1. Reckon yourself before you are reckoned and weigh yourself before you are weighed. [Omar radi Allah anhu]
2. The one who reckons his words as part of his actions speaks very little-------only about those things which are of concern to him. [Omar bin Abdul Azeez]
3. There is no Hajj nor guarding the enemy lines and jihad which is more difficult than restraining the tongue. [Fudhail ibn Iyaadh]
4. Whoever is able to control himself in a state of anger, Allah protects him from the evils of Satan. [Hasan al Basri]
5. The worshippers of Allah do not worship him in anyway better than avoiding what Allah has forbidden. [Hasan al Basri]
6. The righteous deeds are performed by the righteous and the wicked. However, only the truthful ones avoid the sinful deeds. [SahlAbdullah Tustari]
7. The Quran primarily addresses the heart of the believer. The heart is the locus of Divine guidance, The Quran reaches the heart through the reflection of its meaning. [Ibn Mus'u bin d radi Allah anhu]
8. The best of which that gives life to the heart is the recitation of the Quran when accompanied with deep reflection. [Shakh Fadl]
9. 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]
10. Only through detachment from Dunya does the slave reach his Lord. [Shaqeeq al Balkhi]
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
20 Pain Cures You Can Find in Your Kitchen
Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.
Read more here
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Lesson of the Day 1361
Ayahs of the Day:
As for those who believe in God with steadfast adherence, God will admit them to mercy from the divine, and grace. And God will lead them to the divine by a straight path. [4: 175]
Hadith of the Day:
The worst of the people in status on the Day of Resurrection will be the one whom people avoid for fear of his evil. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Hoping for Paradise without good works, hoping for the intercession of the Prophet ( peace and blessings upon him) without embodying the sunnah, and hoping for mercy while constantly in sin, are nothing but absurdities. [Ma'ruf al Kharkhi]
Guidance of the Day:
Among the most incumbent and important good manners of enjoining good and forbidding evil is to avoid arrogance, harshness, derision, and gloating over the sinners (should something afflict them), for these things cancel reward and attract punishment. Beware of them to the extreme! Be gentle, affectionate, flexible, compassionate, humble, and modest.
If the counsel given is rejected his reward will be greater, so let him be patient and bear with fortitude. Let his intention be to deliver both himself and his brother from sin. Let his attitude be that of one whose brother Muslim is in peril, threatened with drowning and burning for instance, when he is capable of saving him. God is he who grants success and support. Trust should be placed in Him and dependence should be upon Him. [Counsels of Religion by Imam al-Haddad]
Food for Thought:
An idle brain is a devil's workshop. Purity of mind and idleness are incompatible. Idleness is the stupidity of the body, and stupidity is the idleness of the mind. That man is idle who can do something better. People who have nothing to do are quickly tired of their own company.
As for those who believe in God with steadfast adherence, God will admit them to mercy from the divine, and grace. And God will lead them to the divine by a straight path. [4: 175]
Hadith of the Day:
The worst of the people in status on the Day of Resurrection will be the one whom people avoid for fear of his evil. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Hoping for Paradise without good works, hoping for the intercession of the Prophet ( peace and blessings upon him) without embodying the sunnah, and hoping for mercy while constantly in sin, are nothing but absurdities. [Ma'ruf al Kharkhi]
Guidance of the Day:
Among the most incumbent and important good manners of enjoining good and forbidding evil is to avoid arrogance, harshness, derision, and gloating over the sinners (should something afflict them), for these things cancel reward and attract punishment. Beware of them to the extreme! Be gentle, affectionate, flexible, compassionate, humble, and modest.
If the counsel given is rejected his reward will be greater, so let him be patient and bear with fortitude. Let his intention be to deliver both himself and his brother from sin. Let his attitude be that of one whose brother Muslim is in peril, threatened with drowning and burning for instance, when he is capable of saving him. God is he who grants success and support. Trust should be placed in Him and dependence should be upon Him. [Counsels of Religion by Imam al-Haddad]
Food for Thought:
An idle brain is a devil's workshop. Purity of mind and idleness are incompatible. Idleness is the stupidity of the body, and stupidity is the idleness of the mind. That man is idle who can do something better. People who have nothing to do are quickly tired of their own company.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Pearls of Wisdom 357
1. The one who truly knows Allah fills all his moments seeking meaning, and perpetually increasing in obedience. [Ibrahim bin Adham]
2. When death comes it does not return empty handed, so occupy every moment in preparedness of it. [Shaqeeq al Balkhi]
3. Look at the heavens and realize Who its Creator is, and be wary that He always knows your states. [Bayazeed al Bustami]
4. Try to cultivate six habits:
1. Take nothing from Allah's provision when you disobey Him.
2. Leave Allah's dominion when you intend to disobey Him.
3. Disobey Allah only where He cannot see you.
4. At the time of death ask for respite from the angel of death.
5. Do not allow the questioning angels into the grave with you.
6. Refuse to enter the Hellfire when you are ordered to.... If none of these are possible then do not disobey Him.[Ibrahim bin Adham]
2. When death comes it does not return empty handed, so occupy every moment in preparedness of it. [Shaqeeq al Balkhi]
3. Look at the heavens and realize Who its Creator is, and be wary that He always knows your states. [Bayazeed al Bustami]
4. Try to cultivate six habits:
1. Take nothing from Allah's provision when you disobey Him.
2. Leave Allah's dominion when you intend to disobey Him.
3. Disobey Allah only where He cannot see you.
4. At the time of death ask for respite from the angel of death.
5. Do not allow the questioning angels into the grave with you.
6. Refuse to enter the Hellfire when you are ordered to.... If none of these are possible then do not disobey Him.[Ibrahim bin Adham]
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
Contentment -- An Inexhaustible Treasure
A crow lived in the forest and was absolutely satisfied in life.
But one day he saw a swan. "This swan is so white," he thought, "and I am so black.
This swan must be the happiest bird in the world."
He expressed his thoughts to the swan. "Actually," the swan replied, "I was feeling that I was the happiest bird around until I saw a parrot, which has two colors. I now think the parrot is the happiest bird in creation."
The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot explained, "I lived a very happy life—until I saw a peacock. I have only two colors, but the peacock has multiple colors."
The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo and saw that hundreds of people had gathered to see him.
After the people had left, the crow approached the peacock. "Dear peacock," the crow said, "you are so beautiful. Every day thousands of people come to see you. When people see me, they immediately shoo me away. I think you are the happiest bird on the planet."
The peacock replied, "I always thought that I was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But because of my beauty, I am entrapped in this zoo.
I have examined the zoo very carefully, and I have realized that the crow is the only bird not kept in a cage. So for past few days I have been thinking that if I were a crow, I could happily roam everywhere."
But one day he saw a swan. "This swan is so white," he thought, "and I am so black.
This swan must be the happiest bird in the world."
He expressed his thoughts to the swan. "Actually," the swan replied, "I was feeling that I was the happiest bird around until I saw a parrot, which has two colors. I now think the parrot is the happiest bird in creation."
The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot explained, "I lived a very happy life—until I saw a peacock. I have only two colors, but the peacock has multiple colors."
The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo and saw that hundreds of people had gathered to see him.
After the people had left, the crow approached the peacock. "Dear peacock," the crow said, "you are so beautiful. Every day thousands of people come to see you. When people see me, they immediately shoo me away. I think you are the happiest bird on the planet."
The peacock replied, "I always thought that I was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But because of my beauty, I am entrapped in this zoo.
I have examined the zoo very carefully, and I have realized that the crow is the only bird not kept in a cage. So for past few days I have been thinking that if I were a crow, I could happily roam everywhere."
Saturday, September 06, 2014
Lesson of the Day 1360
Ayahs of the day:
Hadith of the day:
Verily charity to a poor is charity; charity to a relative is two things -- charity and upholding ties of kinship. [Sunan an Nasai]
Wise quote of the day:
The one who blindly follows the dictates of his ego, is like the one who has befriended as sworn enemy of Allah. [Sahl bin Abdullah]
Guidance of the day:
He who witnesses a blameworthy thing that he has no power to change or forbid should detest he who is committing it and detest his act in his heart. He should leave the place, for to witness evil things by choice is not permissible.
Let those who are being enjoined good and forbidden evil beware to the extreme from arrogance, haughtiness, and rejecting the truth; or of saying to he who is counseling them, "See to yourself first!" or any similar utterance explicitly rejecting the truth. It is to be feared for such persons that God shall loathe them, that His wrath will afflict them. [Counsels of Religion by Imam al-Haddad]
Food for thought:
An honest man is the noblest work of God. Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure there is one less rascal in the world. We must make the world honest before we can honestly say to our children that honesty is the best policy.
Monday, September 01, 2014
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Pearls of Wisdom 356
1. Repentance of liars is mere lip service, for the true repentance liberates one from sins. [Rabia Basri]
2. Even after burying your own parents you take no lesson; knowing that death is inevitable, you choose to remain heedless of it. [Ibrahim al Adham]
3. He who desires honor in this world should not make his needs known to anyone in creation, nor should he seek out the faults of any other. [Bishr Al Hafi
4. The wealthiest person is the one who has abundance of taqwa .
5. Satan does not bother to misguide the one who runs after the world for he is already misguided. [Mohammad Waa'se]
6. Those who Allah loves are granted three things -- the overflowing generosity of the river, the illumination of the sun, and the humbleness of the earth. [Bayazeed al Bustami]
7.He who truly fears his Lord has freed his tongue of vain talk. [Fudhail ibn Iyaadh]
8. He whose heart is in the awe of his Lord, everything in creation is in awe of him. [Fudhail ibn Iyaadh]
9. The one who remains fearful of Allah is never touched by the worries of the world. [Sufyan al Thawri]
10. One's wordly abstinence is commensurate with one's longing for the world to come. [Fudhail bin Iyaadh]
2. Even after burying your own parents you take no lesson; knowing that death is inevitable, you choose to remain heedless of it. [Ibrahim al Adham]
3. He who desires honor in this world should not make his needs known to anyone in creation, nor should he seek out the faults of any other. [Bishr Al Hafi
4. The wealthiest person is the one who has abundance of taqwa .
5. Satan does not bother to misguide the one who runs after the world for he is already misguided. [Mohammad Waa'se]
6. Those who Allah loves are granted three things -- the overflowing generosity of the river, the illumination of the sun, and the humbleness of the earth. [Bayazeed al Bustami]
7.He who truly fears his Lord has freed his tongue of vain talk. [Fudhail ibn Iyaadh]
8. He whose heart is in the awe of his Lord, everything in creation is in awe of him. [Fudhail ibn Iyaadh]
9. The one who remains fearful of Allah is never touched by the worries of the world. [Sufyan al Thawri]
10. One's wordly abstinence is commensurate with one's longing for the world to come. [Fudhail bin Iyaadh]
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Reality of Time and Wisdom.....
1. Much may be done with those little shreds and patches of time which everyday produces, and which most people throw away.
2. Minutes! Count them by sensation, and not by calendars and each moment is a day.
3. Until we value ourself; we won't value time, until we value time; we will not do anything with it.
4. Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.
5. To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom, and he who increases his riches increases his cares, but a contented mind is a treasure hidden.
6. Patience is the companion of wisdom.
7. In seeking wisdom we are wise, in imagining that we have attained it, we are a fools.
8. Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time.
9. We are made wise not by the recollection of our past but by the responsibility of our future.
10. The art of wisdom is the art of knowing what to overlook.
2. Minutes! Count them by sensation, and not by calendars and each moment is a day.
3. Until we value ourself; we won't value time, until we value time; we will not do anything with it.
4. Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.
5. To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom, and he who increases his riches increases his cares, but a contented mind is a treasure hidden.
6. Patience is the companion of wisdom.
7. In seeking wisdom we are wise, in imagining that we have attained it, we are a fools.
8. Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time.
9. We are made wise not by the recollection of our past but by the responsibility of our future.
10. The art of wisdom is the art of knowing what to overlook.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Lesson of the Day 1359
Ayahs of the Day:
Believers, be supporters of justice, as witnesses to God, even be it against yourselves, or your parents or relatives; whether one be rich or poor, God is closer and more worthy than either. And do not follow desire, lest you pervert it or neglect it, God is aware of what you do. [4: 135]
Hadith of the Day:
Upholding ties of kinship increases one's lifespan. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The sign that one intimately knows Allah is that his heart is ever increasing in His remembrance. [Sahl bin Abdullah]
Guidance of the Day:
Enjoining good and forbidding evil is one of the greatest pillars of religion and most important responsibilities for believers. It is collective (Kifaya) obligation, which means that when some Muslims do it, the others are relieved of the obligation and no blame is attached to them. However, the reward goes only to those who were engaged in it.
When the obligation is not fulfilled, all those will share in the sin and censure who were aware of blameworthy things being committed and were capable of stopping them, either by direct action or by exhortation, but did not do so. A person should do what he can, should not neglect to support God's religion, should not seek a way out by coming up with unacceptable excuses that do not relieve him from the obligation imposed upon him by God the Exalted. [Counsels of Religion by Imam al-Haddad]
Food for Thought:
A ready hand is better than a ready tongue. Light is the task where many share the toil. The race of mankind would perish did they cease to aid each other. We cannot exist without mutual help. All therefore that need aid have a right to ask from their fellow-men; and no one who has the power of granting can refuse it without guilt.
Believers, be supporters of justice, as witnesses to God, even be it against yourselves, or your parents or relatives; whether one be rich or poor, God is closer and more worthy than either. And do not follow desire, lest you pervert it or neglect it, God is aware of what you do. [4: 135]
Hadith of the Day:
Upholding ties of kinship increases one's lifespan. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The sign that one intimately knows Allah is that his heart is ever increasing in His remembrance. [Sahl bin Abdullah]
Guidance of the Day:
Enjoining good and forbidding evil is one of the greatest pillars of religion and most important responsibilities for believers. It is collective (Kifaya) obligation, which means that when some Muslims do it, the others are relieved of the obligation and no blame is attached to them. However, the reward goes only to those who were engaged in it.
When the obligation is not fulfilled, all those will share in the sin and censure who were aware of blameworthy things being committed and were capable of stopping them, either by direct action or by exhortation, but did not do so. A person should do what he can, should not neglect to support God's religion, should not seek a way out by coming up with unacceptable excuses that do not relieve him from the obligation imposed upon him by God the Exalted. [Counsels of Religion by Imam al-Haddad]
Food for Thought:
A ready hand is better than a ready tongue. Light is the task where many share the toil. The race of mankind would perish did they cease to aid each other. We cannot exist without mutual help. All therefore that need aid have a right to ask from their fellow-men; and no one who has the power of granting can refuse it without guilt.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
A Beautiful Du'a for the Intelligent
Almighty God you know that I am growing older.
Keep me from becoming too talkative, from repeating all my jokes and anecdotes,
and particularly keep me from falling into the tiresome habit of expressing an opinion on every subject.
Release me from craving to straighten out everyone's affairs. Keep my mind free from recital of endless details. Give me wings to get to the point.
Give me the grace, dear God, to listen to others as they describe their aches and pains.
Help me endure the boredom with patience and keep my lips sealed,
for my own aches and pains are increasing in number and intensity,
and the pleasure of discussing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally, I might be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet.
Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not pushy; independent,
yet able to accept with graciousness favors that others wish to bestow on me.
Free me of the notion that simply because I have lived a long time, I am wiser than those who have not lived so long; I am older, not necessarily wiser!
If it please God, when the end comes,
I would like to have a friend or two left.
Ameen.
Keep me from becoming too talkative, from repeating all my jokes and anecdotes,
and particularly keep me from falling into the tiresome habit of expressing an opinion on every subject.
Release me from craving to straighten out everyone's affairs. Keep my mind free from recital of endless details. Give me wings to get to the point.
Give me the grace, dear God, to listen to others as they describe their aches and pains.
Help me endure the boredom with patience and keep my lips sealed,
for my own aches and pains are increasing in number and intensity,
and the pleasure of discussing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally, I might be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet.
Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not pushy; independent,
yet able to accept with graciousness favors that others wish to bestow on me.
Free me of the notion that simply because I have lived a long time, I am wiser than those who have not lived so long; I am older, not necessarily wiser!
If it please God, when the end comes,
I would like to have a friend or two left.
Ameen.
Saturday, August 02, 2014
Lesson of the Day 1358
Ayahs of the Day:
If anyone wants the reward of the world, God has the reward of the world and of the hereafter; and God is all-hearing, all-seeing. [4: 134]
Hadith of the Day:
Doing acts of kindness will protect one from calamity and a bad end. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The worshippers of Allah do not worship in any way better than avoiding what Allah has forbidden. [Hasan al Basri]
Guidance of the Day:
Hajj -- If the pilgrim is wealthy, let him be liberal in giving to the poor and the destitute, in helping the weak and the needy, followed by all other Muslims. Let it be done sincerely for the Lord of the worlds.
During his journey, let him be humble, modest, and submissive. This is how he should approach the King, the Compeller and Proud. Behaving with arrogance or indulging in extreme forms of comfort will cause him to be rejected by God. The more humble and modest the pilgrim, the poorer he looks for the sake of God, the better, purer, more honorable and complete will his pilgrimage be. [Counsels of Religion by Imam al-Haddad]
Food for Thought:
The wicked work harder to reach hell than the righteous to reach heaven. To be in hell is to drift; to be in heaven is to steer. Hell is truth seen too late -- duty neglected in its reason. To get to heaven, turn right and keep straight.
If anyone wants the reward of the world, God has the reward of the world and of the hereafter; and God is all-hearing, all-seeing. [4: 134]
Hadith of the Day:
Doing acts of kindness will protect one from calamity and a bad end. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The worshippers of Allah do not worship in any way better than avoiding what Allah has forbidden. [Hasan al Basri]
Guidance of the Day:
Hajj -- If the pilgrim is wealthy, let him be liberal in giving to the poor and the destitute, in helping the weak and the needy, followed by all other Muslims. Let it be done sincerely for the Lord of the worlds.
During his journey, let him be humble, modest, and submissive. This is how he should approach the King, the Compeller and Proud. Behaving with arrogance or indulging in extreme forms of comfort will cause him to be rejected by God. The more humble and modest the pilgrim, the poorer he looks for the sake of God, the better, purer, more honorable and complete will his pilgrimage be. [Counsels of Religion by Imam al-Haddad]
Food for Thought:
The wicked work harder to reach hell than the righteous to reach heaven. To be in hell is to drift; to be in heaven is to steer. Hell is truth seen too late -- duty neglected in its reason. To get to heaven, turn right and keep straight.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Eid Mubarak!
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah Dear readers,
A dear student of mine sent me this beautiful poem as well as her summation of what we had attempted to learn in our Character Building and Soul Searching Class.
Anything that is good is from Allah, anything deficient is from my own self. It just reminds me of what my own teacher says : "The teacher is simply the traffic cop making sure the traffic is going in the right direction -- into the presence of Allah."
As for my part all I can do is echo what Moulana Rumi said " Don't look at my face but take what's in my hand."
BismillahiRahman-nirRaheem
I was lost and I found you
I was hopeless and you showed me how to find hope through dua
I was weak and you showed me strength through Tahajjud
I was blinded in darkness and you showed me light through seeking knowledge
I said my loved ones are ailing; you said the cure is in sadaqa
I was running off the track and you showed me how to get back on track
I said my children are in pain you said heal them, protect them through sadaqa
I came to you crying and you showed me the place to cry was in front of Almighty ALLAH
I came to you in a panic you said panic makes the calamity worse
I came to you wounded and you said it was temporary
I was looking for a shortcut in life and you said find it in the long rakahs of Tahajjud
I was tangled in this dunya you showed me how to be free
I said my duas need to be heard, you said dollar – a - day sadaqa or what you can afford -
– and neither your sadaqa nor your dua will be rejected by The MOST HIGH
I was running and you asked me to slow it down
I would be confused and you said WHY??
I had doubts and you provided clarity
I was hurt and you said I would heal
After 6 days of a marathon I used to stop at your tafsir to breathe – now where do I go?
After defeat where do I go?
When I panic where do I go?
When I am lost where do I go to?
When I am wounded where do I go?
When I need you where do I go?
This poem is written as a farewell for Iffath Hasan (Iffath Aunty) for her relentless service to the community character building, soul searching class for 21years. Please free to share.
By: Nusrat Ahmed student 07/22/2014
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1. I am forgetting I said, cure is in reading a Juz a day, cure for Alzheimer’s she proclaimed
2.Migraine my head is splitting I said Read it daily she said, believe in it, blow on it, for any illness, aches or pains….41 times Surah Fatiha, 41 times Ya Salaamu, 100 time Lahaoula Wala Khuwwata Illa Billahil Aliyul Azeem, of course before and after 7 times Darood she proclaimed
3. I would like to control my Nafs (lower self) I said, follow the Sunnah Fast on Monday and Thursday she proclaimed
4. My Duas need to be fulfilled I said, do it through Sadaqa Dollar a Day or what you can afford but consistency is the key she proclaimed. ALLAH SWT does not reject Sadaqa and nor your Dua she proclaimed
5. I am afraid of long term illness I said, read Surah Tagabun she proclaimed
6. I need to strengthen my Eimaan develop my sincerity, read Surah Ikhlas 100 times daily she proclaimed
7. I need to protect my loved ones I said, Hisaar (protection through) – Surah Fateha, Ayatalkursi and the 4 khulonce, before and after Darood she proclaimed
8. Haya, modesty I said, avoid mixed gatherings – Do it for ALLAH she proclaimed
9. The purpose of life I said, follow the Sunnah she proclaimed
10. Through her smile, calm voice, persistent on the same issues, same topics, same people, she said it again and again.
11. If you have attained one lesson it is this she proclaimed – use your time wisely
12. Do not buy anything you do NOT need.
14. Treat him (your husband) like a king -- he will treat you like a queen she proclaimed
15. Last but not the least learn to forgive, be relentless in your journey to forgive, be good to everyone especially to your enemies, your foes, people that you have conflict with she proclaimed.
16. Control your tongue the root cause of all evil is not YOU it is your tongue she proclaimed!
This narrative is written as a farewell for Iffath Hasan (Iffath Aunty) to capture some of the essence from her teachings. Please free to share.
By: Nusrat Ahmed student 07/22/2014
Bullet points by Nusrath Ahmed, capturing some of the essence of Iffath Hasan's teachings.
A dear student of mine sent me this beautiful poem as well as her summation of what we had attempted to learn in our Character Building and Soul Searching Class.
Anything that is good is from Allah, anything deficient is from my own self. It just reminds me of what my own teacher says : "The teacher is simply the traffic cop making sure the traffic is going in the right direction -- into the presence of Allah."
As for my part all I can do is echo what Moulana Rumi said " Don't look at my face but take what's in my hand."
BismillahiRahman-nirRaheem
A Guiding Light
I was lost and I found you
I was hopeless and you showed me how to find hope through dua
I was weak and you showed me strength through Tahajjud
I was blinded in darkness and you showed me light through seeking knowledge
I said my loved ones are ailing; you said the cure is in sadaqa
I was running off the track and you showed me how to get back on track
I said my children are in pain you said heal them, protect them through sadaqa
I came to you crying and you showed me the place to cry was in front of Almighty ALLAH
I came to you in a panic you said panic makes the calamity worse
I came to you wounded and you said it was temporary
I was looking for a shortcut in life and you said find it in the long rakahs of Tahajjud
I was tangled in this dunya you showed me how to be free
I said my duas need to be heard, you said dollar – a - day sadaqa or what you can afford -
– and neither your sadaqa nor your dua will be rejected by The MOST HIGH
I was running and you asked me to slow it down
I would be confused and you said WHY??
I had doubts and you provided clarity
I was hurt and you said I would heal
After 6 days of a marathon I used to stop at your tafsir to breathe – now where do I go?
After defeat where do I go?
When I panic where do I go?
When I am lost where do I go to?
When I am wounded where do I go?
When I need you where do I go?
This poem is written as a farewell for Iffath Hasan (Iffath Aunty) for her relentless service to the community character building, soul searching class for 21years. Please free to share.
By: Nusrat Ahmed student 07/22/2014
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Summation
1. I am forgetting I said, cure is in reading a Juz a day, cure for Alzheimer’s she proclaimed
2.Migraine my head is splitting I said Read it daily she said, believe in it, blow on it, for any illness, aches or pains….41 times Surah Fatiha, 41 times Ya Salaamu, 100 time Lahaoula Wala Khuwwata Illa Billahil Aliyul Azeem, of course before and after 7 times Darood she proclaimed
3. I would like to control my Nafs (lower self) I said, follow the Sunnah Fast on Monday and Thursday she proclaimed
4. My Duas need to be fulfilled I said, do it through Sadaqa Dollar a Day or what you can afford but consistency is the key she proclaimed. ALLAH SWT does not reject Sadaqa and nor your Dua she proclaimed
5. I am afraid of long term illness I said, read Surah Tagabun she proclaimed
6. I need to strengthen my Eimaan develop my sincerity, read Surah Ikhlas 100 times daily she proclaimed
7. I need to protect my loved ones I said, Hisaar (protection through) – Surah Fateha, Ayatalkursi and the 4 khulonce, before and after Darood she proclaimed
8. Haya, modesty I said, avoid mixed gatherings – Do it for ALLAH she proclaimed
9. The purpose of life I said, follow the Sunnah she proclaimed
10. Through her smile, calm voice, persistent on the same issues, same topics, same people, she said it again and again.
11. If you have attained one lesson it is this she proclaimed – use your time wisely
12. Do not buy anything you do NOT need.
14. Treat him (your husband) like a king -- he will treat you like a queen she proclaimed
15. Last but not the least learn to forgive, be relentless in your journey to forgive, be good to everyone especially to your enemies, your foes, people that you have conflict with she proclaimed.
16. Control your tongue the root cause of all evil is not YOU it is your tongue she proclaimed!
This narrative is written as a farewell for Iffath Hasan (Iffath Aunty) to capture some of the essence from her teachings. Please free to share.
By: Nusrat Ahmed student 07/22/2014
Bullet points by Nusrath Ahmed, capturing some of the essence of Iffath Hasan's teachings.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
A strong person / A person of strength....
1. A strong person works out everyday to keep his/her body in shape.... but a person of strength kneels in prayer to keep his/her soul in shape.
2. A strong person isn't afraid of anything .... but a person of strength shows courage in the midst of his/her fear.
3. A strong person won't let anyone get the best of his/her..... but a person of strength gives the best of his/her to everyone.
4. A strong person makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future .... but a person of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.
5. A strong person walks sure footedly .... but a person of strength knows God will catch him/her when he/she falls.
6. A strong person wears the look of confidence in his/her face .... but a person of strength wears grace.
7. A strong person has faith that he/she is strong enough for the journey .... but a person of strength has faith that it is in the journey that he/she will become strong.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Resolve to improve life this Ramadan.....
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.
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
Lesson of the Day 1357
Ayahs of the day:
If God willed, God would remove you, humankind, and bring forth, others. And God is able to do that. [4: 133]
Hadith of the day:
Indeed charity extinguishes the wrath of the Lord and it protects against the evil death. [Tirmidhi]
Wise quote of the day:
There can be no good in excess, just as there is no excess in good. [Imam Abu Hanifah]
Guidance of the day:
It is most important for he who is about to set out for the pilgrimage to do his utmost to make his provision halal and his expenses from licit source, for he who uses illicit money for the pilgrimage will not be accepted.
Let the pilgrim feel pleased when he spends his money in the course of his journey, for these are expenditures that he will be compensated for and the consequence of which will be goodness, benedictions, ease, and affluence. It has been transmitted that that which is spent on pilgrimage is similar to that spent on Jihad, the reward for every Dirham will be seven hundred. [Counsels of Religion by Imam al-Haddad]
Food for thought:
Their is no instinct like that of the heart. The head learns new things, but the heart forever more practices old experiences. Wealth and want equally harden the human heart. Two things are bad for the heart -- running up stairs and running down people.
If God willed, God would remove you, humankind, and bring forth, others. And God is able to do that. [4: 133]
Hadith of the day:
Indeed charity extinguishes the wrath of the Lord and it protects against the evil death. [Tirmidhi]
Wise quote of the day:
There can be no good in excess, just as there is no excess in good. [Imam Abu Hanifah]
Guidance of the day:
It is most important for he who is about to set out for the pilgrimage to do his utmost to make his provision halal and his expenses from licit source, for he who uses illicit money for the pilgrimage will not be accepted.
Let the pilgrim feel pleased when he spends his money in the course of his journey, for these are expenditures that he will be compensated for and the consequence of which will be goodness, benedictions, ease, and affluence. It has been transmitted that that which is spent on pilgrimage is similar to that spent on Jihad, the reward for every Dirham will be seven hundred. [Counsels of Religion by Imam al-Haddad]
Food for thought:
Their is no instinct like that of the heart. The head learns new things, but the heart forever more practices old experiences. Wealth and want equally harden the human heart. Two things are bad for the heart -- running up stairs and running down people.
Thursday, July 03, 2014
Beauty of a woman.....
1. The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries,
or the way she combs her hair.
2. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
3. The beauty of a woman is not in her facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
4. It is the caring, that she lovingly gives, the passion she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years will only grow.
5. She is not made to be the admiration of all, but the happiness of one.
6. Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother -- the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
or the way she combs her hair.
2. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
3. The beauty of a woman is not in her facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
4. It is the caring, that she lovingly gives, the passion she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years will only grow.
5. She is not made to be the admiration of all, but the happiness of one.
6. Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother -- the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Ramadan Mubarak!!!
Beauty Tips
1. For attractive lips -- speak words of kindness
2. For lovely eyes -- seek out the good in people
3. For a slim figure -- share your food with the hungry
4. For beautiful hair -- let a child run his or her finger through it once a day
5. For poise -- walk with the knowledge you you'll never walk alone -- people, more than the things have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed.
6. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand -- you'll find one at the end of your arm.
7. As you grow, you'll discover that you have two hands -- one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
The Reality of Life
Life is a journey and death is not the end.
No human being ever created will ever cease to exist: we were created for eternity.
This life is brief, the next life is forever.
Everything in life is a test. All our deeds, good or bad, will remain with us for eternity.
The material possessions will remain in this world and be inherited by others who may fight over it after we are gone.
We need to prioritize our life and work for our the Akhirah and not just chase after the Dunia.
Although we live in this world and have to raise families and earn our living, we shouldn't get attached to it.
The next life is eternal thus we need to be ever more concerned about how we would be there: whether we'll have a nice house in Jannah or not?
Let us prepare ourselves for the 'real life' that is to come, without wasting a single moment.
let us be prepared for our deaths before it catches up with us -- when we are unaware.
No human being ever created will ever cease to exist: we were created for eternity.
This life is brief, the next life is forever.
Everything in life is a test. All our deeds, good or bad, will remain with us for eternity.
The material possessions will remain in this world and be inherited by others who may fight over it after we are gone.
We need to prioritize our life and work for our the Akhirah and not just chase after the Dunia.
Although we live in this world and have to raise families and earn our living, we shouldn't get attached to it.
The next life is eternal thus we need to be ever more concerned about how we would be there: whether we'll have a nice house in Jannah or not?
Let us prepare ourselves for the 'real life' that is to come, without wasting a single moment.
let us be prepared for our deaths before it catches up with us -- when we are unaware.
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