Mushtaq Ahmed Interview

Read this interesting interview where Mushtaq Ahmed (former Pakistani cricketer) talks about his career and religion:

How did the change from a boisterous young cricketer to this serene alter ego come about? Some have said the match-fixing controversy of the 1990s damaged Mushtaq, and that his religious turn was inspired by a desire for redemption. He only offers a lack of peace of mind as the reason. "I had got wickets, I had played for Pakistan, but peace was missing. If you have a new car and are getting worried that someone will smash it, then what's the use of that car?"

Read full interview at CricInfo:
http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/current/story/373799.html

Eid Mubarak

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Taqwa -- A State of Submission

By AbuBakr Karolia

South Africa, July, 2003

Taqwa is an Arabic word which is explained as a shield against wrongdoing and further expounded as to be "conscious of Allah" or to have "fear of Allah" or to be "cautiously aware of Allah".

The origin of the word Taqwa is from the Arabic root letters wa' ka' ya (meaning shield) and its verb is from the word "Ittaki". Ittaki means to be careful or to be protected or to be cautious. Taqwa is an internal compass on the path that leads towards Allah. The broader meaning and character of Taqwa is to develop one's behaviour, so as to be cautiously aware in the worship of Allah and attain nearness to Him and in so doing, perfect oneself.

This consciousness and fear of Allah is understood as a protection and a shield against wrongdoing. The abstention of evil through this fear, consciousness and establishing a cautious awareness of Allah, ultimately develops one's love of Him.

The universal principle of submission to the Divine Will is beautifully expressed in the character of one who is a servant of Allah, known as an "Abd-Allah" which is an ideal state of Taqwa.

Abu Darda (R) said: "From the completion of Taqwa is that the servant fears from His Lord even with regards to things, the weight of an atom." Abu Darda's advice for servants who wish to accomplish a character of Taqwa should fear to commit the smallest of sins.

The messenger of Allah said in a Hadith, reported in the Sahih Muslim that, "Taqwa is here", and he pointed to his chest.

Taqwa is profoundly explained in a discussion, between Umar (R) and Kaab (R) who were companions of the Prophet (S) of Islam. Umar (R) asked Kaab (R), the meaning of Taqwa as he was renowned for his deep understanding of the Qur`an Al Kareem.

Kaab (R) then inquired from Umar (R), whether he had walked through a thorny bush path with his cloak. Umar (R) replied that he had done so on numerous occasions. Kaab (R) asked Umar (R) to describe his movements through this thorny path. Umar (R) replied that he moved very cautiously, so as not to tear his clothing. Kaab (R) said that was the description and the meaning of Taqwa.

The path that inculcates and embraces a character of Taqwa is one that must be carefully and cautiously treaded. On this path one must be completely aware of oneself and one's surroundings, to be disciplined with the correct action and behaviour which will achieve one's closeness to Allah.

Taqwa is one of the most profound concepts in Islam. It is an avenue by which Muslims relate to one another in society and a means to channel actions for the pleasure of Allah. Possessors of Tawqa are called Al-Muttaqun or Muttaqeen.

The following verse of the Qur`an Surah 2 Al Bakarah, Verse 183 confirms that Taqwa is for everyone and not for a select group:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa."

This verse confirms two points. Firstly, that fasting is for everyone and secondly, that the development and attaining of Taqwa is an essential part for all who aspire for tranquillity and a contented heart. To establish Taqwa is for the rich and the poor, the knowledgeable and the uneducated, the leader and the follower, the ruler and the ruled, the old and the young, the man and the women. All must develop and enhance Taqwa.

The most honoured in the sight of Allah is the believer with the most Taqwa, i.e. the most conscious and aware of Him.

The Glorious Qur`an illustrates this in Surah 49 Al Hujurat (the Inner Apartments), Verse 13:

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you (Muttaqi). And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."

The ideal Islamic society is a Taqwa conscious society, conferring its highest respect on those considered to be high in Taqwa.

Though Taqwa is a state of the heart, we cannot judge the Taqwa of others, but many aspects of Taqwa will have a reflection in their character and behaviour. The Qur`an though, prohibits anyone from claims of self-purity.

In Surah 53 An Najm (The Clans), Verse 32 reminds us that:

"Hold not yourself purified. Allah knows best who has Taqwa."

In Islam there is only one Shari'ah (Divine Law) and one scale of righteousness for everyone and that is measured through a character of Taqwa.

The word Taqwa has been mentioned 151 times in the Noble Qur`an. Allah has taken us through the various aspects of His Guidance and Blessings in the Glorious Qur`an. The Qur`anic descriptions of Taqwa are so precise and distinct that it is an indication of the importance of the involvement of this concept in the life of Muslims. These numerous verses elaborate the different dynamics and dimensions of inner meanings of Taqwa that enables Muslims to be an ideal and a living example as a vicegerent of Allah.

The four verses in Surah 2 Al Bakarah Verse 2-5 summarises the guiding principle in the Noble Qur`an for the people of Taqwa:

2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear (or are conscious) of Allah (Taqwa).

3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;

4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.

5. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.

The Muttaqun are those that believe, fear Allah and look to what He has ordained in carrying out His actions to avoid His displeasure and sadness. These people are involved and active in his/her life with the Ummah (the Muslim community), concerned with the affairs of humanity, whilst at the same time praying , fasting, spending in Allah's cause, having good morals, are forgiving and just. All these descriptions can be attributed to a person who has Taqwa and will be assured and successful in the Hereafter.

Hence, for the moral development and correct behaviour of a good Muslim it necessary that he strictly analyse and establish his Taqwa, but never claims to be a possessor of it.

 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA.

http://www.nuradeen.com/contributions/Taqwa.htm

Losing Weight During Ramadan

Read this interesting article:

http://www.islamonline.net/english/Science/2001/12/article5.shtml

Ramadhan Documents

Ramadhan for Body and Soul (.pps)

Ramadhan Action Checklist (.pdf)

If you have any problems accessing these files, please let me know via e-mail (sampowa@googlemail.com) and I'll send them to you.

Brick and the Jaguar

Source: Qisas.com

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something.

As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead a brick smashed into the Jag’s side door! He slammed on the brakes and drove the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.

The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, “What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That’s a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost me a lot of money. Why did you do it?”

The young boy was apologetic. “Please mister. . . . please, I’m sorry.

I didn’t know what else to do. I threw the brick because no one else would stop” With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. “It’s my brother. He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can’t lift him up.”

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive “Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He’s hurt and he’s too heavy for me.”

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out his handkerchief and wiped at the fresh scrapes and cuts. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar.

The damage was very noticeable but the driver never repaired the dented side door. There are many lessons in this story; but he kept the dent to remind him of this message:

Don’t go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention. Every day we are reminded of the ‘whispers’ of our experiences around us. When our Creator has blessed us with ’sight’; then why do we continue life blindly. Sometimes when we don’t take the time to take heed, A ‘brick’ is thrown at us ; so that we may take lessons therefrom.

Listen to the ‘whisper’…….. or wait for the ‘brick’……

Drops of Wisdom

Watch your eye, should it ever reveal to you the faults of others, say to it: “O my eye, other people have eyes too.” [Ahmad al Zarruq]

“The word “shams” (sun) is feminine, and “qamar” (moon) is masculine. The sun burns itself out to give light and life to everything around, and the moon is muneer, meaning it reflects the light. Within itself it has no light; it radiates the brilliance of the sun. So when we shine as men, the implication is that we are reflecting the glorious light of our women. May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala be pleased with them.”- [Shaykh Abdullah Adhami]

Find more inspirational quotes at Drops of Wisdom

The Beautiful Story of Abu Ghayth

Source: Qisas.com

From the signs of truthfulness is fear of Allah and asceticism in life; for the truthful with conviction fears consuming from what is impermissible and bears poverty and hardship for the sake of Islam. If he commits sin then he does not sleep until he returns to his Lord and repents, in order to free himself from the sin, and its burden.

Ibn Jarir at-Tabari: I was in Makkah during the season of Hajj and I saw a man from Khurasaan calling out to the people: “Oh pilgrims, oh people of Makkah – from those who are present and those far off, I have lost a pouch that contains a thousand dinars. So whoever returns the pouch, Allah will reward them with good, save them from the hell fire, and His bounty and favours will be acquired on the Day of Accounting (Day of Judgment).”

An old man from the people of Makkah approached him and said: “Oh Khurasaani, our city is in a very tough condition, and the days of hajj are few, and its season is appointed, and the doors of profit-making are closed. This money might fall in the hands of a believer who is poor and old in age. Maybe he plans to give it if you make a promise that you will give him a little bit of money that is halal (permissible) for him to use.”

The Khurasaani said: “How much does he want?”

The old man said: “He wants one-tenth of the money (a hundred dinars).”

The Khurasaani said: “No. I will not grant him the money and instead I will take my case to Allah, and complain to Him on the day we meet Him, and Allah is sufficient for us and the best one to trust in.“

Ibn Jarir at-Tabari said: “I realised that it was the old man who was poor, and he was the one who took the pouch of dinars and wishes to have a little portion of it. So I followed him until he returned to his home. My assumptions were confirmed. I heard him calling onto his wife:”Oh Lubabah.”

She said: “I am at your service, O Abu Ghayth.”

The old man said: I found the owner of the dinars calling for it, and he does not intend to give any reward to the person who finds it. I said to him “Give us a hundred dinars and he refused and said he would take his case to Allah. What should I do O Lubabah? I must return it, for I fear my Lord, and I fear that my sin is multiplied.

His wife said to him: Oh Man! We have been struggling and suffering from poverty with you for the last 50 years, and you have 4 daughters, 2 sisters, my mother and I, and you are the ninth. Keep all the money and feed us for we are hungry, and clothe us for you know better our situation. Perhaps Allah, the All-Mighty, will make you rich afterwards and you might be able to give the money back after you fed your children, or Allah will pay the amount you owe on the day when the kingdom will belong to the King (Allah).

He said to her: Will I consume haram after 86 years of my life, and burn my organs with fire after I have been patient with my poverty, and become worthy of Allah’s anger, even though I am close to my grave?! No, By Allah, I will not do so!

Ibn Jarir at-Tabari said: I left with amazement concerning his condition and that of his wife. At a later point during the day, I heard the owner of the pouch calling out…

Saying: “O people of Makkah, O pilgrims, whoever of you find a pouch containing a thousand dinars, let him return it and they shall surely find great reward with Allah.”

The old man said: Oh Khurasaani, I have addressed you the other day and advised you that our land is low on cultivation, so reward the person who found the pouch so that he is not tempted to break the laws of Allah. I have advised you to pay the person who finds it a hundred dinars but you refused. If your money falls into hands of a person who fears Allah the All-Mighty, will you give him 10 dinars at least, instead of a 100?

The Khurasaani said: I will not do so, and I will complain to Allah on the day I meet him, and Allah is sufficient for us and the best one to trust in.“

Ibn Jarir at-Tabari said: The people dispersed and left. Later on during the hours of the day, once again, the Khurasaani made the same call, saying:

“O people of Makkah, O pilgrims, whoever of you find a pouch containing a thousand dinars, let him return it and they shall surely find great reward with Allah.”

The old man came again and said: O Khurasaani, I said to you the day before yesterday to reward the finder a hundred dinars and you refused. Then I advised you to give him ten dinars and you refused, so will you give only one dinar so that he can buy with half of it things he needs and with the other half, sheep milk, so that he can give to the people and feed his children?

The Khurasaani said: I will not do so, and I will complain to Allah on the day I meet him, and Allah is sufficient for us and the best one to trust in. “

The old man angrily said: Come you, and take your money so that I can sleep at night, for I have not had a good mood ever since I found this money.

Ibn Jarir said: So the old man went with the owner of the money and I followed them until the old man entered his house, dug a hole and pulled out the money and said: Take your money and ask Allah to forgive me and bless me from His bounty.

The Khurasaani took the money and intended to leave, but when he reached the door he said: O old man, my father died, May Allah have mercy on him, and left behind three thousand dinars and said to me: Take out a third of this money and give it to a person from the people who is most deserving of it. Therefore I tied it in a pouch so that I may spend it on someone who is worthy of it. By Allah, I have not seen a person, since I left Khurasaan until now, who is more worthy of it than you. So take it, May Allah’s blessing be upon you, and May He reward for the trust you kept, and your patience during poverty. The Khurasaani man left without the money.

The old man wept and prayed to Allah, saying: May Allah bless the owner of the money in his grave, and May Allah bless his son.

Ibn Jarir said: I left after the Khurasaani but Abu Ghayth (the old man) followed me and brought me back. He asked me to sit down, and said: I have seen you following me since the first day; you have come to know of our situation yesterday and today. I have heard that the Prophet said: “If you are gifted from the provision of Allah, without begging or asking, then accept it and do not reject it.” So this is a gift from Allah to all those attending.

The old man called: O Lubabah, O so and so, O so and so. He called on his daughters and his sisters and wife and her mother, and sat down and made me sit down. We were 10. He opened the bag, and said spread your clothing over your laps.

So I (Ibn Jarir) did, but the girls did not have proper clothing that would enable them to do that, so they extended their hands. The old man gave dinar by dinar in order until he reached me (Ibn Jarir) and said: “Here is a dinar.” The process continued until the bag was empty and I received a hundred dinars.

Ibn Jarir at-Tabari said: So joy filled my heart because of the provision they received more than the joy I had because I received a hundred dinars.

When I was leaving the old man said: O young man. You are blessed; keep this money with you for it is halal. And know that I use to wake up for Fajr prayer with this wet shirt. After I was done I would take it off, and give it so that my daughters can pray - one by one. Then I would go to work between Dhuhr prayer and Asr prayer and then I would come back at the end of the day with what Allah has given me from dates and dry pieces of bread. Then I would take off my clothes for my daughters and they would pray Dhuhr prayer and Asr prayer, and the same would happen for the Maghrib and Isha prayers. And we did not ever expect to see this kind of money. So may Allah make us make good use of them, and may Allah bless the person in his grave and multiply the reward for him.

Ibn Jarir said: So I greeted him goodbye, and took the hundred dinars and used them to write knowledge for two years! I used it to buy paper and pay rent and after sixteen years I returned to Makkah and inquired about the old man. I was told that he died a few months after the incident that occurred between us. His wife died, along with her mother, and his 2 sisters. The only ones that remained were the daughters whom, when I asked about, found that they were married to kings and Princes. I dropped by and they honored me as a guest and treated me kindly until they died also. So May Allah bless them in their graves.

al-Qur’an: at-Talaq 65: 2-3
That will be an admonition given to him who believes in Allâh and the Last Day. And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty).

And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allâh has set a measure for all things.

[Translated from Arabic to English by Ibrahim Hindy]

Only for Allah

From the book "Ihyaa-ul Uloom Ud Deen" by Imam Ghazzali (RA):

There was a pious man among the Banu Israel who always remained busy in the worship of Allah. A group of people came to him and told him that a tribe living nearby worshipped a tree. The news upset him, and with an axe on his shoulder he went to cut down that tree. On the way, Satan met him in the form of an old man and asked him where he was going. He said he was going to cut a particular tree. Satan said, "You have nothing to be concerned with this tree, you better mind your worship and do not give it up for the sake of something that does not concern you." "This is also worship," retorted the worshipper.

Then Satan tried to prevent him from cutting the tree, and there followed a fight between the two, in which the worshipper overpowered the Satan. Finding himself completely helpless, Satan begged to be excused, and when the worshipper released him, he again said, "Allah has not made the cutting of this tree obligatory on you. You do not lose anything if you do not cut it. If its cutting were necessary, Allah could have got it done through one of his many Prophets." The worshipper insisted on cutting the tree. There was again a fight between the two and again the worshipper overpowered the Satan. "Well, listen," said Satan, "I propose a settlement that will be to your advantage." The worshipper agreed, and Satan said, "You are a poor man, a mere burden on this earth. If you stay away from this act, I will pay you three gold coins every day. You will daily find them lying under your pillow.

By this money you can fulfil your own needs, can oblige your relative, help the needy, and do so many other virtuous things. Cutting the tree will be only one virtue, which will ultimately be of no use because the people will grow another tree." This proposal appealed to the worshipper, and he accepted it. He found the money on two successive days, but on the third day there was nothing. He got enraged, picked up his axe and went to cut the tree. Satan as an old man again met him on the way and asked him where he was going. "To cut the tree," shouted the worshipper. "I will not let you do it," said Satan. A fight took place between the two again but this time Satan had the upper hand and overpowered the worshipper. The latter was surprised at his own defeat, and asked the former the cause of his success. Satan replied, "At first, your anger was purely for earning the pleasure of Allah, and therefore Almighty Allah helped you to overpower me, but now it has been partly for the sake of the gold coins and therefore you lost."

Change in 6 Simple Steps

Please follow these instructions to play this simple game:

Step 1
Get some paper and make a note of 3 things which you know are wrong but you still do them

Step 2
Write down a reason (why you do something) for each thing you wrote in Step 1

Step 3
Think about how important it is that you change these 3 things

Step 4
Write some notes on how you can stop yourself from the 3 bad actions you've identified

Step 5
Keep these 3 things in your mind and keep thinking about them

Step 6
Pray to Allah that you stop getting involved in these 3 things and be patient

Intoxication

Received this via a forwarded e-mail:

A passage from The Holy Quran...

'Satan's plan is to sow enmity and hatred among you with intoxicants and gambling, and to hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you not then give up?'
The Holy Quran - Surah 5 Verse 90

Allah Subhaanahu wa ta'ala makes it clear in our book of guidance The Holy Quran, that intoxicants are all part of satan's handy work. Intoxicants and all those things alike are forbidden for muslims. It does not befit a muslim to be a part of satan's evil plan; to be so strictly dependent on something other than Allah Subhaanahu wa ta'ala (Glorified and High is He); to be in a state of mind where we do not have full control over our emotions and when we are not fully aware of the consequences of our actions....

'They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: 'In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit'
The Holy Quran - Surah 2 Verse 219

Over the last few years we have heard doctors say that having a glass of wine everyday is good for you. Allah Subhaanahu wa ta'ala told us this over 1400 years ago! Nothing was left out, knowing that some might say 'well the doctor said its good for me so thats why i have it' Allah Subhaanahu wa ta'ala has made it clear having firstly acknowledged that it does have its benefits, that the sin outweighs the good. Subhaan-Allah! Glory be to Allah The Al-Alim, The Knower of All.

In the hadith it is narrated by Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) that a man came from Yemen and asked the prophet Muhammed (peace & blessings be upon him) about a wine made from corn called ‘Mizr’, which they drank in their land. (to the nearest effect)

The Prophet (peace & blessings be upon him) asked:

'Is it intoxicating?'
He replied; 'Yes'

The Prophet (peace & blessings be upon him) said:

'Every intoxicant is unlawful. Verily there is covenant upon Allah for one who drinks intoxicating drinks, that He will make him drink from ‘Teenatul Khabal.'

They asked, 'O messenger of Allah, what is Teenatul Khabal?'

He (peace & blessings be upon him) said:


'The sweat (or impurities) of the inmates of hell.'
(Muslim)

Ok, think we can safely say that no matter what benefits some intoxicants may have, they are certainly not worth it!

So when talking about intoxicants we are referring to alcohol, marijuana, weed, skunk, hash, cocaine, extacy, magic mushrooms, heroin, crack, acid, paan, yes, thats exactly what i said PAAN and any thing else that gets you buzzin!!

So where does smoking cigarettes come into this??? hmmm......

Well simply... there are generally 2 views on this...


Some say its HARAM (forbidden) others say its MAKROOH (disliked)

Nagatives of smoking - damage to own health as well as others, very addictive, bad odour, waste of money....

Positives of smoking - ermmm.... can i ask the audience?!

It is clear that smoking has no benefit in our lives and the negative aspects of smoking mentioned above all go against the teachings of islam and therefore it does not befit the muslim ummah to be involved in such actions. Many people nowadays smoke sheesha and those who generally are against smoking cigarettes find smoking sheesha acceptable! And it has become very very popular amongst mainly muslims!!! Subhaan-Allah! What are we doing?!!
Its the same as smoking! Some might say well its only a tiny, tiny amount of the nicotein that cigarettes have in them. Lets see what our beloved prophet (peace & blessings be upon him) had to say about this...

In the hadith it is narrated by Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) that the prophet Muhammed (peace & blessings be upon him) said:

'If a large amount of anything causes intoxication, a small amount of it is prohibited'
(Abu Dawud)

And lets just say its not haraam but its makrooh, what does makrooh mean?? It means disliked. Oh ok, but disliked by who?? Disliked by The Greatest!! Disliked by The Highest!! Disliked by the Creator of the universe! Disliked by the Giver of Life & Death! Its not our families, our partners, our friends or even the scholars that are saying they dislike it, its ALLAH!!! So why would we want to do something that Allah Subhaanahu wa ta'ala dislikes?!! Think about it!!

Oh, here's a few facts about the effects of sheesha (from the NHS)
http://www.phleicester.org.uk/Documents/trs/THE%20FACTS%20ABOUT%20SHEESHA.pdf

Some of us might be reading this and think well we don't do any of these things so it DOESN'T MATTER. Sorry guys of course it matters! We live in a society where its quite EASY for our friends and family and even ourselves to fall into these HABITS and once something becomes a habit its not easy to REMOVE.
So we need to HELP one another. Remind each other how it is DISLIKED by ALLAH Subhaanahu wa ta'ala. Remind one another about the effects intoxicants have on our HEALTH. Remind each other of all the money we may be WASTING. What is normally routine, try and CHANGE so doing these things is not part of a timetable that we need to follow. SUPPORT one another in the EFFORT to remove the bad habits from our lives. If you dont like your friends or family doing these things try and make it more DIFFICULT for them to do it, don't ENCOURAGE it!

'...it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you & that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But God knoweth & ye know not.'
The Holy Quran - Surah 2 Verse 216

May Allah Subhaanahu wa ta'ala help us in our efforts to remove the bad habits we may have in our lives and replace them with good ones.

May Allah Subhaanahu wa ta'ala also give us the ability to help and support our friends & families and to remove intoxicants far away from the muslim ummah.

I ask Allah Subhaanahu wa ta'ala, The Al-Ghaffar - The Forgiver, for His Mercy & Compassion and forgive me for anything that I may have said that was not correct.

“Verily never will Allah change the condition of people until they change the condition themselves”
The Holy Quran - Surah 13 Verse 11

To Allah we belong & to Allah we return
The Holy Quran - Surah 2 Verse 156

A servant of Allah,

Attique

King Solomon

Source: Qisas.com

There is Jewish folktale about King Solomon who commissioned a jeweler to make him a very special ring. The king ordered an inscription on the ring, which would be sure to convert his sadness and depression to happiness every time he read the words.

After much time, thought and deliberation, the royal jeweler presented his finished product to the king. Upon reading the inscription, King Solomon was so impressed that he directed his treasurer to pay the jeweler twice the agreed upon price.

The inscription read: “This too shall pass.”

Better to Give

Source: Qisas.com

A young man, a student at one of the universities, was one day taking a walk with a Professor, who was commonly called the student’s friend, from his kindness to those who waited on his instructions.

As they went along, they saw lying in the path a pair of old shoes, which they supposed to belong to a poor man who was employed in a field close by, and who had nearly finished his day’s work.

The student turned to the professor, saying: “Let us play the man a trick: we will hide his shoes, and conceal ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his perplexity when he cannot find them.”

“My young friend,” answered the professor, “we should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor. But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of this poor man. Put a coin in each shoe, and then we will hide ourselves and watch how this affects him.”

The student did so and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work, and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes.

While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes, but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen upon his countenance. He gazed upon the coin, turned it around, and looked at it again and again.

He then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin.

His feelings overcame him; he fell upon his knees, looked up to the heavens and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving in which he spoke of his wife who was sick and helpless, and his children without bread, whom this timely bounty, from some unknown hand, would save from perishing.

The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears. “Now,” said the professor, are you not much better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?”

The youth replied, “You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. I feel now the truth of these words, which I never understood before: “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.”

Abdullah bin Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallAllahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that encouraging good, prohibiting evil, lifting the burden of the weak person and removing an offensive thing from a path are all acceptable prayers to Allah.

The Fisherman

Source: Qisas.com

An investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The investment banker complimented the fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The fisherman replied, “Only a little while.”

The investment banker then asked, “Why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?”

The fisherman said, “With this I have more than enough to support my family’s needs.”

The investment banker then asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

The fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, stroll into the village each evening and spend time with my family, I have a full and busy life.”

The investment banker scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to a big town and eventually to the city where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise.”

The fisherman asked, “But, how long will this all take?”

To which the investment banker replied, “15 to 20 years.”

“But what then?” asked the fisherman.

The investment banker laughed and said that’s the best part. “When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions.”

“Millions?…Then what?”

The investment banker said, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings and spend time with your family.”

The Classroom of Hassan al-Basri

Source: Qisas.com

Hassan al-Basri was one of the greatest Tabi’en (students of the Companions RA). Once, after giving the Friday sermon a group of slaves came to him and said, “Shaykh please, next week, give a speech about freeing the slaves!” Hassan agreed and next week there, waiting anxiously, were the slaves. Hassan ascended the pulpit as the sun rises to the heavens. His speech moved hearts and brought tears to dry eyes, but he failed to mention anything about freeing slaves? The slaves thought to themselves that the Shaykh must have forgot, thus, once again, the following week they took the 50 yard line seats and waited hoping soon to be free. However, the Shaykh failed to mention anything again? After a number of weeks the slaves were sure that the Shaykh sold them out, gotten cold feet and they began to hold the Shaykh in contempt.

One year passed and the tired slaves entered the Masjid of the Shaykh. They had long since forgotten their request and were taken aback, when suddenly he began to mention the conditions of slaves and the importance of freeing them! Their faces looked like bright lamps as the Shaykh encouraged all to free their slaves in exchange for Allah’s mercy and pleasure.

After the sermon the slaves were freed and they ran to the Shaykh asking why he waited one year to give the speech. Hassan al-Basri responded: “At the time you ask me to give the speech I readily agreed. However, after you left I realised that I had no slave of my own. Being a poor man I had to save some money for around one year’s time in order to purchase a slave. Today, alhumdulillah! I was able to purchase a slave. After I purchased him I went to the market and freed him. Finally, I went to the Masjid and gave my sermon.” Looking baffled the freed men asked, “But why? Why did you go to all this trouble?” The Shaykh responded, “If I gave that speech a year ago I would have been encouraging the people to do something that I had not done. Thus, I decided to wait until I freed a slave so that my actions and words would be equal.”

May Allah reward Hassan al-Basri, enlighten his grave and bless us to be those who act on what they know.

Thirst for Learning

Source: Qisas.com

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) says:

“After the passing away of the Prophet (peace be upon him), I said to an Ansari friend of mine: ‘The Prophet is not now with us. But a large number of Sahabah are still among us. Let us go to them and get knowledge of the Islamic practices.’ He said: ‘ Who is going to approach you for learning a regulation in the presence of these eminent Sahabah?’ I was not discouraged. I kept up my quest for knowledge and approached every person who was supposed to have heard something from the Prophet. I managed to gather substantial information from the Ansar.

If on my visit to someone of the Sahabah, I found him asleep, I spread my shawl at the gate and sat waiting. Sometimes my face and body would get covered with dust, but I kept sitting till they woke and I was able to contact them. Some of them said: ‘Abdullah you are the cousin of the Prophet; you could have sent for us. Why did you take the trouble of coming to our places?’

I said to them: ‘I must come to you, for I am a student and you are my teachers.’ Some people for whom I had waited said: ‘Since when have you been waiting for us?’ I informed them that I had been sitting there for a pretty long time.

They said: ‘What a pity! You could have awakened us from our sleep.’ I said: ‘I did not like to disturb you for my own sake.’ I thus carried on my pursuits, till there came a time when people began to flock to me for learning. My Ansari friend realised this at that time and remarked: ‘This boy has surely proved himself more sensible than us.’”

[from the book “stories of the sahabah” by shaikh muhammad zakariyya kaandhlawi]

Besides our quest for knowledge to earn a livelihood in this world, we must as well gain sufficient knowledge of Islam. No matter what age group we belong to at this moment, we should at least have that much Islamic knowledge with which we can turn our 24 hours life into worship. Those with knowledge and practice will be exalted in this World and in the Hereafter.

Give your Parents roses while they are Alive

Source: Qisas.com

My mom only had one eye. I hated her… she was such an embarrassment. My mom ran a small shop at a flea market. She collected little weeds and such to sell… anything for the money we needed she was such an embarrassment.

There was this one day during elementary school… It was field day, and my mom came. I was so embarrassed. How could she do this to me? I threw her a hateful look and ran out.

The next day at school… “your mom only has one eye?!?!”… and they taunted me. I wished that my mom would just disappear from this world so I said to my mom, “mom… Why don’t you have the other eye?! If you’re only going to make me a laughingstock, why don’t you just die?!!!”

My mom did not respond… I guess I felt a little bad, but at the same time, it felt good to think that I had said what I’d wanted to say all this time… maybe it was because my mom hadn’t punished me, but I didn’t think that I had hurt her feelings very badly. That night… I woke up, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. My mom was crying there, so quietly, as if she was afraid that she might wake me.

I took a look at her, and then turned away. Because of the thing I had said to her earlier, there was something pinching at me in the corner of my heart. Even so, I hated my mother who was crying out of her one eye. So I told myself that I would grow up and become successful. Because I hated my one-eyed mom and our desperate poverty… then I studied real hard. I left my mother and came to Seoul and studied, and got accepted in the Seoul University with all the confidence I had. Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. Then I had kids, too…

Now I’m living happily as a successful man. I like it here because it’s a place that doesn’t remind me of my mom. This happiness was getting bigger and bigger, when… what?! Who’s this …it was my mother… still with her one eye. It felt as if the whole sky was falling apart on me. My little girl ran away, scared of my mom’s eye. And I asked her, “who are you?!” “I don’t know you!!!” as if trying to make that real. I screamed at her,” How dare you come to my house and scare my daughter!” “GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!” and to this, my mother quietly answered, “oh, I’m so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address,” and she disappeared out of sight. Thank goodness… she doesn’t recognize me… I was quite relieved. I told myself that I wasn’t going to care, or think about this for the rest of my life. Then a wave of relief came upon me…

One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. So, lying to my wife that I was going on a business trip, I went. After the reunion, I went down to the old shack, that I used to call a house… just out of curiosity there, I found my mother fallen on the cold ground. But I did not shed a single tear. She had a piece of paper in her hand…. it was a letter to me.

My son… I think my life has been long enough now… And… I won’t visit Seoul anymore… but would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to come visit me once in a while? I miss you so much… and I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I decided not to go to the school. …for you… and I’m sorry that I only have one eye, and I was an embarrassment for you.

You see, when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mom, I couldn’t stand watching you having to grow up with only one eye… so I gave you mine… I was so proud of my son that was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye.

I was never upset at you for anything you did… the couple times that you were angry with me, I thought to myself, ‘it’s because he loves me…’ my son. Oh, my son… I don’t want you to cry for me, because of my death. My son, I love you my son, I love you so much.

What Goes Around Comes Around

Source: Qisas.com

He almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was stills puttering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so … was he going to hurt her? He didn’t look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fears can put in you. He said, “I’m here to help you, ma’am. Why don’t you wait in the car where it’s warm? By the way, my name is Khalifa.”

Well, all she had was a flat tyre but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Khalifa crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tyre. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from Babylon and was only just passing through. She couldn’t thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Khalifa just smiled as he closed her boot. She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Khalifa never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him.

This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Khalifa added, “And pray for me.”

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps.

The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like the telephone of an out-of-work actor - it didn’t ring much. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn’t erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude.

The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Khalifa.

After the lady finished her meal and the waitress went to get change for her hundred Dinar bill, the lady slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back.

The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin under which were four hundred Dinar bills. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: “You don’t owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I’m helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.”

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard. She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, “Everything is going to be all right. I love you, Khalifa.”

Holy Qur’an says: “But he who gives to others more out of his own will then it is better for his own self…” [2:184]

Your Ticket Has Been Confirmed

SUMMARY
Ticket type: One Way
Price: Absolutely free (booking confirmed)

PASSENGER DETAILS
Name: One of the 'Children of Adam'
Origins: From clay
Address: Planet Earth

CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL
Departure: from life on Earth
Destination: eternal life
Stop-over: hotel (2 metres under the ground, for one person)
Duration of flight: from couple of seconds to several million years
Departure time: Time of death (exact time is unknown, but it can happen earlier than expected)
Arrival time: on Judgment Day (not specified in the timetable)

INFORMATION ABOUT INTERROGATION
Condition on arrival to the hotel (grave): incorruptible
Auditors: Two angels, Munkar & Nakir, will immediately start questioning. Three questions will be asked:
1) Who is your God?
2) Who is your Prophet?
3) What is your religion?
Notes: Questions will follow about your life on Earth. For more information, refer to 27th Ayah of Sura "Ibrahim" of the Holy Qur’an.

LUGGAGE
Despite the fact that the aeroplane transfers only one passenger at a time, there are some restrictions on the amount of baggage that you can take with you:
1) You can take with you 5 metres of white cloth.
2) Any items of material life on Earth are strictly forbidden.
3) Realistic luggage should consist of good deeds, modest behaviour and of well spent time on calling people to Islam.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
All the passengers should remember that tickets are not exchangeable or refundable.
This journey is compulsory for representatives of all races, nationalities, religions and of all ages.
Delays are not stipulated.

CAPTAIN
Angel of Death will not compromise on changing the date and time of departure.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Read instructions, which you can find in The Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. You could also consult alims (scholars) . Please do it as soon as possible.
During your journey you will not be provided with an oxygen mask, as your breathing system will be terminated just before departure time.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
You don't need to take care of your boarding pass, passport and other travel documents. To prepare for the flight:
· Pray 5 times a day
· Read the Holy Qur’an
· Follow the Sunnah to the best of your ability
· and be ready for your flight, as you may have to depart any minute (even now)

FINAL WARNING
Final destination depends on you! please do not waste your time on planet earth. Remember, you have a one-way ticket to Hell or Paradise.

The Character of a Believer

As Muslims, it is important that we demonstrate our Islamic character through our everyday interaction with others. This can only be achieved if we acknowledge the importance of our behaviour and the impact it has on society. Needless to say, the character of a believer is as important as any religious duty. However, despite being aware of this fact, we often find ourselves in situations where we put our Islamic temperament to the back of our minds and behave like the very people we hate to associate ourselves with.

Here are a few phrases which describe courtesy:

• ‘Courtesy costs nothing and profits everybody’
• ‘Good manners are treating other people in the way we expect to be treated’
• ‘Listen, smile and take time in our dealings with each other’

Being courteous does not require you to go out of your way to help others. There are much simpler tasks which help to demonstrate this quality. Examples include: holding a door open for someone, offering your seat to a person who needs it more and giving way to a fellow motorist. I’m sure that as drivers, many of us forget our courteous traits whilst in the driving seat, often horning at one another with immense frustration!

It is very easy to do what is common by following the norm. However, the character of a believer is not supposed to be ordinary. It must act as a shining example of the beauty which lies within Islamic conduct. Islam teaches us to be considerate and understanding of one another, so that we can live in peace and harmony. This approach arises from believers having an appreciation of diversity and awareness of the fact that we are all constantly experiencing different circumstances.

Giving Salaam is an important part of Islam, it is this very greeting which unites the hearts of believers and conveys a genuine affection. Unfortunately, in practice, many Muslims often hesitate to use this greeting, others don’t reply appropriately and this can lead to a sense of hesitation which contrasts the desired effect of Salaam. The manner in which we give Salaam is also important, a smile and a positive look are good but they should be the output of a genuine feeling of delight. The importance of the way in which we greet one another can never be underestimated. Giving Salaam is a good deed and it means that you are greeting someone with the intention of earning the pleasure of Allah (SWT). Surely, this is the best way to commence an interaction.

Gold Wrapping Paper

The story goes that some time ago a mother punished her five year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and she became even more upset when the child used the gold paper to decorate a box to put under her bedroom.

Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to her mother the next morning and then said, 'This is for you, Momma.'The mother was embarrassed by her earlier over reaction, but her anger flared again when she opened the box and found it was empty. She spoke to her daughter in a harsh manner.'Don't you know, young lady, when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside the package?' She had tears in her eyes and said, 'Oh, Momma, it's not empty! I blew kisses into it until it was full.'

The mother was crushed. She fell on her knees and put her arms around her little girl, and she begged her forgiveness for her thoughtless anger. An accident took the life of the child only a short time later, and it is told that the mother kept that gold box by her bed for all the years of her life.

Whenever she was discouraged or faced difficult problems she would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there. In a very real sense, Allah swt has bestowed on human beings a Golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses for our parents, children, family, relatives & friends. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah:The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
"Give presents to one another, for a present removes rancor from the breast; and a woman should not despise even the gift of half a sheep's trotter from her neighbour." Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 3028

The Club 99

Some time ago, there lived a King.This king should have been contented with his life, given all the riches and luxuries he had. However, this was not the case! The King always found himself wondering why he just never seemed content with his life.

Sure, he had the attention of everyone wherever he went, attended fancy dinners and parties, but somehow, he still felt something was lacking and he couldn't put his finger on it.
One day, the King had woken up earlier than usual to stroll around his palace. He entered his huge living room and came to a stop when he heard someone happily singing away... following this singing... he saw that one of the servants was singing and had a very contented look on his face.

This fascinated the King and he summoned this man to his chambers.
The man entered the King's chambers as ordered. The King asked why he was so happy?
To this the man replied: "Your Majesty, I am nothing but a servant, but I make enough of a living to keep my wife and children happy. We don't need too much, a roof over our heads and warm food to fill our tummy. My wife and children are my inspiration, they are content with whatever little I bring home. I am happy because my family is happy."
………………


Hearing this, the King dismissed the servant and summoned his Personal Assistant to his chambers.

The King related his personal anguish about his feelings and then related the story of the servant to his Personal Assistant, hoping that somehow, he will be able to come up with some reasoning that here was a King who could have anything he wished for at a snap of his fingers and yet was not contented, whereas, his servant, having so little was extremely contented.

The Personal Assistant listened attentively and came to a conclusion. He said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the servant has not been made part of The 99 Club."

"The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?" the King inquired.
To which the Assistant replied, "Your Majesty, to truly know what The 99 Club is, you will have to do the following... place 99 Gold coins in a bag and leave it at this servant's doorstep, you will then understand what The 99 Club is."

That very same evening, the King arranged for 99 Gold coins to be placed in a bag at the servant's doorstep. Although he was slightly hesitant and he thought he should have put 100 Gold coins into the bag, but since his assistant had advised him to put 99 that is what he did.

The servant was just stepping out of his house when he saw a bag at his doorstep. Wondering about its contents, he took it into his house and opened the bag. When he opened the bag, he let out a great big shout of joy...Gold Coins... so many of them. He could hardly believe it. He called his wife to show her the coins.

He then took the bag to a table and emptied it out and began to count the coins. Doing so, he realized that there were 99 coins and he thought it was an odd number so he counted again, and again and again only to come to the same conclusion.. . 99 Gold Coins.
He began to wonder, what could have happened to that last 1 coin? For no one would leave 99 coins. He began to search his entire house, looked around his backyard for hours, not wanting to lose out on that one coin. Finally, exhausted, he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to make up for that 1 Gold coin to make his entire collection an even 100 Gold Coins.

He got up the next morning, in an extremely horrible mood, shouting at the children and his wife for his delay, not realizing that he had spent most of the night conjuring ways of working hard so that he had enough money to buy himself that gold coin. He went to work as usual - but not in his usual best mood, singing happily - as he grumpily did his daily errands.

Seeing the man's attitude change so drastically, the King was puzzled. He promptly summoned his assistant to his chambers. The King related his thoughts about the servant and once again, his assistant listened. The King could not believe that the servant who until yesterday had been singing away and was happy and content with his life had taken a sudden change of attitude, even though he should have been happier after receiving the gold coins.

To this the assistant replied "Ah! But your Majesty, the servant has now officially joined The 99 Club." He explained: "The 99 Club is just a name given to those people who have everything but yet are never contented, therefore they are always working hard and striving for that extra 1 to round it out to 100!

We have so much to be thankful for and we can live with very little in our lives, but the minute we are given something bigger and better, we want even more!

Narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira r.a. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him said:
"The heart of an old man remains young in two respects ie his love for the world and his perpetual hopes"
Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith No. 1069 Book 81, Chapter 5

The Crow

An 80 year old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45 years old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on their window.

The father asked his son, "What is this?"

The son replied, "It is a crow".

After a few minutes, the father asked his son the 2nd time, "What is this?"

The son said, "Father, I have just now told you, It's a crow".

After a little while, the old father again asked his son the 3rd time, "What is this?"

At this time some expression of irritation was felt in the son's tone when he said to his father with a rebuff. "It's a crow, a crow".

A little after, the father again asked his son the 4th time, "What is this?"
This time the son shouted at his father, "Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times "IT IS A CROW". Are you not able to understand this?"

A little later the father went to his room and came back with an old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his son was born. On opening a page, he asked his son to read that page. When the son read it, the following words were written in the diary:-
"Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa, when a crow was sitting on the window. My son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection for my innocent child".
While the little child asked him 23 times "What is this?", the father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times and when today the father asked his son the same question just 4 times, the son felt irritated and annoyed.
So....

If your parents attain old age, do not repulse them or look at them as a burden, but speak to them a gracious word, be cool, obedient, humble and kind to them. Be considerate to your parents. From today say this aloud, "I want to see my parents happy forever. They have cared for me ever since I was a little child. They have always showered their selfless love on me. They crossed all mountains and valleys without seeing the storm and heat to make a person presentable in the society today".

Say a prayer to your Creator, "I will serve my old parents in the best way. I will say all good and kind words to my dear parents, no matter how they behave.

Your Lord has enjoined the following: You should not worship anyone but Him Alone! Treat your parents with great kindness; if either or both of them attain old age, do not even say ‘uff’ to them; nor rebuke them; but speak to them kind words. Treat them with humility and tenderness and pray, “O our Lord, be merciful to them, just as they brought me up with kindness and affection in my childhood.”
Holy Quran Chapter 17 Surah Bani Israel verses 23-24

The story of Shaykh Abdullah Al-Andalusi

Source: Qisas.com

This is a story filled with lessons and warning, anyone who is in a high position of academic activity or in Tasawwuf or in any other service of Deen will derive benefit and guidance from it. They will learn that it is of utmost importance for one to avoid thinking of others as being inferior to him. They should always remember the advice of Shaykh Shahabuddin Suhrawardi (rah), the spiritual guide of Shaykh Saadi (rah):

“Never become self-conceited and never look down upon anyone else.”

This story takes place at a time when piety, trust and righteousness was quite prominent in the lives of the people. In every town there were numerous Ulema and pious men, especially in Baghdad, which at the time was the seat of the Islamic State. It was a gathering place for the jurists, scholars of hadith, and the saints. In this city among all these pious people, was one Abu Abdullah Al-Andalusi (rah), who had thirty khanqahs (spiritual retreats) in Baghdad. In addition he was a well-known scholar and muhaddith and it said that the number of his disciples was 12,000. He knew 30,000 hadith by heart, and could recite the Quran in all the various Qiraats.

On a certain occasion he was going on a journey and was accompanied with a large crowd of attendants among whom were the well-known Junayd Baghdadi (rah) and Shibli (rah). Hadrat Shibli (rah) continues the story: “Our caravan was travelling along quite nicely, safely and comfortably until we passed by an area where Christians were residing. It was already time for Salaah, but because of the unavailability of water, we had not performed it yet. When we reached the Christian village, a search was made for water. We went about the village and discovered the town had many temples, sun-worshipping altars, synagogues and churches. Some of them worshipped the sun, some were worshipping the fire, and some were directing their pleas at the cross. We passed all this and reached the outskirts of the town, where we found a well and a few girls drawing water for people to drink.”

Shaykh Abu Abdullah’s (rah) eyes fell upon one of the girls who stood out from the rest through her exquisite beauty. She was dressed in beautiful clothes and adorned in jewelry. The Shaykh (rah) asked the other girls who she was. They replied: “This is the daughter of our chief”. The Shaykh (rah) replied: “Then why did her father degrade her to such an extent that she has to sit by the well and give people water to drink?”

The girls replied: “He does not want her to sit around and be proud and boastful of her father’s possessions”. Hadrat Shibli (rah) says: “The Shaykh (rah) sat down with his head bent forward and remained silent like that for three days. At the time of Salaah he would perform his Salaah.” On the third day becoming despondent with his situation, I decided to speak to him. I said: “O Shaykh, your mureeds (disciples) are very worried and perplexed at this continued silence of yours. Please speak to us. What is the problem?”

The Shaykh (rah) replied: “My beloved friends! For how long can I keep my condition hidden from you? My heart has become filled with love for the girl we saw the day before yesterday. So much has this love filled me that it is in control of all my limbs. It is not possible for me under any circumstance to leave from here.” Hadrat Shibli (rah) replied: “Our leader! You are the spiritual guide of all Iraq. You are known for your piety, knowledge and virtues. Your disciples number over 12,000. I beg you through the Holy Quran not to disgrace us.” The Shaykh (rah) replied: “My beloved friends, your lot and my lot has already been sealed by fate. The cloak of sainthood has been removed from me and the signs of guidance have been taken away from me. What has been predestined has come to pass, now I am nothing.” Saying this the Shaykh (rah) started weeping bitterly.

When the people heard of our return, they turned up in large numbers at the outskirts of the city to come and meet the Shaykh (rah) . They saw that he was not with us and asked about it. We told them the entire story. They was a lot of sorrow and crying. Many fell down in prayer begging Allah to guide the Shaykh (rah) to the right path and return him to his former position. In the meantime all the khanqahs were closed down. We were still talking about the Shaykh’s (rah) tragedy one year later when we decided to visit that town again and find out how he was. A group of us set forth and after enquiring were told that he was in the woods looking after pigs. We said: “Allah protect us! What has happened? The villagers told us that he had proposed marriage to the daughter of the village chief. The girls’ father had accepted the proposal on the condition that he would look after the pigs.”

“With tears streaming down our eyes, we went to the woods where he was rearing pigs. We saw him with a string of sacred beads around his neck. He stood leaning on a staff as he watched the pigs, standing in the same way in which he stood when he used to deliver the Khutbah for us. This was like rubbing salt into our open wounds.”

When he saw us coming towards him he bent his head in shame. We came nearer and said “Assalamu Alaykum.” He replied: “Walaykumus salaam”. Then Hadrat Shibli (rah) asked: “Shaykh (rah) inspite of your knowledge and virtue what is this that has happened to you?” The Shaykh (rah) replied: “My brothers! I am now no longer driven by my own choice and will. Whatever Allah has desired for me, He has done with me. After having brought me so near to His door, He has now thrown me very far away from Him. Who is there that can overturn the decree of Allah? O my brothers, fear Allah’s power and wrath. Never become proud and arrogant regarding your knowledge and virtues. Then turning towards the heavens he said: “O my Lord, I never expected that You will make me so disgraced and despised and send me away from Your door.” Then he began crying bitterly and appealing to Allah.

Seeing the Shaykh (rah) in such hopelessness, they left for Baghdad. However on the way they saw the Shaykh (rah) in front of them coming out of a river, where he had just performed a bath. In a loud voice he said: “I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship besides Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (sallahu alayhi wa sallam) is the Messenger of Allah”
The Shaykh (rah) asked us for pure clothing to wear. He then started performing Salaah after which he was asked the reason why he was put through such an intense trial? The Shaykh (rah) replied: “When we arrived in the village and saw the temples, synagogues and churches and we saw fire-worshippers busy worshipping things other than Allah, a pride overtook my heart. I thought that these people were so foolish to worship lifeless things. At that time I heard a voice inside me saying: “This Iman that you have, in not part of your virtue or good qualities. All this is merely Our favors upon you. Do not consider your faith to be of your own choosing, that you can now look down upon these people with despising eyes. And if you so wish, We will test you now.’ At that moment I felt has if a dove had left my heart and flew away. That was in fact my Imaan.”

Hadrat Shibli (rah) relates: “Thereafter our caravan arrived in Baghdad with great joy all around. All of his mureeds were extremely happy that the Shaykh (rah) had reverted to Islam. He resumed his activities in Tasawwuf, Tafseer and Hadith. The Khanqahs were reopened and in a short while, his mureeds numbered over 40,000.”

Sunnah is like Medicine

Source: Qisas.com

Shaikh Khidir from Toronto, Canada once gave a very beautiful example on the importance of following the ways (sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He said that sunnah is like medicine. Usually, when we visit the doctors for treatment, they write on the prescriptions the medicines we need. We take these prescriptions to pharmacists who then sell the medicines to us. Sometimes these medicines are bitter and hard to swallow, but we still consume them as we know that the cure is in them. Similarly, each and every sunnah has physical and spiritual cure for us in this world and in the hereafter. Even if some of the sunnahs are hard to follow, we should still follow them as the cure is in them.

"…So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what he prohibits you…” Al Quran 59:7

How to win hearts

SMILE

It is the first arrow and the fastest of them all. It is like the salt for food. It is also regarded as a kind of worship and alms-giving as mentioned in Hadith "Smiling at your brother's face is as charity (Sadaqa)". Sahaabah reported about the Prophet (Peace be up on him) saying that they had never seen someone smile at the other's face more then as the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be up on him) used to do.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be up on him) said: "Do not ever waste your good deeds, even by meeting your brother with a frowning face." Your smile for your brother is sadaqah.[bukhari]

BE THE FIRST TO GREET

This arrow is the one that lets you to be in the inner most depths of the others hearts. This arrow needs a skilful shooter. The needed skills are the hearty smile, the warm shaking of hands and the friendly welcoming to the other. Being successfully achieved, such kinds of skills are going to be rewarded, referring to the Hadith: "In greetings, the better is one who initiates greeting the other". You will not enter Jannah until you have Imaan (firm faith) and you will not attain (complete) Imaan until you love one another. Shall I not show you something by doing which there will be love between you? Make salaam common amongst yourselves. (Sahih Muslim)

EXCHANGE PRESENTS

It has a strange charming affection that captivates all senses. Hence, exchanging presents and gifts in different occasions is a pleasant habit however gifts should be within one's tolerable expenses. Prophet (Peace be up on him) told us that giving presents increases love among Muslims.
He said also: "Shaking hands removes hatred and exchanging presents enhances love and ends enmity."

SPEAK WHAT IS NECESSARY

Loud voice and chattering are bad merits. You have to be sweet-worded, tender in expressing yourself. Concerning this merit, The Prophet (Peace be up on him) said "The good word is a charity (is a Sadaqa)." If the good word has its own magic in winning the hearts of your enemies how powerfully it would work then with your brothers' hearts!! Whoever guarantees me the protection of the part between his two jaws (i.e. tongue) and that which is between his thighs (i.e. private parts), I guarantee for him Jannah. (Bukhaari and Muslim) Prophet's (Peace be up on him) said: "Nobility of manners and taciturnity are the best of manners that people are ever characterized by."

BE A GOOD LISTENER

It is to listen patiently and never interrupt the speaker, as the Prophet (Peace be up on him) never interrupted a speaker till he ended his speech. And he who fights for this merit gains others love and admiration, whilst on the contrary is the one who chatters and interrupts the other.

APPEARANCE AND DRESSING WELL

You have to be careful with your appearance so as to be neat, well-dressed. The Prophet (Peace be up on him) says that Allah (SWT) loves beauty to be in everything.

BE KIND AND HELPFUL

Good treatment you classifies you as an obedient, beloved slave of Allah (SWT) as the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be up on him) says: "The more you are in (real) favour of others, the more you are beloved by Allah (SWT) " as Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: " And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah (SWT) and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah (SWT) love those, who do good" (2:195) Every good deed is sadaqah (an act of charity). (Bukhaari and Muslim)Whoever provides ease for someone who is burdened with debt, Allah will provide ease for him in this world and the Aakhirah. (Sahih Muslim)

BE GENEROUS

Offering money is the key for most of the closed doors that hinder you from reaching others hearts, especially in these days. Some people behave stingily as if they see the ghost of poverty waiting to attack them once they think about being generous in offering money i.e. not the behaviour of the Muslim. Sadaqah (the giving of charity) wipes out sin just as water extinguishes fire. (Tirmizi)

EXCUSE SHORTCOMINGS

Keeping an eye on others behaviour is a bad merit that blocks your way to their hearts. On the contrary is to have a good opinion of them. So, try hard to give your brothers the excuse as much as you can. Allah (SWT) told us that if someone hurt others then he or she would have to ask for forgiveness from the person as well as from Allah (SWT) in order to compensate the mistake. The Muslim who conceals the faults of another Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Qiyaamah. (Sahih Muslim)

BE HONEST AND EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS

If you loved someone or felt good feelings about them, don't wait, just tell them at once. Regarding this, the Prophet (Peace be up on him) said: "If you felt the brotherly love of Islam towards any, you should immediately go and tell him about your feelings." He added "It is the way relations are to be strongly indicated". Such love is to be blessed by Allah (SWT) , if it is purely for Allah (SWT)'s sake, not for any other personal affairs such as seeking high position, money, fame etc. Unless this love is for Allah's (Saw) sake, it is a fruitless kind of brotherhood then.

Moreover, Allah (SWT) says: "Friends on that Day will be enemies one to another, except Al Muttaqoon (i.e. those who have strong faith and deeds)." (43:67) I enjoin upon you truthfulness for indeed truthfulness guides towards virtue, and virtue certainly leads to Jannah. (Bukhaari and Muslim)

BE SOCIABLE

It is the art of being social. Here, a kind of misconception could exist between sociability and hypocrisy. Could you differentiate between the two meanings? The difference between hypocrisy and sociability is that sociability is a desirable legal behaviour in order to improve either life on earth or religion or so as to improve both by sacrificing the worldly affairs, while hypocrisy aims at sacrificing religion for the sake of the worldly affairs.
The Prophet (Peace be up on him) said: "Being sociable is as alms-giving."

The Muslim who visits his sick Muslim brother in the morning, seventy thousand angels pray for his forgiveness until the evening, and if he visits him in the evening, then seventy thousand angels pray for his forgiveness until the morning. And he will be granted a mansion (for it) in Jannah.(Tirmizi)

Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] was asked about the deeds which lead most of the people into Jannah. He replied, 'The fear of Allah and good manners.' (Tirmizi)

Family ties are suspended from the Arsh (Throne of Allah). It proclaims: Whoever upholds me, may Allah (SWT) keep good relations with him and whoever severs me, may Allah sever His relation (of mercy) from him.(Bukhaari and Muslim)

On the Tip of a Muslim Tongue

1. assalaamu alaykum (Peace be upon you) - by way of greetings

2. wa alaykumus salaam (peace be upon you) - in reply to the greetings

3. bismillah (in the name of Allah) - before making a beginning

4. jazakAllah (may Allah reward you) - for expression of thanks

5. fi amanullah (may Allah protect you) - by way of saying good-bye

6. subhanAllah (glory be to Allah) - for praising something

7. insha’Allah (if Allah wishes) - for expressing a desire to do something

8. astaghfirullah (I beg Allah for forgiveness) - repenting for sins before Allah

9. ma sha’Allah (as Allah has willed) - for expressing appreciation of something good

10. alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah) - for showing gratitude to Allah after success or even after completing anything

11. ya Allah (Oh Allah) - when in pain or distress, calling upon Allah and none else

12. ameen (may it be so) - the end of a Dua or prayer

13. inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon (to Allah we belong and to Him is our return) - this is uttered as an expression of sympathy of the news of some loss or some one's death.

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the
floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly,
"What are you making?"

Just as sweetly, the boy responded,
"Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up."
The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Prophet Mohamed (pbuh) said: "A parent is the best of the gates of Paradise; so if you wish, keep to the gate, or lose it."
Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 4928 Narrated by Abud Darda "

Qualities of a Dear Friend

Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallaahu Anhu) mentioned that the good friend and neighbour has the following qualities:

1. Forgive the shortcomings of the friend

2. Show pity to the friend's difficulties

3. Conceal his shortcomings

4. Overlook his excuses

5. Accept his forgiveness

6. Stop the backbiting spoken of the friend

7. Always be with the friend

8. Protect the friendship

9. Fulfill the needs of the friend

10. Visit him when he is sick

11. When he dies, be present at his Janaaza

12. When invited, accept his invitation

13. If he gives a gift, accept it

14. If he does good, then reciprocate accordingly

15. When the friend offers a bounty, then thank him

16. When he needs help then assist him

17. Preserve the honour and respect of your friend and his house

18. Fulfill his needs that accord with Shari’ah

19. Accept his intercession if it is according to Shari’ah

20. Do not make him despondent in his requests

21. Reply to the friend's sneeze by saying "Yarhamukallaah" if he said 'Alhamdulillah'

22. If anything is lost of the friend, then assist him to look for it

23. Reply to his Salaam

24. Support and praise his good works

25. If one has taken an oath to fulfill something, assist him in accomplishing the oath

26. Assist your friend at all times whether he is an oppressor or oppressed. Assisting him if he is an oppressor is to stop him from oppression.

27. Also communicate with him and do not create animosity.

28. Don't disgrace a friend

29. Don't swear at a friend