, are often overwhelmed, bent out of shape, easily annoyed, stressed out, frustrated, and bothered by all the daily "small stuff" that is part of every one's life. Somehow, it's the little stuff, not the big stuff, that we struggle with the most.
[Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with the family]

Food for Thought:
Prayer time must be kept up as duly as meal-time. Begin to realize more and more that prayer is the most important thing you do. You can use your time to no better advantage than to pray whenever you have an opportunity to do so, either alone or with others; while at work, while at rest, or while walking down the street. Anywhere!

Pearls of wisdom 295

2011-02-16T10:49:00.001-06:00

1. The surest way of achieving heaven on earth is contentment with His decree.

2. Indeed the sword may wound the body, but it is the foul speech which wounds the soul.

3. Steeped in error is he who can find time to seek out the faults of others.

4. A Muslim's humiliation comes from his heedlessness of his religion, not in his lack of wealth and stature.

5. When the poor and needy come to you, then know that it is a gift from your Lord.

6. Sins have a tendency of creating restlessness in one's heart in one form or the other.

7. Ingratitude -- spending of Allah's bounty in ways which are inappropriate and unbefitting.

8. Generosity is the fruit of wealth; practice is the fruit of knowledge; Allah's pleasure is the fruit of sincerity.

9. The one who has not observed the rights of people cannot possibly observe the rights of God.

10. Lovers of fine raiment and garb! forget not that one day you will wear the shroud of the grave;
Lovers of palaces and lofty mansions! forget not that ditch where you will ultimately lie;
Lovers of fine food and drink forget not that you are to become the food of worms and maggots. [Above quotes by Othman radi Allah anhu]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1263

2011-02-14T10:23:00.001-06:00

Ayahs of the Day:
We have revealed this during the night of the Decree. And what will convey to you what the night of the Decree is? The night of the Decree is better than a thousand months: the angels and the spirit descend therein, by permission of their Lord, on every matter. It is peace: this till the rise of dawn. [97: 1 to 5]

Hadith of the Day:
Whoever withholds his anger, Allah will withhold His punishment from him. [Tabarani]

Wise Quote of the Day:
Only someone who is sincere recognizes what showing off is. [Imam al-Shafi'i]

Guidance of the Day:
Don't talk behind their backs. Breaking this habit is easier than you might think. Once you see how truly nasty the habit really is, the rest seems to fall gently into place. At first, you might not notice yourself being critical until after the fact. You'll remember when it's too late. Don't be hard on yourself. Instead, be grateful that your old habit came to mind and that your goal is to stop doing it.

The next time, you might catch yourself right in the middle of a conversation about someone else. You can then say something like "Whoops, there I go again being critical about someone who isn't even around." Then gently shift the conversation. At some point, it will become easy. You'll feel yourself about ready to be critical but stop short of actually doing so. You'll "see it coming," observe your own thoughts and behavior, and rip them in the bud. In time, you'll rarely be critical of others when they're not around.

Even when the people around you are talking about others, you can gently refuse to get involved. Instead, you can guide the conversation elsewhere by remaining quiet, saying something nice, or defending the person being criticized or changing the topic altogether. The benefits of being less critical behind the backs of others can be dramatic and instantaneous. Give it a try and you will feel better right away. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:
Take plenty of time to count your blessings, but never spend a minute in worry. Blessed is the man who is too busy to worry in the daytime, and too sleepy at night. Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.

Pearls of wisdom 294

2011-02-11T11:25:00.000-06:00

1. How strange is the one who believes in Paradise yet spends his days in the world leisurely.

2. How strange is the one who considers God to be the Ultimate Reality and yet relies on others exclusively.

3. How strange is the one who knows Satan to be his enemy and yet listens to him obediently.

4. O' son of Adam! Allah has nourishingly created you for Himself alone, yet you so desire to belong to others.

5. The lover of God loves his times of solitude.

6. Well being has ten parts, nine of which are only found in solitude and one found in interaction with people.

7. A slip of the tongue is far more hazardous than the slip of the foot.

8. If you are bent on committing that sin, then seek out that place which is bent on keeping God out.

9. To deem that Allah is with one every moment is the greatest expression of faith.

10. The scandal monger harms three people with his tongue -- himself, his listener, and his target. [Above quotes by Othman radi Allah anhu]

LESSON OF THE DAY 1262

2011-02-08T11:06:00.002-06:00

Ayahs of the Day:
Do you see the one who prevents the devotee from praying? Do you see if he is following direction? Or if he enjoins conscience? Do you see if he scoffs at truth and turns away? Doesn't he know God sees? If he doesn't desist, We'll drag him by the forelock -- a lying -- sinning forelock -- then let him call on his council: We will call the infernal guard. Don't obey him, but bow down and draw near. [96: 9 to 19]

Hadith of the Day:
Do not insult the dead, for they have moved on to what they sent forth. [Bukhari]

Wise Quote of the Day:
The presence of taqwa is recognized by three things: Rushing to fulfill Allah's commands; Seeking nothing from people; Speaking and acting only for what benefits one in this life and in the Hereafter. [Shaqeeq al Balkhi]

Guidance of the Day:
Don't talk behind their backs. When you talk behind someone's back, it says far less about the person you are discussing than it does about our own character, about your need to be critical and your need to talk behind other people's backs. It's like hitting a person who is down -- the person you are talking about is not able to defend himself or herself. It's not fair.

Furthermore, if you pay careful attention to how you feel when you are critical about someone behind that person's back, you'll notice that you'll feel a little mean-spirited, as if your conscience is trying to tell you something Deep down, you know that in most instances it's wrong to be critical of others behind their backs.

When you talk behind the backs of other people, it can also make the person you are gossiping with a little insecure. After all, if you're saying those thing about someone else, what assurance do others have that you're not doing the same thing about them when they are not around? This lack of integrity greatly contributes to increased cynicism in our family and our world because no one feels that anyone else is ultimately trustworthy. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:
We have to ask ourselves how our individual presence can change the course of humanity for the good. If we change, humanity changes. We just have to look at what is before us and start right where we are. We need to see where we can help, and then act in a way that fulfills our personal errand for humanity. Every act has its effects. How do you plan to fulfill your errand to humanity?

Pearls of wisdom 293

2011-02-06T11:26:00.001-06:00

1. Wasted is a scholar who is not asked about what he knows.

2. Wasted is the wealth which is not used in good.

3. Wasted is the knowledge which is not acted upon.

4. Wasted is the goodly advice which is ignored.

5. Wasted is the mus'haf (copy of the Qur'an) which is not recited from.

6. Wasted is the the heart which is firmly planted in the mud of dunya.

7. Wasted is the life which has made no provision for the ultimate journey.

8. Put your hopes in no one except your Lord, have fear of nothing other than your sins.

9. The extent to which one understands the nature of dunya measures the degree of his attachment from it.

10. O son of Adam! Allah has nourishingly created you for Him alone, yet you so desire to belong to others. [Above quotes by Othman radi Allah anhu]