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.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Muharram Mubarak -- Happy new year!!!
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.
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.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Pearls of wisdom 322
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]
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]
Friday, November 18, 2011
LESSON OF THE DAY 1292
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.
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.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Means to increase Allah's love....
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.
===============================================
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.
===============================================
Friday, November 11, 2011
Pearls of wisdom 321
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]
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]
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
LESSON OF THE DAY 1291
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.
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.
Friday, November 04, 2011
Eid Mubarak!!!
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.
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.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Pearls of wisdom 320
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]
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]
Friday, October 28, 2011
LESSON OF THE DAY 1290
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Zaki's Interview
An Interview with Zaki Hasan, Professor of Communication and Media Studies:
http://www.islamintheageofnewmedia.com/blog/59/zaki-hasan-interview/
http://www.islamintheageofnewmedia.com/blog/59/zaki-hasan-interview/
Monday, October 24, 2011
Pearls of wisdom 319
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]
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]
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Masjid invites you....
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.
*****
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.
*****
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
LESSON OF THE DAY 1289
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.
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.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Pearls of wisdom 318
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]
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]
Monday, October 10, 2011
Friends who bring us closer to Allah should be sought....
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.
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.
Friday, October 07, 2011
LESSON OF THE DAY 1288
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.
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.
Monday, October 03, 2011
Pearls of wisdom 317
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]
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]
Friday, September 30, 2011
You will reap what you plant....
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.
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.
Monday, September 26, 2011
LESSON OF THE DAY 1287
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.
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.
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