Submitting to Allah’s will
Islam means total submission to Allah , and we have seen submission coming down from Father Abraham (as). He demonstrated total submission with his wealth, his family and even his life. Through his submission he was very successful. To this day he is remembered as Allah has made the Sunnah of Abraham (as) obligatory upon the believers; for example the performance of Hajj.
In contrast to Abraham (as) we see another personality that Allah has made as an example for mankind. That person is Pharaoh. When Moses (as) began preaching about the Oneness of God to Pharaoh he was beginning to become inclined to Moses was telling him. However, Pharaoh’s advisor, Haman, presented Pharaoh with a simple question; “do you wish to be the king of mankind or the slave of Allah ”?
Pharaoh chose the former. He could not come to terms with the fact that he had people submitting to him without reservation, and if he should accept the God of Moses then he will be equal to even his subjects who are worshipping that God. He wanted to remain, in the eyes of the people their god. He forgot one thing however, that all creatures will have to submit to the will of Allah at the time of their death, whether they want to or not. Allah has preserved his body as a lesson for man, which is for all those who believe that the material world and body means every thing to them. Allah mentions about this in Surah Yunus. He says:
• ••
"This Day shall We save Thee in the body, that Thou mayest be a Sign to those who come after Thee! But, verily, many among Mankind are heedless of Our signs!" (10:92)
The Israelites received a lot of physical blessings from Allah . They actually saw how Allah was helping Moses; in spite of that they never had true conviction that they need to submit fully to His divine Will. They were too self-centred to think about inconveniencing themselves to please Allah. This attitude of theirs can still be seen today in Israel, as, their concern is not for the well being of the Palestinians, but only their material benefit. What was lacking in them was the willingness to submit humbly to Allah . This is where Islam is different and where it became a real success for humanity.
Muslims are taught by the teachings contained in the Holy Qur’an and by the model of Prophet Muhammad to submit humbly to Allah and not to any other person or thing. Allah is The One Who provides help or He allows others to help. This is why believers say “Sami'na wa at'ana” - “We hear, and we obey:”
Allah has shown us in the Holy Qur’an the end result of the arrogant versus the humble; the materialist versus those who think about Allah in many places. He makes it known to mankind that He has knowledge of all things, and nothing can happen except with His permission.
Whatever is happening is out of Allah’s permission. We may hope and pray for something but the final say is in Allah’s hands. This is why at this particular time we remember Abraham (as) and his family. The animals we sacrifice for Qurbanni is the physical lesson of submission. Just as how the animal submits to your every command so too we must submit to Allah . Willingly or un-willingly we have no other choice
Look at the different endings both Abraham (as) and Pharaoh had. Even up to today we remember Abraham (as) in our Salaat, in our sacrifice and in Hajj. Pharaoh on the other hand was so powerful and mighty materially and today he is lying helplessly in a box in a museum.
Prophet Muhammad submitted in such a way that it is recorded in the Qur'an that he never said anything out of his own desire. If we can live like this for the sake of Allah He would bless us and take us closer to Him.
Remember the trials are not a form of punishment; it is there to strengthen our faith in Allah . So whenever it comes don’t give up or lose hope, continue to pray to Him and trust in Him and insha Allah, He would take care of all your affairs.
We beg Allah to bless us with the understanding of true submission in Him and to make the trials and difficulties He has decreed bearable and easy.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Friday, 27 November 2009
Islamic Jihad
WHAT IS ISLAMIC JIHAD?
The following is a response to a report which was published in a Canadian Press in which an Imam was asked the question: Is it correct to say that "all followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith; so they can have a place in heaven? The Imam replied, "Yes".
*****
The Arabic word Jihad comes from the root word Jahada which means the following:
He strove, laboured, or toiled; exerted himself or his power or efforts or endeavours or ability, employed himself vigorously, strenuously, laboriously, diligently, studiously, sedulously, earnestly, or with energy; was diligent, or studious; took pains, or extraordinary pains in such a thing. (Lane Arabic/English Lexicon, vol. 2, p. 473)
Coming out of the root word, the word Jihad means the following:
The using, or exerting, one's utmost power, efforts, endeavours, or ability, in contending with an object of disapprobation; and this is of three kinds: namely, a visible enemy, the devil, and one's self; all or which are included in the term as used in the Qur'an 20:78 (ibid. "Jihad").
In the Holy Qur'an Allah says:
And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and discipline): He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion: it is the way of life of your Father Abraham.
No where will you find that the meaning of Jihad is to go out and kill a person just because he has not accepted Islam. A Muslim is commanded to fight if he is attacked, or in order to prevent oppression, etc. In this connection Allah says:
Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits, for Allah does not love the transgressors. (2:190)
Even when one is attacked and has the power to retaliate aggressively, Allah enjoins upon believers to use their discretion. For example He says:
And if you have to retaliate, do not retaliate worse than what they did to you, but if you show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who show patience. (16:126)
Islam does not uphold the principle of turning the other cheek; as a result a Muslim has the right to defend himself when attacked, but that does not give him the right to punish anyone for not accepting Islam, except if it is in an enemy country (i.e. those who attacked Islam) and in the process of repelling the attack the enemy is overpowered, then the Muslims can use their discretion in prescribing punishment to the attackers.
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) demonstrated the best meaning of Jihad when, after returning from one of the battles, he is reported to have said: Now we are leaving the small Jihad and returning to the great Jihad. When asked by his companions: What is the great Jihad, O Messenger of Allah? He replied; The Jihad against the Nafs; i.e. to control oneself from doing evil.
It is unfortunate that people associate Jihad with killing. Even in bringing the Message of Islam, the persons who are inviting others do not behave like the people of some other faiths where incentives and conditions are attached to the invitation to be converted. Allah directs Muslims to invite to Islam, not by force, but in the following way. He says:
Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord, with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best, and most gracious; for thy Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance. (16:125)
When Prophet Muhammad (pboh) captured Makkah, and held all those who made every effort to kill him before he migrated to Madinah; he asked them what shall I do with you? They replied: forgive us: He said: I forgive you as Joseph forgave his brothers.
It is the religious duty of every Muslim (believer in the Oneness of Allah) to convey to the non-believers the Message of Belief in One Creator of the universe and submission to Him only. That is the believers' Jihad. It is left to the person to accept or not to accept. The preacher cannot use any kind of force or scheme to convert the listener. Allah says:
O Messenger, proclaim the (Message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord; if thou didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled and proclaimed His Mission. (5:67)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) did not spread Islam with the sword, he was the most loving and compassionate person, even among all the Messengers of God who came on earth; and because he is the believer role-model, all believers are supposed to relate with every human on the basis of love, and nothing else.
The following is a response to a report which was published in a Canadian Press in which an Imam was asked the question: Is it correct to say that "all followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith; so they can have a place in heaven? The Imam replied, "Yes".
*****
The Arabic word Jihad comes from the root word Jahada which means the following:
He strove, laboured, or toiled; exerted himself or his power or efforts or endeavours or ability, employed himself vigorously, strenuously, laboriously, diligently, studiously, sedulously, earnestly, or with energy; was diligent, or studious; took pains, or extraordinary pains in such a thing. (Lane Arabic/English Lexicon, vol. 2, p. 473)
Coming out of the root word, the word Jihad means the following:
The using, or exerting, one's utmost power, efforts, endeavours, or ability, in contending with an object of disapprobation; and this is of three kinds: namely, a visible enemy, the devil, and one's self; all or which are included in the term as used in the Qur'an 20:78 (ibid. "Jihad").
In the Holy Qur'an Allah says:
And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and discipline): He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion: it is the way of life of your Father Abraham.
No where will you find that the meaning of Jihad is to go out and kill a person just because he has not accepted Islam. A Muslim is commanded to fight if he is attacked, or in order to prevent oppression, etc. In this connection Allah says:
Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits, for Allah does not love the transgressors. (2:190)
Even when one is attacked and has the power to retaliate aggressively, Allah enjoins upon believers to use their discretion. For example He says:
And if you have to retaliate, do not retaliate worse than what they did to you, but if you show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who show patience. (16:126)
Islam does not uphold the principle of turning the other cheek; as a result a Muslim has the right to defend himself when attacked, but that does not give him the right to punish anyone for not accepting Islam, except if it is in an enemy country (i.e. those who attacked Islam) and in the process of repelling the attack the enemy is overpowered, then the Muslims can use their discretion in prescribing punishment to the attackers.
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) demonstrated the best meaning of Jihad when, after returning from one of the battles, he is reported to have said: Now we are leaving the small Jihad and returning to the great Jihad. When asked by his companions: What is the great Jihad, O Messenger of Allah? He replied; The Jihad against the Nafs; i.e. to control oneself from doing evil.
It is unfortunate that people associate Jihad with killing. Even in bringing the Message of Islam, the persons who are inviting others do not behave like the people of some other faiths where incentives and conditions are attached to the invitation to be converted. Allah directs Muslims to invite to Islam, not by force, but in the following way. He says:
Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord, with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best, and most gracious; for thy Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance. (16:125)
When Prophet Muhammad (pboh) captured Makkah, and held all those who made every effort to kill him before he migrated to Madinah; he asked them what shall I do with you? They replied: forgive us: He said: I forgive you as Joseph forgave his brothers.
It is the religious duty of every Muslim (believer in the Oneness of Allah) to convey to the non-believers the Message of Belief in One Creator of the universe and submission to Him only. That is the believers' Jihad. It is left to the person to accept or not to accept. The preacher cannot use any kind of force or scheme to convert the listener. Allah says:
O Messenger, proclaim the (Message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord; if thou didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled and proclaimed His Mission. (5:67)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) did not spread Islam with the sword, he was the most loving and compassionate person, even among all the Messengers of God who came on earth; and because he is the believer role-model, all believers are supposed to relate with every human on the basis of love, and nothing else.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Love For Allah And The Prophet (pboh)
Love for Allah and His Habeeb
When a person falls in love with someone he would want to be close to that person. He would admire her and would want to say nice things to that person. It would be a thrilling experience to be close to the one that is loved.
Just as the lover has undying love for the beloved, so too, Allah wants us, His servants, to love Him more than anything else, because He loves us more than we could ever imagine. He says about the true believers the following:
“Those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.”
(Chapter 2, verse 165)
If we culivate love for our Creator He will take us closer to Him,; on the other hand, if we are not sincere in our relationship with Him, He can replace us with people who will really love Him.
Allah gives us a lot of refrences in the Qur’an of what He is capable of doing. He says that if there are people who do not love and worship Him He can cause them to go out of existance and bring forth a group who will demonstrate love and devotion. This is recorded in the Qur'an in the following verse. Allah says:
O you who believe, if any from among you turn back from his Faith; soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they will love Him. (5:54)
Allah has recorded about the past nations, how He erased them and brought others in their places. For example, the people of 'Ad and Thamud, the people at the time of Prophet Noah (pbuh), the people at the time of Pharaoh; they were all destroyed and others were brought in their places.
Allah gave the Israelites the mission of establishing His Religion on earth; as they all disobeyed He removed the responsibility of projecting religion from them and He bestowed it upon the Muslims. Allah created a special bond between Him and the Muslims.
The true believers follow the ways of Father Abraham. He was a Muslim, and desmonstrated complete submission to the orders of his Lord. The Qur'an records that he said:
"Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds”.
Prophet Muhammad also demonstrated sincere love for Allah as a result he said nothing of his own desire. He had so much of love for Allah that he only said and did what Allah inspired him to do; he taught the believers to do likewise so they are taught to say: we hear and obey.
Now Allah has created a people, i.e. the Believers, that will have plenty of love for Him. They do not behave towards Him like the past nations who stipulated conditions for obeying and loving Allah . For example, when Jesus asked: Who will be helpers in the way of Allah, some of the Israelites said: we will be helpers on condition that you get us food from the skies.
The human personality comprises a physical (nafs) and non-physical (ruh). The ruh is pure and it cannot be contaminated and, if given a chance, it can have a beautiful connection with Allah . But Allah also wants us to use the physical side of our bodies to demonstrate love for Him. We do so by showing love to a material thing that He has created. This creation is His Beloved as, Prophet Muhammad is called the "Beloved of Allah". Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is therefore the common object of love from Allah on one side and the true believers on the other. The true believer is supposed to love him more than anything else in this world. He is reported to have said:
He is not a true believer until he loves me more than his father, his children and mankind at large.
Allah has made ways of cementing the bond of love between Himself and the true believers. One of these ways is His invitation to visit His Holy House in Makkah. So people who can afford it avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah. They either perform Haj at the specified time or Umrah whenever it is convenient.
Haj is especially significant, as during that time the beleivers from all around the world assemble in Makkah and connect themselves with the Sunnah of Father Abraham and his family. He was true in faith and a real model for mankind.
The believers also take the opportunity to visit the Holy City of Madinah and to cement their relationship with the beloved Prophet of Allah. They send salutations to him near to his person.
All the true believers are supposed to express love for Allah and Prophet in a respectable manner. Through this you will gain closeness to Him. True, pure, sencere love will get you close to Him, and that should be our goal.
We beg Allah to take us closer and closer to Him and His Habeeb and may He raise us in the Prophet's (pboh) companionship on the Promised Day.
When a person falls in love with someone he would want to be close to that person. He would admire her and would want to say nice things to that person. It would be a thrilling experience to be close to the one that is loved.
Just as the lover has undying love for the beloved, so too, Allah wants us, His servants, to love Him more than anything else, because He loves us more than we could ever imagine. He says about the true believers the following:
“Those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.”
(Chapter 2, verse 165)
If we culivate love for our Creator He will take us closer to Him,; on the other hand, if we are not sincere in our relationship with Him, He can replace us with people who will really love Him.
Allah gives us a lot of refrences in the Qur’an of what He is capable of doing. He says that if there are people who do not love and worship Him He can cause them to go out of existance and bring forth a group who will demonstrate love and devotion. This is recorded in the Qur'an in the following verse. Allah says:
O you who believe, if any from among you turn back from his Faith; soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they will love Him. (5:54)
Allah has recorded about the past nations, how He erased them and brought others in their places. For example, the people of 'Ad and Thamud, the people at the time of Prophet Noah (pbuh), the people at the time of Pharaoh; they were all destroyed and others were brought in their places.
Allah gave the Israelites the mission of establishing His Religion on earth; as they all disobeyed He removed the responsibility of projecting religion from them and He bestowed it upon the Muslims. Allah created a special bond between Him and the Muslims.
The true believers follow the ways of Father Abraham. He was a Muslim, and desmonstrated complete submission to the orders of his Lord. The Qur'an records that he said:
"Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds”.
Prophet Muhammad also demonstrated sincere love for Allah as a result he said nothing of his own desire. He had so much of love for Allah that he only said and did what Allah inspired him to do; he taught the believers to do likewise so they are taught to say: we hear and obey.
Now Allah has created a people, i.e. the Believers, that will have plenty of love for Him. They do not behave towards Him like the past nations who stipulated conditions for obeying and loving Allah . For example, when Jesus asked: Who will be helpers in the way of Allah, some of the Israelites said: we will be helpers on condition that you get us food from the skies.
The human personality comprises a physical (nafs) and non-physical (ruh). The ruh is pure and it cannot be contaminated and, if given a chance, it can have a beautiful connection with Allah . But Allah also wants us to use the physical side of our bodies to demonstrate love for Him. We do so by showing love to a material thing that He has created. This creation is His Beloved as, Prophet Muhammad is called the "Beloved of Allah". Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is therefore the common object of love from Allah on one side and the true believers on the other. The true believer is supposed to love him more than anything else in this world. He is reported to have said:
He is not a true believer until he loves me more than his father, his children and mankind at large.
Allah has made ways of cementing the bond of love between Himself and the true believers. One of these ways is His invitation to visit His Holy House in Makkah. So people who can afford it avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah. They either perform Haj at the specified time or Umrah whenever it is convenient.
Haj is especially significant, as during that time the beleivers from all around the world assemble in Makkah and connect themselves with the Sunnah of Father Abraham and his family. He was true in faith and a real model for mankind.
The believers also take the opportunity to visit the Holy City of Madinah and to cement their relationship with the beloved Prophet of Allah. They send salutations to him near to his person.
All the true believers are supposed to express love for Allah and Prophet in a respectable manner. Through this you will gain closeness to Him. True, pure, sencere love will get you close to Him, and that should be our goal.
We beg Allah to take us closer and closer to Him and His Habeeb and may He raise us in the Prophet's (pboh) companionship on the Promised Day.
Friday, 6 November 2009
The Beauty of Islam
The Beauty of Islam
One of the beauties of Islam is that it connects us with the past and the future. It connects us with the experiences of the past and the physical and practical experiences of the future. For example Allah says in Surah Al An'am
"Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who rejected truth."
(Chapter 6, verse 11)
Islam takes you to the past and shows you all of what the Qur’an narrates. You sometimes feel as though you have experienced it. For example, the trials and tribulations that of Prophet Joseph (as) experienced.
Islam also tells you and can make you feel something of the future. For example when you visit Masjid Nabawi in Madinah there is a spot inside the Masjid that is call Ar-Rawdah An-Nabawiyah. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said “the area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise”. So you have the opportunity to actually go to and sit in Paradise, even in this world.
One of the most mature and best experience a believer can have in this world is making the scared pilgrimage. This is why Hajj is the last of the fundamental principles mentioned. Hajj is obligatory on those who could afford it, so you must have some wealth. However, your wealth can help you up to a certain point in this world. For example your wealth can allow you to reach Makkah, but it is practically useless once you enter into a state of Ihram.
Hajj is like a rehearsal for the hereafter. First of all, the pilgrim puts on Ihraam. This makes you feel as though you have nothing materially. Just like this everyone will be resurrected, i.e. without anything materially.
ThenAllah says that on the Day of Ressuraction His Arsh will be lowered and everyone will be moving towards it and this is like the tawaf and sai the Hujjaj makes.
Allah says:
And the angels will be on the sides; and eight will, that Day bear the Throne of thy Lord above them. That Day shall ye be brought to Judgment. (69:17-18)
On the plain of Arafat when the sun begins to set you see all the pilgrims begging and weeping to Allah . After all the rituals are complete you then go to Madinah al Munawarah and benefit from this blessed city.
Madinah is completely different from Makkah. Madinah is peaceful and tranquil, and this is possibly why Allah has designated a piece of Jannah in Masjid Nabawi.
Allah has connected the whole of mankind, past, present and future, regardless of age, gender and race. We should always keep this in mind especially when going for Hajj. As during the actual every one loses his or her identity. While performing the haj rituals, everyone is equal in the sight of Allah .
Use the blessings what He has bestowed upon you to get closer to Him, just as how the haji can go to perform the haj if he or she has the material assets to purchase the tickets, etc; so too, a person can use the material gifts given to him by Allah to prepare a place in the Garden of Bliss, by sending before him "savings" in the form of charity, etc. which he makes available for those in need. By so doing Allah will, insha Allah, provide for him in the Hereafter.
Be thankful to Him for what He has bestowed on you and use it to benefit you in this life as well as in the next. Do not find faults with what He has bestowed upon you, and do not believe that He loves others more than you. He gives you what is best for you, and your success depends on how you use it for your benefit in both the worlds.
We beg Allah to enlighten us, bless us and may He enable us to be among the rightous, insha Allah.
One of the beauties of Islam is that it connects us with the past and the future. It connects us with the experiences of the past and the physical and practical experiences of the future. For example Allah says in Surah Al An'am
"Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who rejected truth."
(Chapter 6, verse 11)
Islam takes you to the past and shows you all of what the Qur’an narrates. You sometimes feel as though you have experienced it. For example, the trials and tribulations that of Prophet Joseph (as) experienced.
Islam also tells you and can make you feel something of the future. For example when you visit Masjid Nabawi in Madinah there is a spot inside the Masjid that is call Ar-Rawdah An-Nabawiyah. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said “the area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise”. So you have the opportunity to actually go to and sit in Paradise, even in this world.
One of the most mature and best experience a believer can have in this world is making the scared pilgrimage. This is why Hajj is the last of the fundamental principles mentioned. Hajj is obligatory on those who could afford it, so you must have some wealth. However, your wealth can help you up to a certain point in this world. For example your wealth can allow you to reach Makkah, but it is practically useless once you enter into a state of Ihram.
Hajj is like a rehearsal for the hereafter. First of all, the pilgrim puts on Ihraam. This makes you feel as though you have nothing materially. Just like this everyone will be resurrected, i.e. without anything materially.
ThenAllah says that on the Day of Ressuraction His Arsh will be lowered and everyone will be moving towards it and this is like the tawaf and sai the Hujjaj makes.
Allah says:
And the angels will be on the sides; and eight will, that Day bear the Throne of thy Lord above them. That Day shall ye be brought to Judgment. (69:17-18)
On the plain of Arafat when the sun begins to set you see all the pilgrims begging and weeping to Allah . After all the rituals are complete you then go to Madinah al Munawarah and benefit from this blessed city.
Madinah is completely different from Makkah. Madinah is peaceful and tranquil, and this is possibly why Allah has designated a piece of Jannah in Masjid Nabawi.
Allah has connected the whole of mankind, past, present and future, regardless of age, gender and race. We should always keep this in mind especially when going for Hajj. As during the actual every one loses his or her identity. While performing the haj rituals, everyone is equal in the sight of Allah .
Use the blessings what He has bestowed upon you to get closer to Him, just as how the haji can go to perform the haj if he or she has the material assets to purchase the tickets, etc; so too, a person can use the material gifts given to him by Allah to prepare a place in the Garden of Bliss, by sending before him "savings" in the form of charity, etc. which he makes available for those in need. By so doing Allah will, insha Allah, provide for him in the Hereafter.
Be thankful to Him for what He has bestowed on you and use it to benefit you in this life as well as in the next. Do not find faults with what He has bestowed upon you, and do not believe that He loves others more than you. He gives you what is best for you, and your success depends on how you use it for your benefit in both the worlds.
We beg Allah to enlighten us, bless us and may He enable us to be among the rightous, insha Allah.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
AN INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM
An Introduction to
Islam
In the name of Allah
the Beneficent the Merciful
In the year 571, there was born, in the country of Arabia a baby boy name Muhammad (pboh). He was from the descendent of Ishmael who was from Abraham and Hagar.
Muhammad (pboh) grew up to be an outstanding person; gentle, kind, loving, truthful and trusted. He was known as Al Ameen—the trusted one.
This title was given to him by the barbarous Arabs, who, at that time, lived by the principles of "might is right, and survival of the fittest".
When he was forty years old, one day, in the Cave of Hira, where he was meditating, Angel Gabriel appeared to him and informed him that he was a Prophet of God; the last of the divinely appointed Messengers. His mission was to remind the people of the teachings of all the previous Messengers from Adam to Jesus.
Muhammad's (pboh) birth was the beginning of the promise God made to Abraham many centuries before, concerning the progeny of Ishmael, which, up to that time was not yet fulfilled.
The Bible has it recorded in the following words:
As for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. (Gen.17:20)
What did Muhammad (pboh) preach?
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) was not sent to any particular tribe or nation like the previous messengers. He was sent as the Universal Messenger with a Universal Message.
The first thing that he preached was belief in One God (Allah). He reminded the people that all the previous Prophets taught their followers to believe in One God and to worship Him alone.
The Bible supports belief in One God: some of the verses are:
Abraham said: I have lifted my hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of the heaven and the earth. (Gen.17:9)
Moses was commanded to preach: Thou shalt have no other god before me. (Ex.20:3)
Isaac prayed: O God of my father Abraham… I am not worthy of the least of thy mercies, and of all the truth … deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother… (Gen.332:9 ff.)
Jesus said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. (Mt.22:37)
The Qur'an adds:
The sons of Jacob said to their father: We shall worship thy God, the God of thy father, Abraham, and Ishmael and Isaac. One god, and unto Him have we surrendered. (3:165)
He is Allah, the One Allah, the Eternally besought of all. He begets not; nor was He begotten; and there is none comparable unto Him. (Ch.112)
The Essence of Islam:
Belief in One God and submission to Him alone: form the main theme upon which the whole message of Islam is based. In fact, humanity at large is invited to surrender themselves to Allah and His Commands. The Commands are nothing but that prescribed by Him for leading a successful life here with guarantee of a place in the Garden of Bliss in the Hereafter.
Anyone who accepts these two principles are said to have surrendered, and is expected to follow the example set by the Divinely appointed Messenger Muhammad (pboh) in order to be successful in both the worlds.
Declaration of belief:
There are no rituals for becoming a Muslim; and no baptism. Anyone wishing to become a Muslim must believe in one God. He or she also has to believe that Muhammad (pboh) is the Final Messenger of God, as Muhammad (pboh) is the best example of submission to the Divinely Revealed Code of Life.
It is expected then that such a person will be ready to declare such a belief. This has to be done before two witnesses. This is called the declaration of faith.
The standard form of declaration is:
I testify to the fact that there is no god but Allah; Who is alone and has no partner; and I testify to the fact that Muhammad (pboh) is Allah's servant and Apostle.
The Mission:
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) reminded the people of the wrath of Allah on all those who do not submit to Him. The Qur'an gives examples of some nations and tribes who were destroyed when they deliberately continued to refuse to recognise His Oneness: Sodom, Gomorrah, Pharaoh, the people in the time of Noah. Etc.
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) also told the people that they should acquaint themselves with the message from Allah if they want to stay rightly guided. He told them that they can only find the true and pure message from Allah in the Holy Qur'an—the last of the Revealed Scriptures.
The Holy Qur'an:
The Holy Qur'an is not the word of any human being; it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pboh). Allah sent the revelations through Angel Gabriel, a little at a time.
The Angel used to read the verses and the Prophet used to recite after him; then the Prophet recited and the Angel listened. The Prophet used to then dictate to a scribe who would copy what was dictated to him. The scribe would then read what he wrote and the Prophet used to listen in order to verify that the scribe wrote correctly what was dictated. The other companions would then write and memorised what was revealed.
The Qur'an has been preserved in memory and in written form all through the ages; and it has not undergone any change. It is the chief source of guidance for the whole of mankind, as a result, Muslims from everywhere in the world follow its guidance. In it the dos and don'ts are clearly stated, and anyone can be guided by reading the Commands and upholding them.
Sabbath:
There is no Sabbath in Islam; as every day is a day of activity and prayer. There is the Friday Congregational prayer (Jumuah); which is compulsory for all male adult Muslims, who may not be sick, travelling or feeble.
The Qur'an tells us about the Friday Congregational Prayer in the following verse:
O you who believe, when the Call is proclaimed to prayer of Friday, hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah; and leave off business. That is better for you if you only knew. And when the prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land and seek of the Bounty of Allah; and celebrate the Praises of Allah often that you may prosper. (62:9-10)
What Islam teaches:
• It is the words, deeds and intentions of the individual that are important to him or her. On the Day of Judgment, every individual has to stand before the Lord and account to Him about his/her life on earth.
• The devil to man is an enemy trying to prevent him from becoming Godly.
• Man can resist the temptations by following the part that takes him away from it. That path is called the Straight Path.
• Islam gives a complete moral code of life, based on the principle of Justice translated into action that a believer should like for his brother what he would like for himself.
• The fundamentals for this Code of belief are declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, compulsory poor tax, and pilgrimage for those who can afford.
• These five fundamentals strengthen the individual's relationship with Allah on one hand and with human beings on the other.
• Life is this world is not permanent; and the grave is not the end. There is a Great Day called the Day of Judgment, after which the individual will either dwell in Eternal Bliss or Damnation.
• Between death and the Day of Judgment is "waiting" barrzakh. The individual cannot come back physically in any form, but waits there until resurrection.
• Everyone is living in the presence of Allah all the time. He knows what a person does openly and secretly, and all actions are recorded in a "book of deeds". This will be given to the individual on the Day of Judgment.
• Both man and woman are equal in the sight of Allah; and both pious men and women will enter heaven.
• There are no racial or class barrier in Islam; all are equal in the sight of Allah; the best among human beings is the one possessing the best moral conduct.
• The acquisition of knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim
Dear friend; if by reading this short introduction to Islam, you are convinced that it is the best way of life for which you were looking, then I invite you to become a Muslim.
If you should require more information; you may kindly communicate with me at:
mwl@tstt.net.tt.
Islam
In the name of Allah
the Beneficent the Merciful
In the year 571, there was born, in the country of Arabia a baby boy name Muhammad (pboh). He was from the descendent of Ishmael who was from Abraham and Hagar.
Muhammad (pboh) grew up to be an outstanding person; gentle, kind, loving, truthful and trusted. He was known as Al Ameen—the trusted one.
This title was given to him by the barbarous Arabs, who, at that time, lived by the principles of "might is right, and survival of the fittest".
When he was forty years old, one day, in the Cave of Hira, where he was meditating, Angel Gabriel appeared to him and informed him that he was a Prophet of God; the last of the divinely appointed Messengers. His mission was to remind the people of the teachings of all the previous Messengers from Adam to Jesus.
Muhammad's (pboh) birth was the beginning of the promise God made to Abraham many centuries before, concerning the progeny of Ishmael, which, up to that time was not yet fulfilled.
The Bible has it recorded in the following words:
As for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. (Gen.17:20)
What did Muhammad (pboh) preach?
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) was not sent to any particular tribe or nation like the previous messengers. He was sent as the Universal Messenger with a Universal Message.
The first thing that he preached was belief in One God (Allah). He reminded the people that all the previous Prophets taught their followers to believe in One God and to worship Him alone.
The Bible supports belief in One God: some of the verses are:
Abraham said: I have lifted my hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of the heaven and the earth. (Gen.17:9)
Moses was commanded to preach: Thou shalt have no other god before me. (Ex.20:3)
Isaac prayed: O God of my father Abraham… I am not worthy of the least of thy mercies, and of all the truth … deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother… (Gen.332:9 ff.)
Jesus said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. (Mt.22:37)
The Qur'an adds:
The sons of Jacob said to their father: We shall worship thy God, the God of thy father, Abraham, and Ishmael and Isaac. One god, and unto Him have we surrendered. (3:165)
He is Allah, the One Allah, the Eternally besought of all. He begets not; nor was He begotten; and there is none comparable unto Him. (Ch.112)
The Essence of Islam:
Belief in One God and submission to Him alone: form the main theme upon which the whole message of Islam is based. In fact, humanity at large is invited to surrender themselves to Allah and His Commands. The Commands are nothing but that prescribed by Him for leading a successful life here with guarantee of a place in the Garden of Bliss in the Hereafter.
Anyone who accepts these two principles are said to have surrendered, and is expected to follow the example set by the Divinely appointed Messenger Muhammad (pboh) in order to be successful in both the worlds.
Declaration of belief:
There are no rituals for becoming a Muslim; and no baptism. Anyone wishing to become a Muslim must believe in one God. He or she also has to believe that Muhammad (pboh) is the Final Messenger of God, as Muhammad (pboh) is the best example of submission to the Divinely Revealed Code of Life.
It is expected then that such a person will be ready to declare such a belief. This has to be done before two witnesses. This is called the declaration of faith.
The standard form of declaration is:
I testify to the fact that there is no god but Allah; Who is alone and has no partner; and I testify to the fact that Muhammad (pboh) is Allah's servant and Apostle.
The Mission:
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) reminded the people of the wrath of Allah on all those who do not submit to Him. The Qur'an gives examples of some nations and tribes who were destroyed when they deliberately continued to refuse to recognise His Oneness: Sodom, Gomorrah, Pharaoh, the people in the time of Noah. Etc.
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) also told the people that they should acquaint themselves with the message from Allah if they want to stay rightly guided. He told them that they can only find the true and pure message from Allah in the Holy Qur'an—the last of the Revealed Scriptures.
The Holy Qur'an:
The Holy Qur'an is not the word of any human being; it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pboh). Allah sent the revelations through Angel Gabriel, a little at a time.
The Angel used to read the verses and the Prophet used to recite after him; then the Prophet recited and the Angel listened. The Prophet used to then dictate to a scribe who would copy what was dictated to him. The scribe would then read what he wrote and the Prophet used to listen in order to verify that the scribe wrote correctly what was dictated. The other companions would then write and memorised what was revealed.
The Qur'an has been preserved in memory and in written form all through the ages; and it has not undergone any change. It is the chief source of guidance for the whole of mankind, as a result, Muslims from everywhere in the world follow its guidance. In it the dos and don'ts are clearly stated, and anyone can be guided by reading the Commands and upholding them.
Sabbath:
There is no Sabbath in Islam; as every day is a day of activity and prayer. There is the Friday Congregational prayer (Jumuah); which is compulsory for all male adult Muslims, who may not be sick, travelling or feeble.
The Qur'an tells us about the Friday Congregational Prayer in the following verse:
O you who believe, when the Call is proclaimed to prayer of Friday, hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah; and leave off business. That is better for you if you only knew. And when the prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land and seek of the Bounty of Allah; and celebrate the Praises of Allah often that you may prosper. (62:9-10)
What Islam teaches:
• It is the words, deeds and intentions of the individual that are important to him or her. On the Day of Judgment, every individual has to stand before the Lord and account to Him about his/her life on earth.
• The devil to man is an enemy trying to prevent him from becoming Godly.
• Man can resist the temptations by following the part that takes him away from it. That path is called the Straight Path.
• Islam gives a complete moral code of life, based on the principle of Justice translated into action that a believer should like for his brother what he would like for himself.
• The fundamentals for this Code of belief are declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, compulsory poor tax, and pilgrimage for those who can afford.
• These five fundamentals strengthen the individual's relationship with Allah on one hand and with human beings on the other.
• Life is this world is not permanent; and the grave is not the end. There is a Great Day called the Day of Judgment, after which the individual will either dwell in Eternal Bliss or Damnation.
• Between death and the Day of Judgment is "waiting" barrzakh. The individual cannot come back physically in any form, but waits there until resurrection.
• Everyone is living in the presence of Allah all the time. He knows what a person does openly and secretly, and all actions are recorded in a "book of deeds". This will be given to the individual on the Day of Judgment.
• Both man and woman are equal in the sight of Allah; and both pious men and women will enter heaven.
• There are no racial or class barrier in Islam; all are equal in the sight of Allah; the best among human beings is the one possessing the best moral conduct.
• The acquisition of knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim
Dear friend; if by reading this short introduction to Islam, you are convinced that it is the best way of life for which you were looking, then I invite you to become a Muslim.
If you should require more information; you may kindly communicate with me at:
mwl@tstt.net.tt.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
PARADISE
PARADISE
The Garden of Eden is different from the Paradise that Allah has promised the believers. In the Garden of Eden there were certain restrictions and certain creatures that had ulterior motives. For example Hazrat Adam and Eve (pbut) were restricted from approaching a particular tree. In the end they both used their freedom to unfortunately commit a mistake. Because impurities are not allowed in the Garden, Adam and Eve (pbut) had to vacate.
Along with them in the Garden was Satan. He had an ulterior motive. He was devotedly worshipping the Lord with the hope that he would have excelled all others and be the highest in rank, nearest to his Maker. But when the test came he displayed his real self and became a cursed one. As he begged for respite, Allah gave him it up to the Day of Judgment.
While still in the Garden of Eden, Adam Eve and Satan were all guilty of disobedience. Adam and Eve repented but Satan did not. So Satan remained a challenge to both of them as he did not accept the fact that they were superior to him in the sight of Allah. This had still to be proven, as he was able to tempt them with his flattering words.
Allah does not want man to be outside the Paradise, which is better than the Garden of Eden, so He selected a level playing field on earth for all and He gave the guidelines for the ascent of man to Paradise.
Satan cannot ascend because when Allah cast him out of the Garden He closed the door of re-entry for all evil. Therefore no evil can go beyond the lower levels of the first sky. So Satan and all those who follow him will never be able to get back up beyond the lower end of the sky nearest the earth.
As this principle is applicable to everything on earth, even the evil deeds of man are kept in a record that is not in the sky. If evil cannot go up then where are the sins of man recorded? Allah gives us the answer in Surah Mutaffifin. He says:
•
“Surely the record of the wicked is (preserved) in Sijjin. And what will explain to thee what Sijjin is? (There is) a Register (fully) inscribed.”
(Chapter 83, verse 7-9)
About the recoding of the good deeds of a believer, Allah says that these will be recorded in the skies, (somewhere that is high above). He tells us about this in the Holy Qur'an in the following verse:
•
Nay, verily the Record of the righteous is (preserved) in Illiyeen; and what will explain to thee what Illiyeen is; (It is) a Register (fully) inscribed; to which bear witness those nearest (to Allah). (83:18-21)
Allah has created a system where good is recorded in the sky and evil is recorded in a ‘dungeon’. Good and evil cannot mix, even in the process of storing. So that while good is being recorded somewhere in the skies, evil is being kept in a record stored in a dungeon somewhere in the earth in the place called Sijjeen as is mentioned in the Surah quoted above.
The recording of the sins in Sijjeen can be a sort of a blessing for the believers, because since evil is stored in a dungeon the believers have the opportunity of removing them. Remember that Allah says: good removes evil.
So that by doing good and repenting for the mistakes committed, one can send more to the record in the skies and cover more of the mistakes committed. Just like how correcting fluid can hide what was typed on a paper, so too repentance and atonement can cover up mistakes committed. Believers are taught to pray: Allahummas turrnaa bi satrikal jameel. O Allah cover us (i.e. our faults) with a beautiful covering.
On the Day of Judgment when everyone will be resurrected, those who have to collect their record from the dungeon will collect it in their left hand behind their backs and those who will get their record from above will collect it in front of them, in their right hands. After collecting the records, those who will be getting theirs in their right hands will be qualified and will be allowed to enter Paradise.
This world is a testing ground for us. The test comes in the forms of trails and temptations. Some of the trials and temptations come from Satan who has been given the permission by Allah to test the sons and daughters of Adam to see who will follow him (Satan), and who will aspire to return above the skies into the Garden of Paradise. We have to work in order to attain the Paradise Allah has promised us.
Satan is already decreed to enter the hell fire and as such he would try to take as many with him as he can. He will try to divert your focus which should be to go back to Allah and dwell in the Garden. Be cautious and steadfast in order to qualify yourself to attain the promised reward of Allah .
May Allah forgive us and bless us all.
The Garden of Eden is different from the Paradise that Allah has promised the believers. In the Garden of Eden there were certain restrictions and certain creatures that had ulterior motives. For example Hazrat Adam and Eve (pbut) were restricted from approaching a particular tree. In the end they both used their freedom to unfortunately commit a mistake. Because impurities are not allowed in the Garden, Adam and Eve (pbut) had to vacate.
Along with them in the Garden was Satan. He had an ulterior motive. He was devotedly worshipping the Lord with the hope that he would have excelled all others and be the highest in rank, nearest to his Maker. But when the test came he displayed his real self and became a cursed one. As he begged for respite, Allah gave him it up to the Day of Judgment.
While still in the Garden of Eden, Adam Eve and Satan were all guilty of disobedience. Adam and Eve repented but Satan did not. So Satan remained a challenge to both of them as he did not accept the fact that they were superior to him in the sight of Allah. This had still to be proven, as he was able to tempt them with his flattering words.
Allah does not want man to be outside the Paradise, which is better than the Garden of Eden, so He selected a level playing field on earth for all and He gave the guidelines for the ascent of man to Paradise.
Satan cannot ascend because when Allah cast him out of the Garden He closed the door of re-entry for all evil. Therefore no evil can go beyond the lower levels of the first sky. So Satan and all those who follow him will never be able to get back up beyond the lower end of the sky nearest the earth.
As this principle is applicable to everything on earth, even the evil deeds of man are kept in a record that is not in the sky. If evil cannot go up then where are the sins of man recorded? Allah gives us the answer in Surah Mutaffifin. He says:
•
“Surely the record of the wicked is (preserved) in Sijjin. And what will explain to thee what Sijjin is? (There is) a Register (fully) inscribed.”
(Chapter 83, verse 7-9)
About the recoding of the good deeds of a believer, Allah says that these will be recorded in the skies, (somewhere that is high above). He tells us about this in the Holy Qur'an in the following verse:
•
Nay, verily the Record of the righteous is (preserved) in Illiyeen; and what will explain to thee what Illiyeen is; (It is) a Register (fully) inscribed; to which bear witness those nearest (to Allah). (83:18-21)
Allah has created a system where good is recorded in the sky and evil is recorded in a ‘dungeon’. Good and evil cannot mix, even in the process of storing. So that while good is being recorded somewhere in the skies, evil is being kept in a record stored in a dungeon somewhere in the earth in the place called Sijjeen as is mentioned in the Surah quoted above.
The recording of the sins in Sijjeen can be a sort of a blessing for the believers, because since evil is stored in a dungeon the believers have the opportunity of removing them. Remember that Allah says: good removes evil.
So that by doing good and repenting for the mistakes committed, one can send more to the record in the skies and cover more of the mistakes committed. Just like how correcting fluid can hide what was typed on a paper, so too repentance and atonement can cover up mistakes committed. Believers are taught to pray: Allahummas turrnaa bi satrikal jameel. O Allah cover us (i.e. our faults) with a beautiful covering.
On the Day of Judgment when everyone will be resurrected, those who have to collect their record from the dungeon will collect it in their left hand behind their backs and those who will get their record from above will collect it in front of them, in their right hands. After collecting the records, those who will be getting theirs in their right hands will be qualified and will be allowed to enter Paradise.
This world is a testing ground for us. The test comes in the forms of trails and temptations. Some of the trials and temptations come from Satan who has been given the permission by Allah to test the sons and daughters of Adam to see who will follow him (Satan), and who will aspire to return above the skies into the Garden of Paradise. We have to work in order to attain the Paradise Allah has promised us.
Satan is already decreed to enter the hell fire and as such he would try to take as many with him as he can. He will try to divert your focus which should be to go back to Allah and dwell in the Garden. Be cautious and steadfast in order to qualify yourself to attain the promised reward of Allah .
May Allah forgive us and bless us all.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
The Light of the Qur'an
Removing Darkness with the Light of the Qur’an
___________________________________________________________________________________
In the coming days the Hindus will be celebrating Divali, and as part of their custom they will be lighting their diyas with the philosophy that light removes darkness. What is unfortunate for them is that they focus on getting rid of the physical darkness by using the physical light and they pay no heed to the darkness that is within them.
The same thing the diyas does for the Hindus physically the Words of the Holy Qur’an does for the Muslims. One of the attributes of the Qur’an is light. Allah says in Surah Maa-idah;
“There hath come to you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book”
(Chapter 5, verse 15)
The Qur’an is that Book that guides and protects. For example when the Sahabas were going into battle they would have Surahs or ayats of the Qur’an written on their flags. Because the Qur’an has tremendous benefits Satan will try to divert our attention from it.
Today we see that people have no time to read the Qur’an. They are too busy and this is one avenue where Satan is gaining a foothold. In one narration Hazrat Uthman (ra) used to recite the entire Qur’an every night even though he was already given the glad tidings of entry into Paradise. What about us?
The more you read the Qur’an Allah will make your life easy, in this word and the next. Also, the Qur’an will act as an intercessor for us on that Great Day. No other creature has the blessing of reciting thr Glorious Words of Allah . There are so much benefits to be derived frrom reading it. Those of us who can read we must make every effort to read a little everyday and, insha Allah, Allah will give us the promised reward.
This is one way of representing Allah here on earth; man has the unique mission of reciting Allah's Words—those Words that He recited, some of them even before He created the universe—man has the mission of reciting them.
Because no other creature can do it the way man can read and recite, even the angels and the jinns come to listen when the Qur'an is being recited.
We beg Allah to increase us in knowledge and make us understand this tremendous blessing He has afforded us, and may He out of His Divine Grace and Mercy keep our hearts tied to the Qur’an.
___________________________________________________________________________________
In the coming days the Hindus will be celebrating Divali, and as part of their custom they will be lighting their diyas with the philosophy that light removes darkness. What is unfortunate for them is that they focus on getting rid of the physical darkness by using the physical light and they pay no heed to the darkness that is within them.
The same thing the diyas does for the Hindus physically the Words of the Holy Qur’an does for the Muslims. One of the attributes of the Qur’an is light. Allah says in Surah Maa-idah;
“There hath come to you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book”
(Chapter 5, verse 15)
The Qur’an is that Book that guides and protects. For example when the Sahabas were going into battle they would have Surahs or ayats of the Qur’an written on their flags. Because the Qur’an has tremendous benefits Satan will try to divert our attention from it.
Today we see that people have no time to read the Qur’an. They are too busy and this is one avenue where Satan is gaining a foothold. In one narration Hazrat Uthman (ra) used to recite the entire Qur’an every night even though he was already given the glad tidings of entry into Paradise. What about us?
The more you read the Qur’an Allah will make your life easy, in this word and the next. Also, the Qur’an will act as an intercessor for us on that Great Day. No other creature has the blessing of reciting thr Glorious Words of Allah . There are so much benefits to be derived frrom reading it. Those of us who can read we must make every effort to read a little everyday and, insha Allah, Allah will give us the promised reward.
This is one way of representing Allah here on earth; man has the unique mission of reciting Allah's Words—those Words that He recited, some of them even before He created the universe—man has the mission of reciting them.
Because no other creature can do it the way man can read and recite, even the angels and the jinns come to listen when the Qur'an is being recited.
We beg Allah to increase us in knowledge and make us understand this tremendous blessing He has afforded us, and may He out of His Divine Grace and Mercy keep our hearts tied to the Qur’an.
Forgiveness
FORGIVENESS
The human personality comprises the body and the soul. The soul is pure and is made from light. The light use by Allah to make the soul is special and is not a part of what He used to create the universe. He gave a Command and the soul came into existence.
As regards the body, it was created from clay. It is physical in nature and composition; it has physical desires like to feel hungry. It has the capacity to do good or evil, i.e. to do what is permissible or to do what is not permissible. The physical desire is called nafs. It wants that its physical needs be satisfied. It is not concern whether the satisfaction is from permissible sources or non-permissible sources. As a result it can cause a person to commit sins.
About the working of the nafs Allah says:
• • •
“The nafs is prone to do evil” (12:53).
Before man was sent on earth, Adam as a complete human being dwelt in the Garden of Eden. Allah wants every person to return and live in the Garden forever; as a result He has given man the recipe for correct and proper living in order that both the body and the soul shall be fit to return there.
A person is supposed to do what is permissible and avoid what is prohibited, as what is prohibited, when done will cause some spots to soil the soul. The spots on the soul can cause a person to be burnt in the hell fire.
Allah says:
•
Nay, but whosoever hath done evil and his sins surrounds him, such are rightful owners of the fire, they will abide therein (2:81).
Allah has prescribed a way of removing the dark spots from the soul; and that is through repentance. When a person commits a wrong, he should seek forgiveness from Allah for it as soon as he realizes that a mistake was committed. He should not put off doing so, otherwise it can cause him harm. Concerning seeking repentance Allah says:
•
Forgiveness is not for those who do ill deeds until when death approaches one of them he says, Lo, I repent now (4:18).
If a person does not repent and death should overtake him he will be punished for the sin he committed. In this connection Allah says:
Those who earn evil will have a reward of the like evil (10:27).
All through our lives we need to be constantly begging our Lord for forgiveness of those wrong things we may have done knowingly and unknowingly. We must do two (2) things;
1. Beg Allah for forgiveness as soon as we realize that we did a wrong thing. Allah says:
Forgiveness is only incumbent on Allah towards those who do evil in ignorance and then turn quickly (in repentance) to Allah (upon realization that a sin was committed) (4:17)
When Adam realized that he sinned he begged Allah most sincerely.
When we pray to Allah to forgive us for our sins, we pray for forgiveness for the sins we commit knowingly and for those we commit unknowingly. For those we commit unknowingly it may not be too difficult for us as Allah knows that we do not have knowledge of all things, and as a result we can commit mistakes, for example, out of forgetfulness. Take for example, a fast is not broken if one eats out of forgetfulness.
However, when one knows that he is doing a wrong thing and continues to do so he will be required to pay the fine. In this connection Allah directs that punishment must be prescribed for such wrongs that were done with knowledge that what was being done was a wrong thing. Examples of these are:
Allah says:
A thief male or female should have their hands cut off (5:30).
If a person knowingly have marital relation with his wife while he is fasting he is required to keep sixty days fast or feed sixty poor people.
A person can save himself from being punished for a crime committed by seeking repentance and making amends. Take for example, if a person is found guilty for a crime but honestly repents and seeks forgiveness, he/she can be forgiven. In this connection Allah says:
•
Whoever repents after committing a crime, and amends his conduct, Allah turns to him in forgiveness, for Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:39)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
Allah the Most Exalted said: O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with a world full of sins and meet Me without making anything a partner to Me, I would come to you with a similar amount of forgiveness (Tirmidhi).
One way of ensuring that one's burden can be light on the Day of Judgment is to do as much good as possible in this life, as good deeds remove from our records some of our sins. Allah says:
•
Verily, goods deeds annul evil deeds (4:14).
Brothers and sisters, because death can come upon us at any time we must not delay in asking for forgiveness and making amends for the mistakes we may have committed. In this connection Allah says:
•
Hasten to ask for forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden whose width is that of the skies and the earth, prepared for the righteous. (3:133)
May Allah forgive us for our sins and may He join us with the righteous in the Garden of Paradise.
The human personality comprises the body and the soul. The soul is pure and is made from light. The light use by Allah to make the soul is special and is not a part of what He used to create the universe. He gave a Command and the soul came into existence.
As regards the body, it was created from clay. It is physical in nature and composition; it has physical desires like to feel hungry. It has the capacity to do good or evil, i.e. to do what is permissible or to do what is not permissible. The physical desire is called nafs. It wants that its physical needs be satisfied. It is not concern whether the satisfaction is from permissible sources or non-permissible sources. As a result it can cause a person to commit sins.
About the working of the nafs Allah says:
• • •
“The nafs is prone to do evil” (12:53).
Before man was sent on earth, Adam as a complete human being dwelt in the Garden of Eden. Allah wants every person to return and live in the Garden forever; as a result He has given man the recipe for correct and proper living in order that both the body and the soul shall be fit to return there.
A person is supposed to do what is permissible and avoid what is prohibited, as what is prohibited, when done will cause some spots to soil the soul. The spots on the soul can cause a person to be burnt in the hell fire.
Allah says:
•
Nay, but whosoever hath done evil and his sins surrounds him, such are rightful owners of the fire, they will abide therein (2:81).
Allah has prescribed a way of removing the dark spots from the soul; and that is through repentance. When a person commits a wrong, he should seek forgiveness from Allah for it as soon as he realizes that a mistake was committed. He should not put off doing so, otherwise it can cause him harm. Concerning seeking repentance Allah says:
•
Forgiveness is not for those who do ill deeds until when death approaches one of them he says, Lo, I repent now (4:18).
If a person does not repent and death should overtake him he will be punished for the sin he committed. In this connection Allah says:
Those who earn evil will have a reward of the like evil (10:27).
All through our lives we need to be constantly begging our Lord for forgiveness of those wrong things we may have done knowingly and unknowingly. We must do two (2) things;
1. Beg Allah for forgiveness as soon as we realize that we did a wrong thing. Allah says:
Forgiveness is only incumbent on Allah towards those who do evil in ignorance and then turn quickly (in repentance) to Allah (upon realization that a sin was committed) (4:17)
When Adam realized that he sinned he begged Allah most sincerely.
When we pray to Allah to forgive us for our sins, we pray for forgiveness for the sins we commit knowingly and for those we commit unknowingly. For those we commit unknowingly it may not be too difficult for us as Allah knows that we do not have knowledge of all things, and as a result we can commit mistakes, for example, out of forgetfulness. Take for example, a fast is not broken if one eats out of forgetfulness.
However, when one knows that he is doing a wrong thing and continues to do so he will be required to pay the fine. In this connection Allah directs that punishment must be prescribed for such wrongs that were done with knowledge that what was being done was a wrong thing. Examples of these are:
Allah says:
A thief male or female should have their hands cut off (5:30).
If a person knowingly have marital relation with his wife while he is fasting he is required to keep sixty days fast or feed sixty poor people.
A person can save himself from being punished for a crime committed by seeking repentance and making amends. Take for example, if a person is found guilty for a crime but honestly repents and seeks forgiveness, he/she can be forgiven. In this connection Allah says:
•
Whoever repents after committing a crime, and amends his conduct, Allah turns to him in forgiveness, for Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:39)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
Allah the Most Exalted said: O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with a world full of sins and meet Me without making anything a partner to Me, I would come to you with a similar amount of forgiveness (Tirmidhi).
One way of ensuring that one's burden can be light on the Day of Judgment is to do as much good as possible in this life, as good deeds remove from our records some of our sins. Allah says:
•
Verily, goods deeds annul evil deeds (4:14).
Brothers and sisters, because death can come upon us at any time we must not delay in asking for forgiveness and making amends for the mistakes we may have committed. In this connection Allah says:
•
Hasten to ask for forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden whose width is that of the skies and the earth, prepared for the righteous. (3:133)
May Allah forgive us for our sins and may He join us with the righteous in the Garden of Paradise.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Eid Sermon--2009
EID UL FITR 2009-09-13
Sermon
Allah says in the Holy Qur'an
Verily, Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly, and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean. (2:222)
A true Muslim is a special person as he is enjoined upon to purify his body mind and soul.
Regarding the purity of the body, Allah has directed us to observe the following
• We are ordered to keep our garments clean. Allah says: Keep your clothes clean. (74:4)
• At the time of prayer a Muslim has to make ablution or even take a bath if it is necessary. Allah says: O you who believe, when you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and your hands to the elbows, pass your wet hands over your heads and wash your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. (5:6)
• Allah wants that what we consume as food and drink should be pure and clean. He says: They will ask you what is lawful to them (for food); say: Lawful unto you are all good and pure things.
Because Allah loves cleanliness, He has directed the believers to observe certain etiquette when dealing with His House and Book. He says: This is indeed an honourable Qur'an in a Book well guarded, which none shall touch except those who are clean. (56:77-79)
He wants only the pure to enter His House. He says:
O you who believe, Verily, the idol-worshippers are unclean, so do not let them enter the Sacred House after this year. (9:28)
A True Believer must take care of his internal purity just as he has to observe the prescribed acts of external purity. Islam puts great emphasis on the cleanliness of the mind and the soul just as it places on the cleanliness of the body. For example, Allah says:
Allah wants believers to have a pure heart. He says:
Truly, he will prosper that brings to Allah a pure heart (26:89)
He also wants us to have pure and clean desires. He says:
Truly, he succeeds who purifies it, and he fails who corrupts it. (91:9-10)
Allah wants us to have a heart that is free from stains. He says:
By no means, but on their hearts is the stain of the (ill) which they do. (83:14)
While the body is physical and the acts of cleanliness are physical the mind and the soul require such attention that will have positive impacts on them, and the believer is required to avoid the things that can add impurities to them. Allah calls them by different names in the Holy Qur'an, e.g. rijsun (disease), najasun (impurities), ra'nun (spots), etc.
It can be difficult at times to avoid committing mistakes especially when we are dealing with society. Sometimes we may get involved in back-biting, cursing, abusing, etc.
But Allah in His Wisdom has been very kind to the Believers as He has prescribed an Institution which He made one of the Foundation principles of Islam, and that is Fasting.
Fasting helps us to control ourselves, internally and externally, thereby helping us to purify ourselves in all the different dimensions of life. It is perhaps because fasting is designed to benefit the Believer in every way that Allah says: If you fast it is better for you.
Today as we have assembled to celebrate Eid, take note that as a result of the benefits you have acquired during Ramadan through your efforts, you would have ascended a few rungs of the ladder on your way to your Lords.
He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways (70:3)
Allah calls the way to return to Him the path that is steep. (90:11)
So that if you found at times, that fasting was a bit difficult, you will understand to climb is more difficult than to fall down.
We should resolve today that we are not going to spoil what we have gained through fasting, etc. in Ramadan, but we are going to continue to build on it as our Goal is to meet our Lord and greet Him and get the blessings and benefits He has prescribed for the Believers. Remember Allah says:
Whoever is desirous of meeting his Lord, let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as a partner. (18:110)
Sermon
Allah says in the Holy Qur'an
Verily, Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly, and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean. (2:222)
A true Muslim is a special person as he is enjoined upon to purify his body mind and soul.
Regarding the purity of the body, Allah has directed us to observe the following
• We are ordered to keep our garments clean. Allah says: Keep your clothes clean. (74:4)
• At the time of prayer a Muslim has to make ablution or even take a bath if it is necessary. Allah says: O you who believe, when you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and your hands to the elbows, pass your wet hands over your heads and wash your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. (5:6)
• Allah wants that what we consume as food and drink should be pure and clean. He says: They will ask you what is lawful to them (for food); say: Lawful unto you are all good and pure things.
Because Allah loves cleanliness, He has directed the believers to observe certain etiquette when dealing with His House and Book. He says: This is indeed an honourable Qur'an in a Book well guarded, which none shall touch except those who are clean. (56:77-79)
He wants only the pure to enter His House. He says:
O you who believe, Verily, the idol-worshippers are unclean, so do not let them enter the Sacred House after this year. (9:28)
A True Believer must take care of his internal purity just as he has to observe the prescribed acts of external purity. Islam puts great emphasis on the cleanliness of the mind and the soul just as it places on the cleanliness of the body. For example, Allah says:
Allah wants believers to have a pure heart. He says:
Truly, he will prosper that brings to Allah a pure heart (26:89)
He also wants us to have pure and clean desires. He says:
Truly, he succeeds who purifies it, and he fails who corrupts it. (91:9-10)
Allah wants us to have a heart that is free from stains. He says:
By no means, but on their hearts is the stain of the (ill) which they do. (83:14)
While the body is physical and the acts of cleanliness are physical the mind and the soul require such attention that will have positive impacts on them, and the believer is required to avoid the things that can add impurities to them. Allah calls them by different names in the Holy Qur'an, e.g. rijsun (disease), najasun (impurities), ra'nun (spots), etc.
It can be difficult at times to avoid committing mistakes especially when we are dealing with society. Sometimes we may get involved in back-biting, cursing, abusing, etc.
But Allah in His Wisdom has been very kind to the Believers as He has prescribed an Institution which He made one of the Foundation principles of Islam, and that is Fasting.
Fasting helps us to control ourselves, internally and externally, thereby helping us to purify ourselves in all the different dimensions of life. It is perhaps because fasting is designed to benefit the Believer in every way that Allah says: If you fast it is better for you.
Today as we have assembled to celebrate Eid, take note that as a result of the benefits you have acquired during Ramadan through your efforts, you would have ascended a few rungs of the ladder on your way to your Lords.
He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways (70:3)
Allah calls the way to return to Him the path that is steep. (90:11)
So that if you found at times, that fasting was a bit difficult, you will understand to climb is more difficult than to fall down.
We should resolve today that we are not going to spoil what we have gained through fasting, etc. in Ramadan, but we are going to continue to build on it as our Goal is to meet our Lord and greet Him and get the blessings and benefits He has prescribed for the Believers. Remember Allah says:
Whoever is desirous of meeting his Lord, let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as a partner. (18:110)
Friday, 21 August 2009
Ramadan
Thursday 20th August 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
رمضان
The Blessed Month of Ramadan ___________________________________________________________________________________
The blessed month of Ramadan is upon us, and Allah says that Ramadan is His month. One reason why Ramadan is special is because Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said that Shaitan is chained in this month;
In this month (for them) evil-minded Shaytaan is chained so as not to reach unto those evils to which they normally reach during other months besides Ramadan.
This is a very special blessing for those who keep the fast. Why can’t Satan ‘attack’ us? Firstly, in Ramadan we tend to be more God conscious. We don’t pay importance to a few things that engage our time and energy. We therefore have more time to think about Allah and because of this we get closer to Allah and Satan can’t get between.
Satan uses a few things to distract us. He engages our lust, desires for food/drink, and a person’s arrogance. All of these are the handiwork of Satan and we are commanded to stay away from them. We are advised to engage in more Ibadaat and to show more compassion to others. Fasting is meant to bring you closer to Allah and to keep you away from those things that are not beneficial for us, in this life and the next. There are no avenues for Satan to attack you.
Ramadan helps you become a ‘VIP’ in the hereafter. There is a gate in Paradise called Ryyaan and those who fast shall enter into Paradise through this gate. Look at the status and benefits you could achieve in this blessed month.
Remember if Allah loves you He will try you. If you are aspiring to get closer to Allah He will love you more, and He would also try you more. Even in Ramadan you may get some trials. However you should try to bear them with patience and keep on persevering. Even if someone abuses you in Ramadan we are taught to say “I am fasting”.
Try your best to make full usage of Ramadan. Engage in recitation of Qur’an, plenty of Astagfirullah and send lots of Darood on our Beloved . Make dua to Allah for whatever you desire because He has shown us that He is capable of doing things outside our realm of understanding.
May Allah make this Ramadan peaceful and tranquil for all the believers’. May He make the trials easy and bearable for us and may He remove most of it in this most special month. Let us benefit from it, and whatever you do, do it solely for the sake of Allah .
ABOUT RAMADAN
By Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
Anxiously I looked out for the moon,
Hoping that it was not too soon;
May it be visible I pray
On the western horizon today.
Welcome, O Ramadan, I cried,
As I saw the crescent in the sky,
The month destined to make me be
In the Hereafter, a VIP.
Restraint, submission and devotion,
Extra worship and Recitation.
I tried to please the Lord each day
Through fasting and the way I pray.
A little thirst, a bit of hunger,
Sometimes I wonder how much longer,
For the time when I shall break the fast,
Patiently I waited to the last.
I enjoyed the numerous preparations
At the many aftari invitations,
Curry being the main menu
Interchanged at times with tasty stew.
I waited anxiously for the Night of Power
Hoping to be awake at the Special Hour.
When the climax of worship was to be
The feeling of peace and tranquility.
The Sermon of Eid I'll never forget,
As it makes me feel a bit of regret
It says: As you gather today to celebrate Eid
One day you shall gather to know your deeds
O Ramadan, when you are gone,
A lot of people shall mourn
They did not fast, pray or give charity
Making them not fit to be a VIP.
Zikr lesson for the week
رمضان
The Blessed Month of Ramadan ___________________________________________________________________________________
The blessed month of Ramadan is upon us, and Allah says that Ramadan is His month. One reason why Ramadan is special is because Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said that Shaitan is chained in this month;
In this month (for them) evil-minded Shaytaan is chained so as not to reach unto those evils to which they normally reach during other months besides Ramadan.
This is a very special blessing for those who keep the fast. Why can’t Satan ‘attack’ us? Firstly, in Ramadan we tend to be more God conscious. We don’t pay importance to a few things that engage our time and energy. We therefore have more time to think about Allah and because of this we get closer to Allah and Satan can’t get between.
Satan uses a few things to distract us. He engages our lust, desires for food/drink, and a person’s arrogance. All of these are the handiwork of Satan and we are commanded to stay away from them. We are advised to engage in more Ibadaat and to show more compassion to others. Fasting is meant to bring you closer to Allah and to keep you away from those things that are not beneficial for us, in this life and the next. There are no avenues for Satan to attack you.
Ramadan helps you become a ‘VIP’ in the hereafter. There is a gate in Paradise called Ryyaan and those who fast shall enter into Paradise through this gate. Look at the status and benefits you could achieve in this blessed month.
Remember if Allah loves you He will try you. If you are aspiring to get closer to Allah He will love you more, and He would also try you more. Even in Ramadan you may get some trials. However you should try to bear them with patience and keep on persevering. Even if someone abuses you in Ramadan we are taught to say “I am fasting”.
Try your best to make full usage of Ramadan. Engage in recitation of Qur’an, plenty of Astagfirullah and send lots of Darood on our Beloved . Make dua to Allah for whatever you desire because He has shown us that He is capable of doing things outside our realm of understanding.
May Allah make this Ramadan peaceful and tranquil for all the believers’. May He make the trials easy and bearable for us and may He remove most of it in this most special month. Let us benefit from it, and whatever you do, do it solely for the sake of Allah .
ABOUT RAMADAN
By Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
Anxiously I looked out for the moon,
Hoping that it was not too soon;
May it be visible I pray
On the western horizon today.
Welcome, O Ramadan, I cried,
As I saw the crescent in the sky,
The month destined to make me be
In the Hereafter, a VIP.
Restraint, submission and devotion,
Extra worship and Recitation.
I tried to please the Lord each day
Through fasting and the way I pray.
A little thirst, a bit of hunger,
Sometimes I wonder how much longer,
For the time when I shall break the fast,
Patiently I waited to the last.
I enjoyed the numerous preparations
At the many aftari invitations,
Curry being the main menu
Interchanged at times with tasty stew.
I waited anxiously for the Night of Power
Hoping to be awake at the Special Hour.
When the climax of worship was to be
The feeling of peace and tranquility.
The Sermon of Eid I'll never forget,
As it makes me feel a bit of regret
It says: As you gather today to celebrate Eid
One day you shall gather to know your deeds
O Ramadan, when you are gone,
A lot of people shall mourn
They did not fast, pray or give charity
Making them not fit to be a VIP.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Thursday 13th August 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
فِطْرَةَ الله
The Nature of Allah (swt) ___________________________________________________________________________________
Prophet Muhammad is Aahraful Mukhluqaat – the best of everything Allah (swt) created. Khatamun Nabieen -The Seal of the Prophets and many other beautiful descriptions Allah (swt) has given him. In spite of all these wonderful qualities Prophet Muhammad has said;
Say: "I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your God is one God. Whoever expects to meet His Lord, let Him work righteousness, And, in the worship of His Lord, admit no one As partner.
(Chapter 18, verse 110)
In another ayat it is recorded that Hazrat Abraham (as) said “I am the first Muslim”, and Allah gave that verse to the Prophet (pboh). These verses show us that all the commands that the Messenger of Allah (swt) gave to the people to do, he also did them. It was not a case of ‘do as I say and not as I do’.
The coming of Prophet Muhammad (pboh) as the expected one, and the way he lived and worshipped was not what the people expected. They were acustomed to seeing unusual things associated with Messengers of God. For example, Prophet Jesus (as) had a virgin birth and he also spoke in the cradle. The people expected a Messenger to be different from them. Allah (swt) records their reaction to Prophet (pboh) in the Holy Quran in Surah Furqan;
•
And They say: "What sort of an apostle is this, who eats food, and walks through the streets? Why has not an angel been sent down to Him to give admonition with Him?
(Chapter 25, verse 7)
What is the wisdom behind the simplicity of Prophet Muhammad (pboh)? There is a verse in the Holy Quran which is difficult to explain.
•• ••
So set Thou Thy face steadily and truly to the faith: (establish) Allah’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be). In the work (wrought) by Allah. that is the standard religion: but Most among Mankind understand not.
(Chapter 30, verse 30)
‘Fitra’ literally means ‘nature’, what is a person’s nature or what is inherent to someone. So what this ayat is telling us is that ‘Fitratallah’ – the nature or the attributes of Allah (swt) can be manifested and cultivated by man. For example Allah (swt) is ‘The Embodiment of Love’ and man can also cultivate and exhibit love.
Why is this important? If you can cultivate some of the attributes of Allah (swt) it becomes easy for you to get close to Him. And who of you would not like to get close to your Lord and Master. You don’t need any special, mysterious qualities in order to get close to Him. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) was human and he was able to go back to and greet Allah (swt) on the blessed night of the Miraj.
That is the implication of the ayat mentioned above. Allah (swt) has given man the capacity to get close to Him. Only in Islam can you find this blessed opportunity. Our belove Messenger had the capacity to develop these qualities in his personality and he says that “I am but a man like yourselves”. It sounds simple but it takes a life long mission to develop. Remember this Hadith Qudsi – “And if he draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a fathom's length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed”.
May Allah (swt) make it easy for us all to cultivate some of His attributes in our personalities and, through His Grace and Mercy, may we all get close to Him.
Zikr lesson for the week
فِطْرَةَ الله
The Nature of Allah (swt) ___________________________________________________________________________________
Prophet Muhammad is Aahraful Mukhluqaat – the best of everything Allah (swt) created. Khatamun Nabieen -The Seal of the Prophets and many other beautiful descriptions Allah (swt) has given him. In spite of all these wonderful qualities Prophet Muhammad has said;
Say: "I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your God is one God. Whoever expects to meet His Lord, let Him work righteousness, And, in the worship of His Lord, admit no one As partner.
(Chapter 18, verse 110)
In another ayat it is recorded that Hazrat Abraham (as) said “I am the first Muslim”, and Allah gave that verse to the Prophet (pboh). These verses show us that all the commands that the Messenger of Allah (swt) gave to the people to do, he also did them. It was not a case of ‘do as I say and not as I do’.
The coming of Prophet Muhammad (pboh) as the expected one, and the way he lived and worshipped was not what the people expected. They were acustomed to seeing unusual things associated with Messengers of God. For example, Prophet Jesus (as) had a virgin birth and he also spoke in the cradle. The people expected a Messenger to be different from them. Allah (swt) records their reaction to Prophet (pboh) in the Holy Quran in Surah Furqan;
•
And They say: "What sort of an apostle is this, who eats food, and walks through the streets? Why has not an angel been sent down to Him to give admonition with Him?
(Chapter 25, verse 7)
What is the wisdom behind the simplicity of Prophet Muhammad (pboh)? There is a verse in the Holy Quran which is difficult to explain.
•• ••
So set Thou Thy face steadily and truly to the faith: (establish) Allah’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be). In the work (wrought) by Allah. that is the standard religion: but Most among Mankind understand not.
(Chapter 30, verse 30)
‘Fitra’ literally means ‘nature’, what is a person’s nature or what is inherent to someone. So what this ayat is telling us is that ‘Fitratallah’ – the nature or the attributes of Allah (swt) can be manifested and cultivated by man. For example Allah (swt) is ‘The Embodiment of Love’ and man can also cultivate and exhibit love.
Why is this important? If you can cultivate some of the attributes of Allah (swt) it becomes easy for you to get close to Him. And who of you would not like to get close to your Lord and Master. You don’t need any special, mysterious qualities in order to get close to Him. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) was human and he was able to go back to and greet Allah (swt) on the blessed night of the Miraj.
That is the implication of the ayat mentioned above. Allah (swt) has given man the capacity to get close to Him. Only in Islam can you find this blessed opportunity. Our belove Messenger had the capacity to develop these qualities in his personality and he says that “I am but a man like yourselves”. It sounds simple but it takes a life long mission to develop. Remember this Hadith Qudsi – “And if he draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a fathom's length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed”.
May Allah (swt) make it easy for us all to cultivate some of His attributes in our personalities and, through His Grace and Mercy, may we all get close to Him.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
The Final Messenger
Thursday 30th July 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
The Status of Rasullah
وَرَفَعْنَا لَكَ ذِكْرَكَ
(And raised high the esteem in which thou art held)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Respected brothers and sisters next week will be the 15th of Shabaan and it is advisable to make some extra ibaadat on this night. According to some traditions Allah (swt);
Allocates the sustenance of man for the year
Decides who will die
Comes down to the lowest heaven in order to accept the supplication of the believers and offer His forgiveness
Try your best to benefit from this most blessed night.
Long before all the Messengers were physically created Allah (swt) took a covenant from them that Prophet Muhammd will be ‘The Messenger. All the previous Messengers are really ‘supporters of Prophet Muhammd and part of their mission was to tell the people of his coming.
One of his titles is Muhammadur Rasullah, The Messenger of Allah (swt). This was higlighted and confirmed on the night of the Mir’aj when Prophet Muhammd lead all the Messengers in Salaat at Masjid Al Aqsa. People like Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and Bahaullah who claimed to be Prophets did not pray behind Prophet Muhammd so they cannot be Messengers of Allah (swt).
Allah (swt) says Rasullah is Khatamun Nabi, The Seal of the Prophets. It is a fact that he also had a physical seal between his shoulder blades. This was the Seal of Prophethood. So he had a divine and physical sign that he was the final Messenger.
Allah (swt) says in Surah Ahzab;
•
“The prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers”
(Chapter 33, verse 6)
No one could be closer to the believers than Prophet Muhammd . No one, no matter what their status is could come between Prophet Muhammd and his followers. It is reported that Prophet once said “none of you will be a true believer until I am more beloved to him than his own self.” There is a special bond.
Allah (swt) says that Prophet is the best example. We cannot have anything that is better that The Best. Who could come today and improve on his way? All believers follow his example. He has perfected the way for mankind and Allah (swt) has given us a complete and perfect way of life which is Islam. So if our religion is perfected and our beloved Messenger is the best, what else do we need from anyone?
Peophet Muhammad is the one who went very close to Allah (sw) and got the relection of Allah's (swt) light in his heart. Something which he transmits to the true believers when they aspire to get close to him. Who else can do this? His heart is like a mirror, reflecting the light of Allah (swt) to the world at large.
If you have all this do you really need someone to interfere with your faith and your relation with your Lord? It is good to be aware of Prophet’s status because, unfortunately today, there are many arguments concerning his status and mission. Remember Allah (swt) says in Surah Hujurat;
•
O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to Him In talk, As ye may speak aloud to one another, Lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not
(Chapter 49, verse 2)
What a beautiful ayat pertaining to respect that Prophet Muhammad commands. One possible reason why Allah (swt) reveald Surah Lahab is to show man the danger of being disrespectful to Rasullah . Abu Lahab and his wife demonstrated extreme hatred to Prophet Muhammad (saw). They tried to make his life as difficult as they could. Allah (swt) made Abu Lahab an example for those with that kind of attitude to take notice.
Lets us try to understand the true status that Prophet Muhammad has and insha Allah, Allah (swt) will reward us and take care of our affairs.
Zikr lesson for the week
The Status of Rasullah
وَرَفَعْنَا لَكَ ذِكْرَكَ
(And raised high the esteem in which thou art held)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Respected brothers and sisters next week will be the 15th of Shabaan and it is advisable to make some extra ibaadat on this night. According to some traditions Allah (swt);
Allocates the sustenance of man for the year
Decides who will die
Comes down to the lowest heaven in order to accept the supplication of the believers and offer His forgiveness
Try your best to benefit from this most blessed night.
Long before all the Messengers were physically created Allah (swt) took a covenant from them that Prophet Muhammd will be ‘The Messenger. All the previous Messengers are really ‘supporters of Prophet Muhammd and part of their mission was to tell the people of his coming.
One of his titles is Muhammadur Rasullah, The Messenger of Allah (swt). This was higlighted and confirmed on the night of the Mir’aj when Prophet Muhammd lead all the Messengers in Salaat at Masjid Al Aqsa. People like Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and Bahaullah who claimed to be Prophets did not pray behind Prophet Muhammd so they cannot be Messengers of Allah (swt).
Allah (swt) says Rasullah is Khatamun Nabi, The Seal of the Prophets. It is a fact that he also had a physical seal between his shoulder blades. This was the Seal of Prophethood. So he had a divine and physical sign that he was the final Messenger.
Allah (swt) says in Surah Ahzab;
•
“The prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers”
(Chapter 33, verse 6)
No one could be closer to the believers than Prophet Muhammd . No one, no matter what their status is could come between Prophet Muhammd and his followers. It is reported that Prophet once said “none of you will be a true believer until I am more beloved to him than his own self.” There is a special bond.
Allah (swt) says that Prophet is the best example. We cannot have anything that is better that The Best. Who could come today and improve on his way? All believers follow his example. He has perfected the way for mankind and Allah (swt) has given us a complete and perfect way of life which is Islam. So if our religion is perfected and our beloved Messenger is the best, what else do we need from anyone?
Peophet Muhammad is the one who went very close to Allah (sw) and got the relection of Allah's (swt) light in his heart. Something which he transmits to the true believers when they aspire to get close to him. Who else can do this? His heart is like a mirror, reflecting the light of Allah (swt) to the world at large.
If you have all this do you really need someone to interfere with your faith and your relation with your Lord? It is good to be aware of Prophet’s status because, unfortunately today, there are many arguments concerning his status and mission. Remember Allah (swt) says in Surah Hujurat;
•
O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to Him In talk, As ye may speak aloud to one another, Lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not
(Chapter 49, verse 2)
What a beautiful ayat pertaining to respect that Prophet Muhammad commands. One possible reason why Allah (swt) reveald Surah Lahab is to show man the danger of being disrespectful to Rasullah . Abu Lahab and his wife demonstrated extreme hatred to Prophet Muhammad (saw). They tried to make his life as difficult as they could. Allah (swt) made Abu Lahab an example for those with that kind of attitude to take notice.
Lets us try to understand the true status that Prophet Muhammad has and insha Allah, Allah (swt) will reward us and take care of our affairs.
Sunday, 26 July 2009
About the Soul
QUR'ANIC MESSAGE
By
Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
Allah says:
And they will ask you concerning the Ruh (soul), say; it is from the Command of my Lord, and I (Allah) have not given you knowledge (of it) except a little. (17:85)
The Ruh commonly translated as soul is a special non-physical spark of extremely refined light which Allah causes to enter the human physical shell. It was never a part of the universe. It does not die and does not enter the body of any other creature upon the death of the individual.
Just as how a tiny spark can glow or become a big flame, so too the Ruh can grow in the body and permeate all the cells of the person. When the light of the soul reaches all the cells the person will begin to have real "religious experience" called in the Holy Qur'an Al Yaqeen, and translated as certainty.
But in order to do so there must be the right condition in the body; just as how the flame can only burn if it gets oxygen and breeze. On the other hand if it is covered with carbon dioxide it will go out.
For the human being the permissible things are the ingredients to make the light of the soul spread and the prohibited things are like the carbon dioxide to the fire. When the light of the soul is prevented from reaching the cells of the body, the body will burn in the Hell Fire.
The mission of life is to allow the light of the soul to spread. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
Verily, Allah created the elements of man in darkness, then He infused unto them His Light. He who received the light and made use of it received the right guidance, and he who erred was led astray.
He also used to pray as follows:
O Allah, let there be light in my heart, in my sight, in my hearing, on my right side, on my left side, in front of me and behind me. Let there be light in my nerves, in my blood, in my flesh in my hair and in my limbs. O Allah make me light.
The body is made from earth. Allah says:
He it is Who created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term (for you). (6:2)
Our mission in life is, on one hand, to decorate our bodies with beautiful colors and designs, just as the potter takes a piece of clay (ceramic) and shapes and decorate it. On the other hand we are ordained by the Lord of the worlds to polish and shine it, just as the worker will take a piece of stone (metal) and polish it and shine it till it becomes a beautiful diamond or some other expensive ornament.
Our mission in life is to change our small piece of earth which (i.e. our bodies) into another piece resembling a beautiful jewel. Perhaps, it is in this context Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:
The day the earth will be changed into another earth. (14:48)
The goldsmith takes the piece of metal which is a piece of stone taken from the ground, heats it, beats it, makes designs on it and finally produces a beautiful piece of jewel. So too, the human being can accept the trials of the world as the process for refining the personality. If we can withstand the heating and beating (trials of life) and emerge successful, we will be able to absorb the Light of the Lord inside of us and become a jewel in the presence of man and a gem for the Hereafter.
Allah says:
And the earth will shine with the Light of the Lord. (39:69)
There are personalities of bygone times who were able to polish their pieces of the earth, to such an extent, that they are today called saints. Their bodies were not different from ours, but the life style made them outstanding. They submitted to the Lord as He ordained, and when their neighbors, families and friends were enjoying the material life they were toiling (in the night) to improve their relationship with the Creator, and in the day they were humbly submitting to His commands.
Believers are expected to work ceaselessly by upholding the Islamic principles of submission, to polish and brighten their souls so that the light of them can penetrate the cells of the bodies and make them bright. Allah says:
Allah is the Protector of those who have faith; from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith their patrons are the evil ones; from the light they will lead them forth into the depth of darkness. They will be the companions of the fire. They will dwell therein forever. (2:257)
With pain and suffering, with trials and tribulations, with the numerous challenges of life, the believer undertakes the journey; all the time hoping for Allah's Grace and praying that the Light of the Lord will ultimately reach his heart. Along with these programs of activities he prays sincerely as follows:
O our Lord, perfect our light for us, and grant us Forgiveness, for surely, You have power over all things. (66:8)
May the Gracious and Merciful Lord bless every believer, fill his or her heart with light, instill in his personality humility, and fill his mind with sincerity, so that he will live and love for the sake of Allah alone. May He cause every one of us to leave this world believing in His Oneness.
By
Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
Allah says:
And they will ask you concerning the Ruh (soul), say; it is from the Command of my Lord, and I (Allah) have not given you knowledge (of it) except a little. (17:85)
The Ruh commonly translated as soul is a special non-physical spark of extremely refined light which Allah causes to enter the human physical shell. It was never a part of the universe. It does not die and does not enter the body of any other creature upon the death of the individual.
Just as how a tiny spark can glow or become a big flame, so too the Ruh can grow in the body and permeate all the cells of the person. When the light of the soul reaches all the cells the person will begin to have real "religious experience" called in the Holy Qur'an Al Yaqeen, and translated as certainty.
But in order to do so there must be the right condition in the body; just as how the flame can only burn if it gets oxygen and breeze. On the other hand if it is covered with carbon dioxide it will go out.
For the human being the permissible things are the ingredients to make the light of the soul spread and the prohibited things are like the carbon dioxide to the fire. When the light of the soul is prevented from reaching the cells of the body, the body will burn in the Hell Fire.
The mission of life is to allow the light of the soul to spread. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
Verily, Allah created the elements of man in darkness, then He infused unto them His Light. He who received the light and made use of it received the right guidance, and he who erred was led astray.
He also used to pray as follows:
O Allah, let there be light in my heart, in my sight, in my hearing, on my right side, on my left side, in front of me and behind me. Let there be light in my nerves, in my blood, in my flesh in my hair and in my limbs. O Allah make me light.
The body is made from earth. Allah says:
He it is Who created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term (for you). (6:2)
Our mission in life is, on one hand, to decorate our bodies with beautiful colors and designs, just as the potter takes a piece of clay (ceramic) and shapes and decorate it. On the other hand we are ordained by the Lord of the worlds to polish and shine it, just as the worker will take a piece of stone (metal) and polish it and shine it till it becomes a beautiful diamond or some other expensive ornament.
Our mission in life is to change our small piece of earth which (i.e. our bodies) into another piece resembling a beautiful jewel. Perhaps, it is in this context Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:
The day the earth will be changed into another earth. (14:48)
The goldsmith takes the piece of metal which is a piece of stone taken from the ground, heats it, beats it, makes designs on it and finally produces a beautiful piece of jewel. So too, the human being can accept the trials of the world as the process for refining the personality. If we can withstand the heating and beating (trials of life) and emerge successful, we will be able to absorb the Light of the Lord inside of us and become a jewel in the presence of man and a gem for the Hereafter.
Allah says:
And the earth will shine with the Light of the Lord. (39:69)
There are personalities of bygone times who were able to polish their pieces of the earth, to such an extent, that they are today called saints. Their bodies were not different from ours, but the life style made them outstanding. They submitted to the Lord as He ordained, and when their neighbors, families and friends were enjoying the material life they were toiling (in the night) to improve their relationship with the Creator, and in the day they were humbly submitting to His commands.
Believers are expected to work ceaselessly by upholding the Islamic principles of submission, to polish and brighten their souls so that the light of them can penetrate the cells of the bodies and make them bright. Allah says:
Allah is the Protector of those who have faith; from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith their patrons are the evil ones; from the light they will lead them forth into the depth of darkness. They will be the companions of the fire. They will dwell therein forever. (2:257)
With pain and suffering, with trials and tribulations, with the numerous challenges of life, the believer undertakes the journey; all the time hoping for Allah's Grace and praying that the Light of the Lord will ultimately reach his heart. Along with these programs of activities he prays sincerely as follows:
O our Lord, perfect our light for us, and grant us Forgiveness, for surely, You have power over all things. (66:8)
May the Gracious and Merciful Lord bless every believer, fill his or her heart with light, instill in his personality humility, and fill his mind with sincerity, so that he will live and love for the sake of Allah alone. May He cause every one of us to leave this world believing in His Oneness.
Eight Important Lessons
Thursday 9th July 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
8 Important Lessons
___________________________________________________________________________________
A young boy went to a madrasa to study Islam and remained there for 33 years. When he was about to leave a teacher asked him how long he spent in the madrasa. The student replied 33 years. The teacher then asked how many lessons he had learnt in these 33 years. The student said that he has learnt 8 lessons. Astonished by this the teacher asked the student to narrate the 8 lessons he took 33 years to learn.
1) Firstly, we come into this world alone, even without any clothing, and as we grow we develop relationships with each other based on love. For example we develop love for our parents, friends, spouse and children. All these relationships are based on love that is very fragile and it can be broken. Either we leave those who we love or they leave us. However, if one develops love for Allah (swt) and He in turn loves us, this ‘love’ can never be broken even after we leave this world.
2) As we grow in this world we develop an ego. Man displays anger, haughtiness, jealously, etc. These are all negative characteristics of man and it can have a negative impact on our spiritual development. Allah (swt) says in Surah Naziat;
And for such As had entertained the fear of standing before their Lord's (tribunal) and had restrained (their) soul from lower desires, their abode will be the Garden.
(Chapter 79, verse 40 – 41)
How will you feel when you have to stand and give an account to Allah (swt)? So, if you fear Allah (swt) try to control your ego.
3) We come into this world without anything material and as we grow we acquire some worldly assets. Allah (swt) makes mention of this in Sruah Imran;
Fair In the eyes of men is the love of things They covet: women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. such are the possessions of This world's life; but In nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).
(Chapter 3, verse 14)
All our worldly possessions will one day disappear so we should not become attached to those things that will only serve us for a short period of time. Instead we should focus on ‘sending things’ that would be of benefit to us in the hereafter as Allah (swt) says;
What is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will and we will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward to the best of their actions.
(Chapter 16, verse 96)
4) As man progresses in this world he tends to develop pride because of his status, wealth or the power he has. Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said,
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action”
Man has been created as the vicegerent of Allah (swt) so we should not inculcate a feeling of pride. All the wealth, status and power one has will inevitably come to an end.
5) Allah (swt) gives to some and He may not give to others, and this can lead to jealously. For example you may be envious and jealous of someone who has a lot of wealth. Allah (swt) says in Sruah Zukhruf;
Is it They who would portion out the Mercy of Thy Lord? it is We who portion out between them their livelihood In the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others In ranks, so that some may command work from others. but the Mercy of Thy Lord is better than the (wealth) which they amass.
(Chapter 43, verse 32)
If Allah (swt) is the one who gives why should we be jealous? He knows what we know not. Whatever Allah (swt) has written for you, you will get it so do not be despondent when you see the success of someone else.
6) As you go through life we see a lot of enmity amongst man and most of the time it is caused by trivial things. No way in the Qur’an Allah (swt) says man is an enemy to each other. Instead He identifies Satan as the enemy of mankind at large. Allah (swt) says;
"Did I not enjoin on you, O ye Children of Adam, that ye should not worship Satan; for that He was to you an enemy avowed?-
(Chapter 36, verse 16)
We have only one enemy in this world and we should try our best not to have any ill feelings towards any man.
7) Allah (swt) is The One who provides substance for all and, while we may make an effort to acquire sustenance we should know that Allah (swt) will only give us what He has written for us. We should therefore not be despondent of what He has provided because He knows what we do not.
8) Put your complete trust in Allah (swt) because we are incapable of simply blinking our eyes or moving any of our limbs without the permission of Allah (swt). Put your faith and trust in Him because He will never let you down.
After the student had finished narrating these 8 lessons the teacher told him that he studied all the revealed books (the Tawrat, Zabur and Injil and Qur’an) and these 8 lessons are the lessons that Allah (swt) has given in all of His books.
If one can incorporate these lessons is ones life it will enable him to have the right balance in this world and attain success in the hereafter. We should all therefore try to inculcate these characteristics in our lives and, insha Allah, Allah (swt) will take care of our affairs.
Zikr lesson for the week
8 Important Lessons
___________________________________________________________________________________
A young boy went to a madrasa to study Islam and remained there for 33 years. When he was about to leave a teacher asked him how long he spent in the madrasa. The student replied 33 years. The teacher then asked how many lessons he had learnt in these 33 years. The student said that he has learnt 8 lessons. Astonished by this the teacher asked the student to narrate the 8 lessons he took 33 years to learn.
1) Firstly, we come into this world alone, even without any clothing, and as we grow we develop relationships with each other based on love. For example we develop love for our parents, friends, spouse and children. All these relationships are based on love that is very fragile and it can be broken. Either we leave those who we love or they leave us. However, if one develops love for Allah (swt) and He in turn loves us, this ‘love’ can never be broken even after we leave this world.
2) As we grow in this world we develop an ego. Man displays anger, haughtiness, jealously, etc. These are all negative characteristics of man and it can have a negative impact on our spiritual development. Allah (swt) says in Surah Naziat;
And for such As had entertained the fear of standing before their Lord's (tribunal) and had restrained (their) soul from lower desires, their abode will be the Garden.
(Chapter 79, verse 40 – 41)
How will you feel when you have to stand and give an account to Allah (swt)? So, if you fear Allah (swt) try to control your ego.
3) We come into this world without anything material and as we grow we acquire some worldly assets. Allah (swt) makes mention of this in Sruah Imran;
Fair In the eyes of men is the love of things They covet: women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. such are the possessions of This world's life; but In nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).
(Chapter 3, verse 14)
All our worldly possessions will one day disappear so we should not become attached to those things that will only serve us for a short period of time. Instead we should focus on ‘sending things’ that would be of benefit to us in the hereafter as Allah (swt) says;
What is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will and we will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward to the best of their actions.
(Chapter 16, verse 96)
4) As man progresses in this world he tends to develop pride because of his status, wealth or the power he has. Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said,
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action”
Man has been created as the vicegerent of Allah (swt) so we should not inculcate a feeling of pride. All the wealth, status and power one has will inevitably come to an end.
5) Allah (swt) gives to some and He may not give to others, and this can lead to jealously. For example you may be envious and jealous of someone who has a lot of wealth. Allah (swt) says in Sruah Zukhruf;
Is it They who would portion out the Mercy of Thy Lord? it is We who portion out between them their livelihood In the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others In ranks, so that some may command work from others. but the Mercy of Thy Lord is better than the (wealth) which they amass.
(Chapter 43, verse 32)
If Allah (swt) is the one who gives why should we be jealous? He knows what we know not. Whatever Allah (swt) has written for you, you will get it so do not be despondent when you see the success of someone else.
6) As you go through life we see a lot of enmity amongst man and most of the time it is caused by trivial things. No way in the Qur’an Allah (swt) says man is an enemy to each other. Instead He identifies Satan as the enemy of mankind at large. Allah (swt) says;
"Did I not enjoin on you, O ye Children of Adam, that ye should not worship Satan; for that He was to you an enemy avowed?-
(Chapter 36, verse 16)
We have only one enemy in this world and we should try our best not to have any ill feelings towards any man.
7) Allah (swt) is The One who provides substance for all and, while we may make an effort to acquire sustenance we should know that Allah (swt) will only give us what He has written for us. We should therefore not be despondent of what He has provided because He knows what we do not.
8) Put your complete trust in Allah (swt) because we are incapable of simply blinking our eyes or moving any of our limbs without the permission of Allah (swt). Put your faith and trust in Him because He will never let you down.
After the student had finished narrating these 8 lessons the teacher told him that he studied all the revealed books (the Tawrat, Zabur and Injil and Qur’an) and these 8 lessons are the lessons that Allah (swt) has given in all of His books.
If one can incorporate these lessons is ones life it will enable him to have the right balance in this world and attain success in the hereafter. We should all therefore try to inculcate these characteristics in our lives and, insha Allah, Allah (swt) will take care of our affairs.
The Hypocrites
Thursday 23rd July 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
الْمُنَافِقُونَ
The Hypocrites ___________________________________________________________________________________
In the beginning of the Holy Qur’an Allah (swt) categorized man into three (3) main groups. The believers, the rejecters of faith and those people who testify in the Oneness of God openly, but in reality they act differently.
•• •
“Of the people there are some who say: "We believe In Allah and the Last Day;" but They do not (really) believe”
(Chapter 2, verse 8)
The hypocrites are a very dangerous category of people. They pose as believers. Prophet Muhammad (saw) had a lot of trouble with the hypocrites. They tried to make mischief amongst the people. This is why there is a chapter in the Holy Qur’an entitled ‘The Hypocrites’.
• • •
“When the Hypocrites come to thee, They say, "We bear witness that Thou art indeed the Messenger of Allah." yea, Allah knoweth that Thou art indeed His Messenger, and Allah beareth witness that the Hypocrites are indeed liars”
(Chapter 63, verse 1)
Allah (swt) says that the believers will enter Paradise; the disbelievers will enter Hell, but what about the Hypocrites? Where will they end up? Allah (swt) gives us the answer in Surah Nisa;
• • •
“The Hypocrites will be In the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt Thou find for them”
(Chapter 4, verse 145)
We cannot call someone a hypocrite because only Allah (swt) knows who they are. Be careful of labeling people. Never criticize or condemn anyone.
•
(At-Tauba 101)
Certain of the desert Arabs round about you are Hypocrites. As well as (desert Arabs) among the Madinah folks; they are obstinate in hypocrisy; you do not know them; We know them. Twice shall We punish them. And in addition shall they be sent to a grievous penalty. (9:101)
Try your best to have clean, pure intentions and whatever you do, do it for the pleasure of Allah (swt) especially when you stand for Salaat. Salaat is the greatest blessing a Muslim has in this world. In it we have the blessed opportunity of standing in front of our Lord and speaking directly to Him, glorifying Him and praising Him. Remember one day we would have to leave this world so let us leave in an honorable and beautiful way.
Zikr lesson for the week
الْمُنَافِقُونَ
The Hypocrites ___________________________________________________________________________________
In the beginning of the Holy Qur’an Allah (swt) categorized man into three (3) main groups. The believers, the rejecters of faith and those people who testify in the Oneness of God openly, but in reality they act differently.
•• •
“Of the people there are some who say: "We believe In Allah and the Last Day;" but They do not (really) believe”
(Chapter 2, verse 8)
The hypocrites are a very dangerous category of people. They pose as believers. Prophet Muhammad (saw) had a lot of trouble with the hypocrites. They tried to make mischief amongst the people. This is why there is a chapter in the Holy Qur’an entitled ‘The Hypocrites’.
• • •
“When the Hypocrites come to thee, They say, "We bear witness that Thou art indeed the Messenger of Allah." yea, Allah knoweth that Thou art indeed His Messenger, and Allah beareth witness that the Hypocrites are indeed liars”
(Chapter 63, verse 1)
Allah (swt) says that the believers will enter Paradise; the disbelievers will enter Hell, but what about the Hypocrites? Where will they end up? Allah (swt) gives us the answer in Surah Nisa;
• • •
“The Hypocrites will be In the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt Thou find for them”
(Chapter 4, verse 145)
We cannot call someone a hypocrite because only Allah (swt) knows who they are. Be careful of labeling people. Never criticize or condemn anyone.
•
(At-Tauba 101)
Certain of the desert Arabs round about you are Hypocrites. As well as (desert Arabs) among the Madinah folks; they are obstinate in hypocrisy; you do not know them; We know them. Twice shall We punish them. And in addition shall they be sent to a grievous penalty. (9:101)
Try your best to have clean, pure intentions and whatever you do, do it for the pleasure of Allah (swt) especially when you stand for Salaat. Salaat is the greatest blessing a Muslim has in this world. In it we have the blessed opportunity of standing in front of our Lord and speaking directly to Him, glorifying Him and praising Him. Remember one day we would have to leave this world so let us leave in an honorable and beautiful way.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
A Beautiful
Thursday 25th June 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
A Beautiful Fellowship
___________________________________________________________________________________
We are in the month of Rajab and Prophet Muhammad (saw) has indicated that this month is one of the four (4) blessed months’.
“The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred; the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qi’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab, which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.”
(Bukhari)
It is advisable that we recite lots of darood and pray as much optional salaat as possible.
Allah (swt) says in Surah Nisa;
•
“All who obey Allah and the Apostle are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah, - of the Prophets (Who teach), the sincere (lovers of Truth), the witnesses (Who testify), and the righteous (Who do good): Ah! What a beautiful fellowship!”
(Chapter 4, verse 69)
Allah (swt) has made 7 levels of heaven and, according to the scholars, on the Day of Judgement He will categorized the inhabitants of Paradise into these levels. For example those who give their all in the path of Allah (swt) will not be equal to those who are not serious about their salaat, fasting, zakaat, etc. Those who are prepared to utilize all their assets for Allah (swt) will be placed in a ‘higher level’ than those who are careless. On that Day when Allah (swt) will categorize us some believers will be in the companionship of the Messengers of Allah (swt) as Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said;
Amongst my followers some will have the status of the Messengers of the Bani Israel.
The ayat mention above was revealed because of a particular incident. One day a companion of Prophet (saw) came to him and said “O Prophet (saw) we love you so much, when we die and you die we will be separate”. Another companion said “O Prophet (saw) if I don’t see you for one day I begin to feel anxious, what will happen in the hereafter when we will not meet you anymore”. Thereafter the ayat was revealed.
It implies that in the hereafter it is possible to be in the companionship of the Messengers, including Prophet Muhammad (saw). Ka'ab al Aslami (ra) narrated that he used to carry water for Prophet Muhammad (saw) for ablution and for his need and one day Prophet (saw) told him to ask of him for whatever he wanted. Ka'ab al Aslami (ra) asked to be Prophet’s (saw) companion in Paradise. Prophet (saw) asked if he wished for anything else to which he replied only that. Prophet (saw) then told Ka'ab “help me fulfil this wish for you by performing many prostrations”.
On another occasion Prophet (saw) was asked what will happen on the Day of Judgement to a person who loved the people but is of a higher status from them. Prophet (saw) replied “One is with those he loves.”
What kind of status do you want to have in the next life? Make sincere dua to Allah (swt) because He hears and accepts our duas. When Prophet Muhammad (saw) was departing this physical world he supplicated to Allah (swt) by reciting “Ilah Rafeek il a'ala” – “Join me with the exalted ones”.
We should incorporate this is our supplication to Allah (swt). Keep in mind what kind of preparation you are making for the hereafter and what level of Paradise you wish to attain. If you sincerely strive in the way of your Lord it is possible to be elevated to the status of the Messengers in Paradise. Beg Allah (swt) for strength to strive to earn a place alongside the Messengers and may He forgive us and have mercy on us, and take care of our affairs in this life and the next, insha Allah.
Zikr lesson for the week
A Beautiful Fellowship
___________________________________________________________________________________
We are in the month of Rajab and Prophet Muhammad (saw) has indicated that this month is one of the four (4) blessed months’.
“The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred; the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qi’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab, which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.”
(Bukhari)
It is advisable that we recite lots of darood and pray as much optional salaat as possible.
Allah (swt) says in Surah Nisa;
•
“All who obey Allah and the Apostle are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah, - of the Prophets (Who teach), the sincere (lovers of Truth), the witnesses (Who testify), and the righteous (Who do good): Ah! What a beautiful fellowship!”
(Chapter 4, verse 69)
Allah (swt) has made 7 levels of heaven and, according to the scholars, on the Day of Judgement He will categorized the inhabitants of Paradise into these levels. For example those who give their all in the path of Allah (swt) will not be equal to those who are not serious about their salaat, fasting, zakaat, etc. Those who are prepared to utilize all their assets for Allah (swt) will be placed in a ‘higher level’ than those who are careless. On that Day when Allah (swt) will categorize us some believers will be in the companionship of the Messengers of Allah (swt) as Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said;
Amongst my followers some will have the status of the Messengers of the Bani Israel.
The ayat mention above was revealed because of a particular incident. One day a companion of Prophet (saw) came to him and said “O Prophet (saw) we love you so much, when we die and you die we will be separate”. Another companion said “O Prophet (saw) if I don’t see you for one day I begin to feel anxious, what will happen in the hereafter when we will not meet you anymore”. Thereafter the ayat was revealed.
It implies that in the hereafter it is possible to be in the companionship of the Messengers, including Prophet Muhammad (saw). Ka'ab al Aslami (ra) narrated that he used to carry water for Prophet Muhammad (saw) for ablution and for his need and one day Prophet (saw) told him to ask of him for whatever he wanted. Ka'ab al Aslami (ra) asked to be Prophet’s (saw) companion in Paradise. Prophet (saw) asked if he wished for anything else to which he replied only that. Prophet (saw) then told Ka'ab “help me fulfil this wish for you by performing many prostrations”.
On another occasion Prophet (saw) was asked what will happen on the Day of Judgement to a person who loved the people but is of a higher status from them. Prophet (saw) replied “One is with those he loves.”
What kind of status do you want to have in the next life? Make sincere dua to Allah (swt) because He hears and accepts our duas. When Prophet Muhammad (saw) was departing this physical world he supplicated to Allah (swt) by reciting “Ilah Rafeek il a'ala” – “Join me with the exalted ones”.
We should incorporate this is our supplication to Allah (swt). Keep in mind what kind of preparation you are making for the hereafter and what level of Paradise you wish to attain. If you sincerely strive in the way of your Lord it is possible to be elevated to the status of the Messengers in Paradise. Beg Allah (swt) for strength to strive to earn a place alongside the Messengers and may He forgive us and have mercy on us, and take care of our affairs in this life and the next, insha Allah.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
The Hereafter
Thursday 18th June 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
Preparing for the Hereafter
___________________________________________________________________________________
Allah (swt) says in Al Qur’an;
“Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of Allah) And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception?”
(Chapter 57, verse 20)
Life in this world is only for a short period of time. Unfortunately, there are some who forget this and they focus all their energy and resources in attaining the ‘pleasures’ of this world. Allah (swt) says that it soon becomes a contest between some men to see who has more and the best worldly assets. They take pride from their accumulation of wealth, the success of their children and their physical assets. They pay no heed in preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter.
Allah (swt) goes on to compare the life of this world to a flower. A flower starts its life as an insignificant tiny seed. Through the necessary nutrients the seed slowly starts growing until it blooms into a beautiful flower. After some time the once beautiful, sweet smelling flower begins to slowly wilt and it crumbles away. So too man starts out his life in a helpless state, and through the Grace of Allah (swt) he begins to mature and gains strength and intelligence in the process. Thereafter he begins to deteriorate. He slowly loses the strength and intelligence he once had and his physical features starts diminishing.
Never forget that this moment can be your last and everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve will all be left behind. That is why, as Muslims we must do things that will be of benefit to us in the hereafter. Some people will do anything to acquire wealth and power. Concerning this Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said;
two hungry wolves, if let loose among a flock of sheep, will not do more damage than that which is caused by a man's avarice for wealth and status to his religion, (Tirmidhi).
Some people work their whole life acquiring wealth and soon after they die and leave behind everything they worked so hard to achieve. Others reach a stage of understanding where too much wealth doesn’t bring benefit, e.g. you can have all the wealth in the world but it cannot compensate you for poor health. The danger is that some people believe that because they are wealthy they can do whatever pleases them and they fail to realize that it is out of the Graciousness of Allah (swt) that they have and can benefit from it.
Prophet Muhammad (saw) said
A servant says: My wealth, my wealth, but out of his wealth three things are only his: whatever he eats and makes use of, or by means of which he dresses himself and it wears out or he gives as charity, and this is what he stored for himself (as a reward for the Hereafter), and what is beyond this (it is of no use to you) because you are to depart and leave it for other people. (Sahih Muslim).
It is reported by Abdullah Ibn Umar (ra) that Prophet Muhammad (saw) once took him by his shoulder and said;
“Be in this world as though you are a stranger or a traveller. When the evening come do not expect (to live till) morning and at morning do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health for your illness and from your life for your death”.
Logically we cannot isolate ourselves from this world. We need it in order to gain sustenance, comfort, etc. Allah (swt) is the One who provides these things however it is through the process of working and striving that we are able to access them. We also need to strive for the eternal life that awaits us in the hereafter. It can either be a life of bliss or a life of misery. We need to have the right balance of living in this world and working for the next. Take time out of your daily schedule to worship your Lord so that when you depart this world you would have sent things that would be of benefit to you in the next. Concerning this Allah (swt) say;
• •
“And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah; for Allah sees Well all that ye do.”
(Chapter 2, verse 110)
Zikr lesson for the week
Preparing for the Hereafter
___________________________________________________________________________________
Allah (swt) says in Al Qur’an;
“Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of Allah) And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception?”
(Chapter 57, verse 20)
Life in this world is only for a short period of time. Unfortunately, there are some who forget this and they focus all their energy and resources in attaining the ‘pleasures’ of this world. Allah (swt) says that it soon becomes a contest between some men to see who has more and the best worldly assets. They take pride from their accumulation of wealth, the success of their children and their physical assets. They pay no heed in preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter.
Allah (swt) goes on to compare the life of this world to a flower. A flower starts its life as an insignificant tiny seed. Through the necessary nutrients the seed slowly starts growing until it blooms into a beautiful flower. After some time the once beautiful, sweet smelling flower begins to slowly wilt and it crumbles away. So too man starts out his life in a helpless state, and through the Grace of Allah (swt) he begins to mature and gains strength and intelligence in the process. Thereafter he begins to deteriorate. He slowly loses the strength and intelligence he once had and his physical features starts diminishing.
Never forget that this moment can be your last and everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve will all be left behind. That is why, as Muslims we must do things that will be of benefit to us in the hereafter. Some people will do anything to acquire wealth and power. Concerning this Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said;
two hungry wolves, if let loose among a flock of sheep, will not do more damage than that which is caused by a man's avarice for wealth and status to his religion, (Tirmidhi).
Some people work their whole life acquiring wealth and soon after they die and leave behind everything they worked so hard to achieve. Others reach a stage of understanding where too much wealth doesn’t bring benefit, e.g. you can have all the wealth in the world but it cannot compensate you for poor health. The danger is that some people believe that because they are wealthy they can do whatever pleases them and they fail to realize that it is out of the Graciousness of Allah (swt) that they have and can benefit from it.
Prophet Muhammad (saw) said
A servant says: My wealth, my wealth, but out of his wealth three things are only his: whatever he eats and makes use of, or by means of which he dresses himself and it wears out or he gives as charity, and this is what he stored for himself (as a reward for the Hereafter), and what is beyond this (it is of no use to you) because you are to depart and leave it for other people. (Sahih Muslim).
It is reported by Abdullah Ibn Umar (ra) that Prophet Muhammad (saw) once took him by his shoulder and said;
“Be in this world as though you are a stranger or a traveller. When the evening come do not expect (to live till) morning and at morning do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health for your illness and from your life for your death”.
Logically we cannot isolate ourselves from this world. We need it in order to gain sustenance, comfort, etc. Allah (swt) is the One who provides these things however it is through the process of working and striving that we are able to access them. We also need to strive for the eternal life that awaits us in the hereafter. It can either be a life of bliss or a life of misery. We need to have the right balance of living in this world and working for the next. Take time out of your daily schedule to worship your Lord so that when you depart this world you would have sent things that would be of benefit to you in the next. Concerning this Allah (swt) say;
• •
“And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah; for Allah sees Well all that ye do.”
(Chapter 2, verse 110)
Friday, 19 June 2009
Thursday 12th February 2009
Zikr Lesson for the week
Meeting with Allah (swt)
Part II
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Why is it ‘meeting’ with Allah (swt) necessary? Couldn’t Allah (swt) just enter the righteous into Jannah? In order for us to understand the importance of meeting Allah (swt), we must firstly take into consideration the following ayat from Surah A'raf;
"When thy Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam - from their loins - their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, (saying): "Am I not your Lord (who cherishes and sustains you)?"- They said: "Yea! We do testify!" (This), lest ye should say on the Day of Judgment: "Of this we were never mindful":
(Chapter 7, verse 172)
The ayat above deals with what took place before the progeny of Adam (as) inhabited the earth. Allah (swt) has put in the subconscious of every human being the fact that there is no god but Him. The program of life is to understand how the meeting with Allah (swt) is possible. This was realized and manifested in the Mi`raj of Prophet Muhammad (saw). He was able to return to, and meet his Lord and understand that Allah is Rab. Prophet (saw) is our model and example, and he showed us that it is possible to return to, and meet Allah (swt) with our entire personality.
Allah (swt) says in Surah An'am;
"And behold! ye come to us bare and alone as We created you for the first time: ye have left behind you all (the favours) which We bestowed on you: We see not with you your intercessors whom ye thought to be partners in your affairs: so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (pet) fancies have left you in the lurch!"
(Chapter 6, verse 94)
‘Bare’ in this instance means nothing of this world. All that you have worked for and accumulated will be left behind. It is indeed unfortunate that there are some people who focus all of their attention only on this world and every day we see how unpredictable life can be. It can take only one (1) second for your life to change. People busy themselves with everything except preparing for the hereafter. They learn nothing from the unfortunate trials of others, as Allah (swt) mentions in Surah Yaseen;
See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return:
(Chapter 36, verse 31)
Be careful and cautious in your daily activities and try to make yourself ‘qualify’ to meet your Lord and insha Allah the meeting will be a pleasant one. How is it possible? Allah (swt) gives us the formula in Surah Kahf;
“whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner”.
If you strive in this manner you’ll understand that Allah (swt) will try us and when the trails come our way we will bear it with patience because we know that Allah (swt) is our Lord, and He will never let us down.
Zikr Lesson for the week
Meeting with Allah (swt)
Part II
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Why is it ‘meeting’ with Allah (swt) necessary? Couldn’t Allah (swt) just enter the righteous into Jannah? In order for us to understand the importance of meeting Allah (swt), we must firstly take into consideration the following ayat from Surah A'raf;
"When thy Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam - from their loins - their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, (saying): "Am I not your Lord (who cherishes and sustains you)?"- They said: "Yea! We do testify!" (This), lest ye should say on the Day of Judgment: "Of this we were never mindful":
(Chapter 7, verse 172)
The ayat above deals with what took place before the progeny of Adam (as) inhabited the earth. Allah (swt) has put in the subconscious of every human being the fact that there is no god but Him. The program of life is to understand how the meeting with Allah (swt) is possible. This was realized and manifested in the Mi`raj of Prophet Muhammad (saw). He was able to return to, and meet his Lord and understand that Allah is Rab. Prophet (saw) is our model and example, and he showed us that it is possible to return to, and meet Allah (swt) with our entire personality.
Allah (swt) says in Surah An'am;
"And behold! ye come to us bare and alone as We created you for the first time: ye have left behind you all (the favours) which We bestowed on you: We see not with you your intercessors whom ye thought to be partners in your affairs: so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (pet) fancies have left you in the lurch!"
(Chapter 6, verse 94)
‘Bare’ in this instance means nothing of this world. All that you have worked for and accumulated will be left behind. It is indeed unfortunate that there are some people who focus all of their attention only on this world and every day we see how unpredictable life can be. It can take only one (1) second for your life to change. People busy themselves with everything except preparing for the hereafter. They learn nothing from the unfortunate trials of others, as Allah (swt) mentions in Surah Yaseen;
See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return:
(Chapter 36, verse 31)
Be careful and cautious in your daily activities and try to make yourself ‘qualify’ to meet your Lord and insha Allah the meeting will be a pleasant one. How is it possible? Allah (swt) gives us the formula in Surah Kahf;
“whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner”.
If you strive in this manner you’ll understand that Allah (swt) will try us and when the trails come our way we will bear it with patience because we know that Allah (swt) is our Lord, and He will never let us down.
Thursday 29th May 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
نَفَسُلْ مُطْمَعِنَّهْ
Mutual goodwill between the nafs and ruh ___________________________________________________________________________________
Man can conceptualize things that exist in the material universe; however, we cannot form a mental picture of the things that exist ‘outside’ the material universe. For example when Allah (swt) describes paradise He says that in it contains things that “our eyes haven’t seen”. So, it is difficult to form a concept of those things which we have no knowledge of. When Prophet Muhammad (saw) went on the Mi’raj he described the leaves of the Lot Tree as being as big as the ears of an elephant. How can we explain this? We can only conceptualize and describe those things that Allah (swt) has given us sure knowledge of.
The human personality comprises of two things, one that grew from the material universe and the other came from outside the material universe. Our bodies grew from the material universe and our ruh came from the “command from Allah (swt)”. The ruh is not a material creation and proof of this can be found in Surah Isra;
Allah says:
وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الرُّوحِ قُلِ الرُّوحُ مِنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّي وَمَا أُوتِيتُمْ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً
“They ask thee concerning the ruh . Say: "The Spirit (ruh) (cometh) by command of my Lord: of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you, (O men!)”
(Chapter 17, verse 85)
We cannot explain or describe the ruh through reason and logic because it is not confined to boundaries such as space and time. We can’t ‘experiment’ on it. Even though the ruh is part of our personality there are so many things to it that we cannot understand.
While the ruh possesses immense spiritual powers it still maintains a connection with, and can benefit from the material universe. For example before the ruh came into the material universe where was it? Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said “I was a Prophet while Adam was still between water and clay”. When was Prophet (saw) given the title of rahmatul lil alameen? When he came into the material universe and functioned. Only then his real personality emerged. The ruh needs the material universe to develop, grow and prepare for the next life.
Islam is so different from the other religions. For example the Christians view the world as evil so they must separate from it in order to win the favours of Jesus (as). So, some of them live a life of celibacy and retreat to monasteries. Their philosophy is to subdue the physical self in order to grow the spiritual self. In Islam we need the material universe, which was created by Allah (swt), in order for us to gain physical benefit. The wise person will culture both aspects of the human personality in order to benefit in the next life.
The ruh has tremendous possibilities and it can be the access for us to understand some of the things that we cannot conceive. For example Allah (swt) says in Surah Ghafir;
رَفِيعُ الدَّرَجَاتِ ذُو الْعَرْشِ يُلْقِي الرُّوحَ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَى مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ لِيُنْذِرَ يَوْمَ التَّلاَقِ
“Raised high above ranks (or degrees), (He is) the Lord of the Throne (of Authority): by His Command doth He send the Spirit (of inspiration) to any of His servants He pleases, that it may warn (men) of the Day of Mutual Meeting,”
(Chapter 40, verse 15)
In this case the ‘spirit of inspiration’ refers to Angel Jibreel.
There is no doubt that the universe is beautiful and Allah (swt) has mentioned to us that He has created the universe as a trial from man. He says is Suah Kahf
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى الأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلاً
“That which is on earth We have made but as a glittering show for the earth, in order that We may test them - as to which of them are best in conduct”
(Chapter 18, verse 7)
If you are taken up with material beauty and ignore the spiritual dimension what will become of you in the next life. Our goal in life is to create ‘mutual goodwill’ between the nafs and ruh. They need to work together in order for the human personality to grow. For example through your nafs you will be able to get up to perform the fajir salaat and through this effort the ruh will benefit. Strengthen your ruh through your nafs and on That Day both the ruh and nafs will become one. When Prophet Muhammad (saw) will give the believers a drink from Kawthar all the barriers between the ruh and nafs wil be removed. No longer will the nafs contradict the ruh. That drink will purify you.
Remember we will be tested by Allah (swt) and we should use these trials as a means of aligning the nafs with the ruh. Purify yourself so that your ruh and nafs can work together, hand in hand, and through this you will be able to build a strong personality, and on the Promised Day, you will achieve Hayatan Tayyiba – a life that is good and pure.
Zikr lesson for the week
نَفَسُلْ مُطْمَعِنَّهْ
Mutual goodwill between the nafs and ruh ___________________________________________________________________________________
Man can conceptualize things that exist in the material universe; however, we cannot form a mental picture of the things that exist ‘outside’ the material universe. For example when Allah (swt) describes paradise He says that in it contains things that “our eyes haven’t seen”. So, it is difficult to form a concept of those things which we have no knowledge of. When Prophet Muhammad (saw) went on the Mi’raj he described the leaves of the Lot Tree as being as big as the ears of an elephant. How can we explain this? We can only conceptualize and describe those things that Allah (swt) has given us sure knowledge of.
The human personality comprises of two things, one that grew from the material universe and the other came from outside the material universe. Our bodies grew from the material universe and our ruh came from the “command from Allah (swt)”. The ruh is not a material creation and proof of this can be found in Surah Isra;
Allah says:
وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الرُّوحِ قُلِ الرُّوحُ مِنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّي وَمَا أُوتِيتُمْ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً
“They ask thee concerning the ruh . Say: "The Spirit (ruh) (cometh) by command of my Lord: of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you, (O men!)”
(Chapter 17, verse 85)
We cannot explain or describe the ruh through reason and logic because it is not confined to boundaries such as space and time. We can’t ‘experiment’ on it. Even though the ruh is part of our personality there are so many things to it that we cannot understand.
While the ruh possesses immense spiritual powers it still maintains a connection with, and can benefit from the material universe. For example before the ruh came into the material universe where was it? Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said “I was a Prophet while Adam was still between water and clay”. When was Prophet (saw) given the title of rahmatul lil alameen? When he came into the material universe and functioned. Only then his real personality emerged. The ruh needs the material universe to develop, grow and prepare for the next life.
Islam is so different from the other religions. For example the Christians view the world as evil so they must separate from it in order to win the favours of Jesus (as). So, some of them live a life of celibacy and retreat to monasteries. Their philosophy is to subdue the physical self in order to grow the spiritual self. In Islam we need the material universe, which was created by Allah (swt), in order for us to gain physical benefit. The wise person will culture both aspects of the human personality in order to benefit in the next life.
The ruh has tremendous possibilities and it can be the access for us to understand some of the things that we cannot conceive. For example Allah (swt) says in Surah Ghafir;
رَفِيعُ الدَّرَجَاتِ ذُو الْعَرْشِ يُلْقِي الرُّوحَ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَى مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ لِيُنْذِرَ يَوْمَ التَّلاَقِ
“Raised high above ranks (or degrees), (He is) the Lord of the Throne (of Authority): by His Command doth He send the Spirit (of inspiration) to any of His servants He pleases, that it may warn (men) of the Day of Mutual Meeting,”
(Chapter 40, verse 15)
In this case the ‘spirit of inspiration’ refers to Angel Jibreel.
There is no doubt that the universe is beautiful and Allah (swt) has mentioned to us that He has created the universe as a trial from man. He says is Suah Kahf
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى الأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلاً
“That which is on earth We have made but as a glittering show for the earth, in order that We may test them - as to which of them are best in conduct”
(Chapter 18, verse 7)
If you are taken up with material beauty and ignore the spiritual dimension what will become of you in the next life. Our goal in life is to create ‘mutual goodwill’ between the nafs and ruh. They need to work together in order for the human personality to grow. For example through your nafs you will be able to get up to perform the fajir salaat and through this effort the ruh will benefit. Strengthen your ruh through your nafs and on That Day both the ruh and nafs will become one. When Prophet Muhammad (saw) will give the believers a drink from Kawthar all the barriers between the ruh and nafs wil be removed. No longer will the nafs contradict the ruh. That drink will purify you.
Remember we will be tested by Allah (swt) and we should use these trials as a means of aligning the nafs with the ruh. Purify yourself so that your ruh and nafs can work together, hand in hand, and through this you will be able to build a strong personality, and on the Promised Day, you will achieve Hayatan Tayyiba – a life that is good and pure.
Thursday 23rd October 2008
Zikr Lesson for the week
Cultivating your focus
_______________________________________________________________________________
When Allah created Hazrat Adam, He created the entire human species in the loin’s Adam’s. Allah says:
And remember when your Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam from their loins, their seed and made them testify as to themselves (saying), Am I not your Lord? They said: Yes; We testify, lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: Verily, we were unaware of this. (7:172)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
It will be said to a man from the people of the Fire on the Day of Resurrection, If you owned all that is on the earth, would you pay it as ransom? He will reply, Yes Allah will say, I ordered you with what is less than that, when you were still in Adam's loins, that is, associate none with Me (in worship). You insisted that you associate with Me. (Ahmad3:127)
When Allah created Adam, He wiped Adam's back and every person that He will create from him until the Day of Resurrection fell out from his back……
This can possibly mean that we existed at that time as ‘data’ (possibly as the numerous combinations of genes and chromosomes that make up each human body) or as a ‘formula’, or in some form known to the Lord, as He is the Knower and Creator of all things.
We all started our journey with the Adam (pbuh). All this time we were in existence, coming down generation after generation. Our real journey began when the soul entered the body while we were in the womb of our mothers. Take for example oxygen and hydrogen; if both are combined with a particular proportion H2O (water) is formed. The same concept of existence as a formula is applicable to human beings.
We are not responsible for our shape, form, intellect, or vision. All these attributes of ours were coming down through the ages, since Allah (swt) created Adam (pbuh). Is it Allah (swt) Who decreed when we would appear in the dimension of space and time, in a particular way, and in a particular place.
Our conscious journey started when we were able to choose and understand. So whatever situation we may be in we must always beg Allah (swt) to help us to keep our focus. Some things we have no control over. What is important is to be grateful for what Allah (swt) has provided for us and utilize it to make the remainder of the journey beneficial.
The journey doesn’t stop when the soul leaves the body and does not return to it. It is accustomed to leave the body in our physical life any This is mentioned in Surah Az-Zumar;
اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الأَنْفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَا فَيُمْسِكُ الَّتِي قَضَى عَلَيْهَا الْمَوْتَ وَيُرْسِلُ الأُخْرَى إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآياتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
It is Allah that takes the souls (of men) at death; and those that die not (He takes) during their sleep: those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back (from returning to life), but the rest He sends (to their bodies) for a term appointed verily in this are Signs for those who reflect
(Chapter 39, verse 42)
One day our souls will leave and won’t return. However our journey still continues. Even after resurrection the journey continues. You will continue until you cross the Pul Sirat, and then your journey will come to an end.
Our program in this life is to prepare ourselves. This is why it is imperative to never lose our focus, which is Allah (swt). Prophet Muhammad (saw) taught us to focus on our Creator. when he went on the Miraj he was alone with the Lord. As we are supposed to understand that we are living in the presence of the Divine, we feel so when we are in worship (Salaat).
He (saw) tells us that salaat is our Miraj. One of the benefits of salaat is that it allows us to concentrate on the existence of Allah, and that He is always in front of us.
We physically focus on the Kabaa and we know that Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said that Allah (swt) comes between you and the Kaba when you stand for salaat. With this in mind it is important to draw reference to Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib (as).
In the Battle of Siffin an arrowhead pierced the thigh of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as). It was not possible to pull it out because of the unbearable pain it caused. When Imam Hasan (as) was consulted in the matter, he told the people to just wait till his father stands for prayer and to remove the arrow while Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) was praying.
Accordingly the arrow was pulled out while Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) praying and he was totally oblivious of the excruciating pain. When Hazrat Ali (as) stood for prayers, the world ceased to exist for him, his entire being was totally immersed in the contact he had established with his Creator and his relationship with Him.
If you can cultivate and culture the ability to focus and concentrate on Allah, you will find that you will be fighting a battle with the Satan, as he wants to divert you from your goal.
By concentrating on the Qalb you will be able to better focus on the Lord. As you try to do so, you will find that your minds begin to waver and all kinds of thoughts come into it. This is the working of the Satan, who is trying to divert you. You will find that it takes a lot of effort to keep your focus. You must know that this is you internal jihad. This is one reasonas why meditation is important. It allows us to develop your focus.
Allah (swt) is Al Lateef, i.e. He is the Most Loving, Most Kind and Most Tender. No one can love like Him, and know that He loves His creatures. He will never let you down. This is why the 5th stage in spirituality is called ‘realization’. When you realize that you are nothing and that Allah (swt) is everything, you will know that your importance is solely because of His Mercies on you, and that your success is because He has been gracious to you.
You will want to please Him and get closer to Him, you will begin to have overflowing love for Him. Begin this process by concentrating on your Qalb and proceed as He will allow you to do.
Zikr Lesson for the week
Cultivating your focus
_______________________________________________________________________________
When Allah created Hazrat Adam, He created the entire human species in the loin’s Adam’s. Allah says:
And remember when your Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam from their loins, their seed and made them testify as to themselves (saying), Am I not your Lord? They said: Yes; We testify, lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: Verily, we were unaware of this. (7:172)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
It will be said to a man from the people of the Fire on the Day of Resurrection, If you owned all that is on the earth, would you pay it as ransom? He will reply, Yes Allah will say, I ordered you with what is less than that, when you were still in Adam's loins, that is, associate none with Me (in worship). You insisted that you associate with Me. (Ahmad3:127)
When Allah created Adam, He wiped Adam's back and every person that He will create from him until the Day of Resurrection fell out from his back……
This can possibly mean that we existed at that time as ‘data’ (possibly as the numerous combinations of genes and chromosomes that make up each human body) or as a ‘formula’, or in some form known to the Lord, as He is the Knower and Creator of all things.
We all started our journey with the Adam (pbuh). All this time we were in existence, coming down generation after generation. Our real journey began when the soul entered the body while we were in the womb of our mothers. Take for example oxygen and hydrogen; if both are combined with a particular proportion H2O (water) is formed. The same concept of existence as a formula is applicable to human beings.
We are not responsible for our shape, form, intellect, or vision. All these attributes of ours were coming down through the ages, since Allah (swt) created Adam (pbuh). Is it Allah (swt) Who decreed when we would appear in the dimension of space and time, in a particular way, and in a particular place.
Our conscious journey started when we were able to choose and understand. So whatever situation we may be in we must always beg Allah (swt) to help us to keep our focus. Some things we have no control over. What is important is to be grateful for what Allah (swt) has provided for us and utilize it to make the remainder of the journey beneficial.
The journey doesn’t stop when the soul leaves the body and does not return to it. It is accustomed to leave the body in our physical life any This is mentioned in Surah Az-Zumar;
اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الأَنْفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَا فَيُمْسِكُ الَّتِي قَضَى عَلَيْهَا الْمَوْتَ وَيُرْسِلُ الأُخْرَى إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآياتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
It is Allah that takes the souls (of men) at death; and those that die not (He takes) during their sleep: those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back (from returning to life), but the rest He sends (to their bodies) for a term appointed verily in this are Signs for those who reflect
(Chapter 39, verse 42)
One day our souls will leave and won’t return. However our journey still continues. Even after resurrection the journey continues. You will continue until you cross the Pul Sirat, and then your journey will come to an end.
Our program in this life is to prepare ourselves. This is why it is imperative to never lose our focus, which is Allah (swt). Prophet Muhammad (saw) taught us to focus on our Creator. when he went on the Miraj he was alone with the Lord. As we are supposed to understand that we are living in the presence of the Divine, we feel so when we are in worship (Salaat).
He (saw) tells us that salaat is our Miraj. One of the benefits of salaat is that it allows us to concentrate on the existence of Allah, and that He is always in front of us.
We physically focus on the Kabaa and we know that Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said that Allah (swt) comes between you and the Kaba when you stand for salaat. With this in mind it is important to draw reference to Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib (as).
In the Battle of Siffin an arrowhead pierced the thigh of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as). It was not possible to pull it out because of the unbearable pain it caused. When Imam Hasan (as) was consulted in the matter, he told the people to just wait till his father stands for prayer and to remove the arrow while Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) was praying.
Accordingly the arrow was pulled out while Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) praying and he was totally oblivious of the excruciating pain. When Hazrat Ali (as) stood for prayers, the world ceased to exist for him, his entire being was totally immersed in the contact he had established with his Creator and his relationship with Him.
If you can cultivate and culture the ability to focus and concentrate on Allah, you will find that you will be fighting a battle with the Satan, as he wants to divert you from your goal.
By concentrating on the Qalb you will be able to better focus on the Lord. As you try to do so, you will find that your minds begin to waver and all kinds of thoughts come into it. This is the working of the Satan, who is trying to divert you. You will find that it takes a lot of effort to keep your focus. You must know that this is you internal jihad. This is one reasonas why meditation is important. It allows us to develop your focus.
Allah (swt) is Al Lateef, i.e. He is the Most Loving, Most Kind and Most Tender. No one can love like Him, and know that He loves His creatures. He will never let you down. This is why the 5th stage in spirituality is called ‘realization’. When you realize that you are nothing and that Allah (swt) is everything, you will know that your importance is solely because of His Mercies on you, and that your success is because He has been gracious to you.
You will want to please Him and get closer to Him, you will begin to have overflowing love for Him. Begin this process by concentrating on your Qalb and proceed as He will allow you to do.
Thursday 23rd October 2008
Zikr Lesson for the week
Cultivating your focus
_______________________________________________________________________________
When Allah created Hazrat Adam, He created the entire human species in the loin’s Adam’s. Allah says:
And remember when your Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam from their loins, their seed and made them testify as to themselves (saying), Am I not your Lord? They said: Yes; We testify, lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: Verily, we were unaware of this. (7:172)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
It will be said to a man from the people of the Fire on the Day of Resurrection, If you owned all that is on the earth, would you pay it as ransom? He will reply, Yes Allah will say, I ordered you with what is less than that, when you were still in Adam's loins, that is, associate none with Me (in worship). You insisted that you associate with Me. (Ahmad3:127)
When Allah created Adam, He wiped Adam's back and every person that He will create from him until the Day of Resurrection fell out from his back……
This can possibly mean that we existed at that time as ‘data’ (possibly as the numerous combinations of genes and chromosomes that make up each human body) or as a ‘formula’, or in some form known to the Lord, as He is the Knower and Creator of all things.
We all started our journey with the Adam (pbuh). All this time we were in existence, coming down generation after generation. Our real journey began when the soul entered the body while we were in the womb of our mothers. Take for example oxygen and hydrogen; if both are combined with a particular proportion H2O (water) is formed. The same concept of existence as a formula is applicable to human beings.
We are not responsible for our shape, form, intellect, or vision. All these attributes of ours were coming down through the ages, since Allah (swt) created Adam (pbuh). Is it Allah (swt) Who decreed when we would appear in the dimension of space and time, in a particular way, and in a particular place.
Our conscious journey started when we were able to choose and understand. So whatever situation we may be in we must always beg Allah (swt) to help us to keep our focus. Some things we have no control over. What is important is to be grateful for what Allah (swt) has provided for us and utilize it to make the remainder of the journey beneficial.
The journey doesn’t stop when the soul leaves the body and does not return to it. It is accustomed to leave the body in our physical life any This is mentioned in Surah Az-Zumar;
اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الأَنْفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَا فَيُمْسِكُ الَّتِي قَضَى عَلَيْهَا الْمَوْتَ وَيُرْسِلُ الأُخْرَى إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآياتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
It is Allah that takes the souls (of men) at death; and those that die not (He takes) during their sleep: those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back (from returning to life), but the rest He sends (to their bodies) for a term appointed verily in this are Signs for those who reflect
(Chapter 39, verse 42)
One day our souls will leave and won’t return. However our journey still continues. Even after resurrection the journey continues. You will continue until you cross the Pul Sirat, and then your journey will come to an end.
Our program in this life is to prepare ourselves. This is why it is imperative to never lose our focus, which is Allah (swt). Prophet Muhammad (saw) taught us to focus on our Creator. when he went on the Miraj he was alone with the Lord. As we are supposed to understand that we are living in the presence of the Divine, we feel so when we are in worship (Salaat).
He (saw) tells us that salaat is our Miraj. One of the benefits of salaat is that it allows us to concentrate on the existence of Allah, and that He is always in front of us.
We physically focus on the Kabaa and we know that Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said that Allah (swt) comes between you and the Kaba when you stand for salaat. With this in mind it is important to draw reference to Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib (as).
In the Battle of Siffin an arrowhead pierced the thigh of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as). It was not possible to pull it out because of the unbearable pain it caused. When Imam Hasan (as) was consulted in the matter, he told the people to just wait till his father stands for prayer and to remove the arrow while Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) was praying.
Accordingly the arrow was pulled out while Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) praying and he was totally oblivious of the excruciating pain. When Hazrat Ali (as) stood for prayers, the world ceased to exist for him, his entire being was totally immersed in the contact he had established with his Creator and his relationship with Him.
If you can cultivate and culture the ability to focus and concentrate on Allah, you will find that you will be fighting a battle with the Satan, as he wants to divert you from your goal.
By concentrating on the Qalb you will be able to better focus on the Lord. As you try to do so, you will find that your minds begin to waver and all kinds of thoughts come into it. This is the working of the Satan, who is trying to divert you. You will find that it takes a lot of effort to keep your focus. You must know that this is you internal jihad. This is one reasonas why meditation is important. It allows us to develop your focus.
Allah (swt) is Al Lateef, i.e. He is the Most Loving, Most Kind and Most Tender. No one can love like Him, and know that He loves His creatures. He will never let you down. This is why the 5th stage in spirituality is called ‘realization’. When you realize that you are nothing and that Allah (swt) is everything, you will know that your importance is solely because of His Mercies on you, and that your success is because He has been gracious to you.
You will want to please Him and get closer to Him, you will begin to have overflowing love for Him. Begin this process by concentrating on your Qalb and proceed as He will allow you to do.
Zikr Lesson for the week
Cultivating your focus
_______________________________________________________________________________
When Allah created Hazrat Adam, He created the entire human species in the loin’s Adam’s. Allah says:
And remember when your Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam from their loins, their seed and made them testify as to themselves (saying), Am I not your Lord? They said: Yes; We testify, lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: Verily, we were unaware of this. (7:172)
Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
It will be said to a man from the people of the Fire on the Day of Resurrection, If you owned all that is on the earth, would you pay it as ransom? He will reply, Yes Allah will say, I ordered you with what is less than that, when you were still in Adam's loins, that is, associate none with Me (in worship). You insisted that you associate with Me. (Ahmad3:127)
When Allah created Adam, He wiped Adam's back and every person that He will create from him until the Day of Resurrection fell out from his back……
This can possibly mean that we existed at that time as ‘data’ (possibly as the numerous combinations of genes and chromosomes that make up each human body) or as a ‘formula’, or in some form known to the Lord, as He is the Knower and Creator of all things.
We all started our journey with the Adam (pbuh). All this time we were in existence, coming down generation after generation. Our real journey began when the soul entered the body while we were in the womb of our mothers. Take for example oxygen and hydrogen; if both are combined with a particular proportion H2O (water) is formed. The same concept of existence as a formula is applicable to human beings.
We are not responsible for our shape, form, intellect, or vision. All these attributes of ours were coming down through the ages, since Allah (swt) created Adam (pbuh). Is it Allah (swt) Who decreed when we would appear in the dimension of space and time, in a particular way, and in a particular place.
Our conscious journey started when we were able to choose and understand. So whatever situation we may be in we must always beg Allah (swt) to help us to keep our focus. Some things we have no control over. What is important is to be grateful for what Allah (swt) has provided for us and utilize it to make the remainder of the journey beneficial.
The journey doesn’t stop when the soul leaves the body and does not return to it. It is accustomed to leave the body in our physical life any This is mentioned in Surah Az-Zumar;
اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الأَنْفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَا فَيُمْسِكُ الَّتِي قَضَى عَلَيْهَا الْمَوْتَ وَيُرْسِلُ الأُخْرَى إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآياتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
It is Allah that takes the souls (of men) at death; and those that die not (He takes) during their sleep: those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back (from returning to life), but the rest He sends (to their bodies) for a term appointed verily in this are Signs for those who reflect
(Chapter 39, verse 42)
One day our souls will leave and won’t return. However our journey still continues. Even after resurrection the journey continues. You will continue until you cross the Pul Sirat, and then your journey will come to an end.
Our program in this life is to prepare ourselves. This is why it is imperative to never lose our focus, which is Allah (swt). Prophet Muhammad (saw) taught us to focus on our Creator. when he went on the Miraj he was alone with the Lord. As we are supposed to understand that we are living in the presence of the Divine, we feel so when we are in worship (Salaat).
He (saw) tells us that salaat is our Miraj. One of the benefits of salaat is that it allows us to concentrate on the existence of Allah, and that He is always in front of us.
We physically focus on the Kabaa and we know that Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said that Allah (swt) comes between you and the Kaba when you stand for salaat. With this in mind it is important to draw reference to Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib (as).
In the Battle of Siffin an arrowhead pierced the thigh of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as). It was not possible to pull it out because of the unbearable pain it caused. When Imam Hasan (as) was consulted in the matter, he told the people to just wait till his father stands for prayer and to remove the arrow while Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) was praying.
Accordingly the arrow was pulled out while Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) praying and he was totally oblivious of the excruciating pain. When Hazrat Ali (as) stood for prayers, the world ceased to exist for him, his entire being was totally immersed in the contact he had established with his Creator and his relationship with Him.
If you can cultivate and culture the ability to focus and concentrate on Allah, you will find that you will be fighting a battle with the Satan, as he wants to divert you from your goal.
By concentrating on the Qalb you will be able to better focus on the Lord. As you try to do so, you will find that your minds begin to waver and all kinds of thoughts come into it. This is the working of the Satan, who is trying to divert you. You will find that it takes a lot of effort to keep your focus. You must know that this is you internal jihad. This is one reasonas why meditation is important. It allows us to develop your focus.
Allah (swt) is Al Lateef, i.e. He is the Most Loving, Most Kind and Most Tender. No one can love like Him, and know that He loves His creatures. He will never let you down. This is why the 5th stage in spirituality is called ‘realization’. When you realize that you are nothing and that Allah (swt) is everything, you will know that your importance is solely because of His Mercies on you, and that your success is because He has been gracious to you.
You will want to please Him and get closer to Him, you will begin to have overflowing love for Him. Begin this process by concentrating on your Qalb and proceed as He will allow you to do.
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