|
| 1
|
| 0 Comments / Subscribe To Comments |
| Published: Feb.07.2007 @ 8:33 am
|
Allah our Lord
If we see a beautiful picture painted on good canvas, do we not think that an artist produced it?
If
we see an automatic machine, regularly manufacturing articles, are we
not led to think that there is an engineer who made, designed and
invented its system?
If we see a book written in any scientific field, surely we are aware that an author wrote it?
Surely the picture could not have been created without an artist!
Surely the machine could not work without an engineer!
Surely the book could not be written without an author!
Is it possible to say that this book in your hand was written by chance?
Would
you believe it if someone told you that it happened that the paper was
scattered by wind, and ink was spilt on it, and thus the book was
written?
Basic human sense does not
believe such a supposition but rather, makes fun of it. Thus everything
needs a maker or a creator; nothing can come into existence without
there being an originator: the creator.
Look
at the sky and do you not wonder how the bright and beautiful sun sends
down its light and heat to the people on earth? Look at the land upon
which we live and ask how do plants grow on it?
Look
at the water we drink, the air we breathe; the sun when it sets and the
night when it comes; then, look at the beautiful stars which are
impossible to count, and the light of the moon.
Look,
and then think how were these wonders created and who then created
them? Are they created by themselves or do they have a creator who made
them?
They are as in need of a maker or
a creator, as a house which needs a builder to be built; or a chair, on
which we sit, needs a carpenter to be made; or a picture needs an
artist in order to be painted, or a book needs an author to be written.
And certainly Allah is their Creator and Maker Who created everything.
Let us ponder about ourselves and our bodies, and ask:
Who created us in this unique way? Who gave us two eyes with which to see? And the tongue with which we talk? And two hands with which we work? And two legs with which we walk? And two ears with which we hear? Who created the food we eat and the water we drink?
Not the farmer who cultivated the crops nor the plumber who connected the pipes. Without food and water, one will surely die.
Who gave us the air which we breathe? Without air, surely we will suffocate and die.
Indeed,
our Creator is He Who created the heavens, the earth, water, air and
the stars. And He is All-Great and All-Powerful. It is He Who created
and provided us with all these amenities of life.
|
|
| 0 Comments / Subscribe To Comments |
| Published: Feb.07.2007 @ 8:31 am
|
Knowing Allah, His Greatness and His Grace
The Holy Prophet (p.bu.h.) said: "O'
people! verily, there is no prophet after me, nor any Ummah after you
(Muslims). So, take care to worship your Lord, perform your five ritual
prayers, fast in the appointed month (Ramadhan), make Pilgrimage to the
House of your Lord (Mecca), give the alms of your wealth in order to
purify your souls thereby, and obey the Holders of Authority, so that
you enter the Paradise of your Lord."
Khisal-i-Saduq, p.152
Imam
Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (a.s.) said: "Having the Greatness of the Creator
in your mind would make you realise the insignificance of the creatures
in your view."
Nahjul-Balagha, Statement 129
Imam
Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (a.s.) said: "Blessed is he who sincerely devotes
the entirity of his actions, knowledge, love, hatred, receiving,
relinquishing, speech, silence, deeds and statements absolutely to
Allah."
Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 77, p.289
Imam
Sadiq (a.s.) said: "The heart is the sanctuary of Allah, therefore, do
not settle therein anything but Allah." (The sacred place of the heart
belongs to Allah and Him alone. Therefore, keep the love of the world
out of it.)
Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 70, p. 25
Imam
Sadiq (a.s.) said: "Our true followers are those who, when they are
alone, remember Allah abundantly." (That is, they avoid committing
vices in private where there is no barrier for them to commit sin by
the mere remembrance of Allah.)
Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 93, p. 162
Imam
Baqir (a.s.) said: "By Allah, He, the Exalted, expects of people but
two traits; that they confess for Him the blessings in order that He
increases His bounties for them; and that they make confessions about
their evil actions and then He forgives those sins for them."
Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 426
Imam
Husayn-ibn-Ali (a.s.) said: "Verily, Allah, the Exalted, has not
created human beings except for recognising Him and worshipping Him as
(the consequence of ) knowing Him; and when they worship Him they would
lack the need of adoring any human being (or things) other than Him
because of that worship."
Safinat-ul-Bihar, vol. 2, p. 180
Imam
Ali-ibn-ul-Husayn (a.s.) said: "There is no destruction (Hell) for a
believer having three qualities: Confessing that there is no god
besides Allah, the One Who has no partner; the intercession of the
Messenger of Allah; and the vastness of the Grace of Allah."
Safinat-ul-Bihar, p. 517
|
|
| 0 Comments / Subscribe To Comments |
| Published: Feb.07.2007 @ 8:30 am
|
It is mentioned in Quran that this universe was created in six days
or six periods. This is mentioned in 7 different verses and
also explained in details in three other verses.
1-
Chapter: 7 , Verse: 54
your
guardian-lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six
days, and is firmly established on the throne. |
|
2-
Chapter: 25 , Verse: 59
he
who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between, in
six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority):
Allah most gracious: ask thou, then, about him of any acquainted
(with such things). |
|
3-
Chapter: 57 , Verse: 4
He
it is who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is
moreover firmly established on the throne (of authority). he knows
what enters within the earth and what comes forth out of it, what
comes down from heaven and what mounts up to it. and he is with you
where so ever ye may be. and Allah sees well all that ye do. |
|
4-
Chapter: 11 , Verse: 7
he
it is who created the heavens and the earth in six days - and his
throne was over the waters - that he might try you, which of you is
best in conduct. but if thou wert to say to them, "ye shall indeed
be raised up after death", the unbelievers would be sure to say,
"this is nothing but obvious sorcery!" |
|
5-
Chapter: 32 , Verse: 4
It is
Allah who has created the heavens and the earth, and all between
them, in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of
authority): ye have none, besides him, to protect or intercede (for
you): will ye not then receive admonition? |
|
6-
Chapter: 10 , Verse: 3
verily your lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in
six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority),
regulating and governing all things. no intercessor (can plead with
him) except after his leave (hath been obtained). this is Allah your
lord; him therefore serve ye: will ye not receive admonition? |
|
7-
Chapter: 50 , Verse: 38
we
created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six days,
nor did any sense of weariness touch us. |
|
Following verse, explain these six periods: |
|
8-
Chapter: 41 , Verse: 9
say:
is it that ye deny him who created the earth in two days? and do ye
join equals with him? he is the lord of (all) the worlds. |
|
9-
Chapter: 41 , Verse: 10
he
set on the (earth), mountains standing firm, high above it, and
bestowed blessings on the earth, and measure therein all things to
give them nourishment in due proportion, in four days, in accordance
with (the needs of) those who seek (sustenance). |
|
10-
Chapter: 41 , Verse: 12
so
he completed them as seven firmaments in two days, and he assigned
to each heaven its duty and command. and we adorned the lower heaven
with lights, and (provided it) with guard. such is the decree of
(him) the exalted in might, full of knowledge. |
|
Based on above three verses, some argues that the duration of
creation was eight periods and therefore there is a
contradiction in Quran. This is clearly not the case here because in
the four days mentioned above, also is include the creation of
earth in the first two days. Therefore in summary, based on Quranic verses, God created the
earth and this world in the two days. In the next two days, the
world was prepared for evolving the life. Afterward, skies and
spiritual world were created in the last two days. |
|
|
| 0 Comments / Subscribe To Comments |
| Published: Feb.07.2007 @ 8:19 am
|
Let go and let God.
-
They say that God is everywhere, and yet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse. God is within you, but we place Him outside and worship Him.
-
God gives birds their food, but they must fly for it.
-
Prayer is not changing God's reluctance but taking hold of God's willingness.
Who falls for love of God shall rise a stare.
If we just stop looking for the Red Sea to split, we might see all the wonderful miracles God makes all around us every day.
-
God does not care much for the importance of our work, as for the love with which they are done.
All religions are paths but the paths are not God.
-
God is that, the greater than which cannot be perceived.
Love is the highest gift of God.
Abstaining from luxuries is the way to God.
By practicingGod's remembrance, your inner being will be illuminated little by little, and you'll achieve some measure of detachment from the world.
God is the East and the West and wherever you turn, there is God's face.
The prayer most acceptable to God comes from a thankful heart.
Sooner or later you have to seek God. Why not now?
-
whoever wants to find God will find a way to Him.
-
Sleep in peace, God is awake.
God brings men into deep waters, not to drown them but to cleanse them.
-
Know that all which is other than God veils you from Him.
All God's testing has a purpose, someday you'll see the light. What He asks is that you trust Him, walk by faith and not by sight.
-
God, often in His wisdom,sends angels down to walk with us. We know them best as friends.
-
-
-
The Quran on God's Love Say: if you love God, then follow me, God will love you and forgive you your faults, and God is forgiving, merciful Say: obey God and the messenger; but if they turn back, then surely God does not love the unbelievers Islam
in one sense is different from some other major religions of the world.
The picture of God that has been depicted in Quran, as we Muslims all
believe, is a combination of love toward good people and aversion
toward bad people. This has been repeated in at least 40 verses of
holly Quran with a clear definition for good people and bad people.
This article aims to distinguish between these two groups based on
Quranic verses and clarify the image of people whom God loves. As
mentioned in above two verses, the first step is to follow the path
that has been shown to us by god's messenger. This is the most
beautiful picture that one can demonstrate as a mutual love. If you do
love your God, you are therefore prompted to follow the path that has
been shown to you and prepare yourself to receive his love. But it is
also stated that the people who do not follow the right path are not to
be loved by God. This
may need a little bit more clarification on the definition of right
path and people who are to be loved by God. Perhaps the most
distinguished characteristic for these people which has been mentioned
in 5 verses of Quran (2:195, 3:134, 3:148, 5:13 and 5:93)
is to do good to others. Doing good could be helping poor people,
supporting orphans or even respecting one's parents which have been
also mentioned in various verses of Quran. Others, based on Quran, are people who:
On the other hand, God does not love the person who is:an unbeliever (3:32, 30:45) arrogant (16:23, 4:36, 31:18, 57:23)cruel (3:57, 3:140, 42:40) unfaithful and ungrateful (2:276, 22:38) exceeding the limits (2:190, 5:87, 7:55) extravagant (6:141, 7:31) mischief-maker (2:205, 5:64, 28:77) treacherous (8:58, 4:107) and exulting in riches (28:76)
__._,_.___ Aminah.alqaem.org
|
|
| 0 Comments / Subscribe To Comments |
| Published: Feb.07.2007 @ 8:12 am
|
Why do we
pray?
 After a long and hectic
day at work, how difficult it is for a tired person to go out to the
mosque
and concentrate on his prayers to Allah, the Almighty. Snuggled up in
a warm and cozy bed, how difficult it is to get up at the call of the
Mu'adhin:
"Come to prayer! Come to success!"
So Why Do We Pray?..
Have You Ever Asked Your Self That?
PRAYER: A CRY OF THE
INNER SOUL
His arrogance and pride
have often
led man to behave as an oppressor and a tyrant. Some men have been
carried
away by their own self-importance that they have even claimed divinity. Pharoah, the ruler of Egypt, was among those who announced: "I am your
supreme Lord!" With his sense of greatness and pride, Pharoah
subjugated
the Israelites and made their lives wretched and miserable.
But is man really as strong
and great
as his ego tells him? The Qur'an tells us the reality of man’s nature:
"It is Allah Who created you in a state of weakness, then gave you
strength
after weakness, then after strength, gave you weakness and a hoary
head:
He creates what He wills, and He is the All-knowing, the All-powerful"
[Surah 30:54]
Weakness in the beginning
and weakness
in the end: This is the essence of man. He is so weak and helpless at
birth
that his entire existence depends on his parents and his family. If he
were to be abandoned in these first crucial years, he could not survive
on his own. He needs a gentle and loving hand, not only in his infancy,
but in his childhood and even in his teenage years. As this child
enters
the years of youth and independence, he begins to take control of his
own
life. He looks with pride at his strong physique, his handsome features
and his many talents. He begins to despise those of lesser abilities,
even
scorning his parents, who exhausted their own health to nurture him. He
becomes unjust and cruel, using his strength and vigour to dominate
others.
He thinks he is master, free to act as he wills. But does this youth,
these
good looks last forever? In only a few decades, he begins to lose his
strength…his
youth is replaced by old age. Weakness in the beginning, weakness in
the
end."
The message is clear: The
real Master
is Allah. He Alone is Mighty, He Alone, is Great. He Alone is never
tired,
never needs rest, is never dependent upon anyone. Allahu Akbar! - Allah
is the Greatest! In our everyday lives, we say a warm thank you for the
small acts of kindness which others do for us. So what about thanking
Allah,
Who, in His infinite Mercy, has provided for every single one of our
needs.
Just observe the beauty and perfection of the earth around you and fall
down in gratitude to your Lord.
PRAYER: THE ASCENSION
FOR A BELIEVER
After the Messenger of
Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) was
commissioned for Prophethood, the first thing he was commanded to do by
Allah was to pray. The angel Jibreel u came to him and a spring of
water
gushed out of the rocks in front of them. Jibreel u then showed Allah’s
Messenger how to make ablution. He then showed him how to offer prayers
to Allah. He began to pray two rak'ah twice a day, once in the morning
and once in the evening. He then went home and showed his wife Khadijah
what he had learnt from the angel Jibreel.
From that time, the Prophet
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) never
went through a day without praying. Just before his migration to
Madinah,
he was taken on a night journey to Jerusalem and then to the heavens
(Mi'raj). During this journey, Allah, Almighty, ordered him to pray five times a
day. This prayer was a gift given to every Believer to enable him to
experience
a spiritual ascension five times a day. The Prophet said: "The prayer
is
the Mi'raj of the Believer." It gives every Muslim the chance to
communicate
with his Lord. During each prayer, the Muslim recites Surah Al-Fatihah: This recitation is not a dull monologue by the Believer, but Allah
promises
that it is a conversation between Him and the worshipper. The Messenger
of Allah reported that Allah, the Almighty says: ‘When my slave says
in his prayer: "All praise is for Allah, the Lord of the worlds," I
say:
"My slave has praised Me" When he says: "The Merciful, the
Compassionate,
Master of the Day of Judgement," I say: "My slave has glorified Me."
When
he says: "You Alone we worship and your Aid we seek," I say: "This is
between
Me and My slave." When he says: "Show us the Straight Path," I say:
"This
is for My slave, and I give My slave what he wants." The number of prayers in a day have been set at five by Allah almighty.
The believer has no choice in the matter but to obey. To reduce the
number of prayers would not only be disobedience, it would also lose
the benefits of prayer.
For example, a room is only good fro residence if it has four walls and
a roof. If only one wall or the roof were to be removed, what use could
it be? Similarly, the prayer will only achieve its purpose and be of
use on the Day when nothing except one's deeds will be of use, if it is
observed in the prescribed manner.
PRAYER: A PILLAR OF ISLAM
The
Messenger of Alah once said:
"Prayer is the pillar of religion.'
[Al-Baihaqi]
This makes the image
very clear: Islam is like a building supported by five columns; remove
just one column and the entire building weakens. In the same way, when
a person stops praying, his faith becomes weak, and the mildest blows
can
cause it to crumble. The prayer is so very important that the Prophet
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:Namaz
is a piller of Religion. If Namaz is accepted all other deeds are
accepted. If Namaz is rejected then all other Deeds are rejected
How true is this statement!
If you look at people walking down the
road, it may be difficult to distinguish Muslims from non-Muslims. Islam is not marked upon a believer's forehead, and neither is Kufr
stamped on an infidel's face. But at the time of prayer, you can
separate the two groups with ease. The believer will abandon his work,
his business to join the rows of Muslims in prayer, while the
disbeliever will carry on with his worldly affairs.
Surah Al-Muddathir narrates an interesting dialogue which will take
place on the Day of Judgement.
The believers will ask the people of
Hell-fire:
"What has caused you to enter Hell?" They will say: "We were not of
those who used to offer their prayers. Nor we used to feed the poor;
and we used to talk falsehoods (all that which Allah hated) with vain
talkers, and we used to belie the Day of Recompense. Until there came
to use (the death) that is certain."
[Surah 72 :42-47]
The rejecters of truth are silent in this world, but in
the next world
they will themselves speak the truth.
PRAYER
IS LIKE A FORTRESS
Prayer is the basis of all good actions. Below are quoted two passages
of the Quran, both of which list a number of good actions. Prayer comes
before and after all good actions:-
A. Surah al-Muminun [23: 1-11]
"Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their Salat
(prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness.
And those who
turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk, falsehoods and
all that Allah has forbidden). And those who pay the Zakat.
And those
who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual
acts). Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their
right hands possess, -for then, they are free from blame.
But whoever
seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors. Those who are
faithfully true to their trusts and to their covenants.
And those who
strictly guard their Salat (five compulsory congregational prayers at
their fixed stated hours). These are indeed the inheritors. Who shall
inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever."
Surah Al-Marif: [70: 19-35]
"Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; irritable
(discontented) when evil touches him; and niggardly when good touches
him.
Except those devoted to Salat (prayers), those who remain constant
in their Salat (prayers), and those in whose wealth there is a known
right, for the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his
property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened).
And
those who believe in the Day of Recompense, and those who fear the
torment of their Lord. Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before
which none can feel secure.
And those who guard their chastity (ie,
private parts from illegal sexual acts), except with their wives and
the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, -for
(then) they are not to be blames.
But whosoever seeks beyond that, then
it is those who are trespassers.
And those who keep their trusts and
covenants, and those who stand firm in their testimonies, and those who
guard their Salat (prayers) well; such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e.
Paradise) honored."
In these passages, the believers are said to have certain
characteristics, the first of which they concentrate on their prayers.
Other signs of believers are:
- They
avoid vain and vulgar activities.
- They pay
their Zakat regularly.
- They
guard their chastity and avoid illicit relations.
- Their marital lives
are confines to their wives and salve-girls (assuming such a situation
exists in which the presence of slaves is justified).
- Those who
do not betray covenants and trusts.
- Those who
stand by their testimonies (as in Surah Al-Marij).
After
mentioning these five characteristics, regularity in prayers is once
again commended.
The quotation from Surah Al-Marij is similar to the one from Surah
al-Muaminun. It shows that prayer is like a fortress which protects and
preserves other good deeds. To guard one's prayer helps guard one's
other virtues. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said in a similar
way: "Prayer is the pillar of the religion" [Al-Baihaqi]
Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) also said: "The first thing about which a mans is going to be questioned on the
Day of Judgment is prayer. If it is found to be sound all his other
reactions will be sound as well. If his prayer is not sound all his
remaining actions would be spoiled." Which Prayer is acceptable?
"Those who offer their Salat (prayers) with all solemnity and full
submissiveness." [23: 2]
The emphasis , in this verse, is on humility and concentration in the
prayer (Khushu). There is no doubt that as Shaitan (Satan) is the most
bitter enemy of man, he always tries to disturb the believer's prayer.
As soon as a person begins his prayer, he finds his mind suddenly
engulfed with memories, problems, worries, work and his family. He may
become so engrossed in his thoughts that he has no idea where he is and
what he is doing. His prayer becomes a series of automatic actions, and
he will often find himself wondering whether he has prayed three Rakaa
or four. This is how Shaitan steals the prayer.
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) once said that only a tiny
portion of the prayer, maybe as little as a tenth or an eighth, is
accepted by Allah. The rest is lost because of the whisperings of
Shaitan.
It is reported that a Successor saw a man playing with his beard while
praying. He commented that: "If there had been Khushu (concentration)
in his heart, the other organs of his body would have concentrated as
well."
Surah Al-Ma'un also makes a reference to lifeless prayers:
"So woe unto those performers of prayers (hypocrites), who delay their
Salat (prayer) from its stated fixed time" [107: 4,5]
A worshipper is neglectful of his prayers either when he delays the
prayer to the last possible minute, or when he does not concentrate
fully on what he is doing and saying.
Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) was once sitting in the
mosque at Al-Madinah when a bedouin entered and began to pray. He
prayed so quickly, that when he had finished, the Prophet (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) asked him to repeat the prayer. His second attempt was
just as hurried, so the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) asked him to
repeat it again. After a third hurried prayer, the bedouin said: "O
Messenger of Allah. I cannot pray better than this." The Prophet
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) then showed the man how to pray. He
instructed him to recite Surah Al-Fatihah while in the standing
position, then to say Tasbih in the Ruku position, to stand upright
saying Rabbana lakal hamd, to go down with Sajdah and recite Tasbih,
and to sit between the two Sajdah and recite a Du'a. The Prophet
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) advised the bedouin to do this in each
Rakah.
Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) used to spend a lot of
time on each prayer, so that each movement of the prayer could be
offered slowly and properly. He once said: "A man's lengthy prayer and
short sermon shows that he has a good understanding of the religion." PRAYER
AS A WEAPON
Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:
"O you who believer! Seek help in patience and Salat (prayer). Truly!
Allah is with the patient."
[2: 153]
Man is, by nature, weak. He needs help at times of misery and hardship.
And the best aid we can have is that of patience in adversity and
prayer. Any difficulties, unhappiness and loss should be faced with
calm and wisdom. A hasty response or an unwise remark will only cause
more problems. Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) used to
look for solace in prayer whenever he experienced difficulties. In
prayer one seeks help from Allah, and who can be a better helper than
Allah? The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) used to say to Bilal:
"O Bilal! Provide us with rest with prayer." PRAYER
AS A REMINDER
A non-Muslim once asked the following question during a discussion: "I
can understand why Muslims were required to pray five times a day
during the early days of Islam. They did not have many things to do in
those days so the Prophet kept them busy with prayer. But our
sophisticated and modern life leaves man with little spare time. He is
much too busy to be expected to pray five times a day."
The answer given was what is the primary objective of prayer. The
Qur'an says:
"...and establish prayer for My Remembrance."
[20: 14]
As man is by nature forgetful, prayer reminds him of the allegiance due
to his Creator and Lord. If prayer was needed fourteen hundred years
ago when man did not lead such a busy life style, the it is even more
necessary in today's hectic world. On the one hand, education and work
keep people occupied constantly. And when it is time to relax. Shaitan
(Satan) has found many new channels to operate through, such as
television, the cinema and videos. Man becomes so engrossed in this
life that he has no thought for Allah and the Hereafter. The need to
remind man of the realities of his existence has thus intensified, and
not declined in modern times. Prayer is still of utmost importance and
benefit in our high-tech lives.
Prayer acts as a shield against evil. Allah Almighty says in the
Qur'an:
"...Verily, As-salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha (i.e. great
sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse etc. ) and al-Munkar
(i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed
etc.)..."
[29: 45]
The following incident will help understand this point:
In the time of Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) lived a man
who drank alcohol, gambled and committed thefts habitually.. He came to
the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) and asked for some advice which
would help improve his character. The Prophet's advice was simple;
"don't tell any lies." The man then left, after having been told to
report back the next day. he was feeling very pleased, as the
instructions given to him seemed very easy to obey. At home the man
poured himself his usual glass of wine. As he lifted the glass to his
lips, he suddenly remembered that he had to report back to the Prophet
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) the next day. He would be asked about that
day's activities, and if he admitted in front of all the Companions
that he had been drinking, it would be terribly embarrassing for him.
If, however, he did not admit to having drunk wine, it would be a lie. So he put the wine away. The same thing happened when he was about to
start gambling and go on his robbing expedition. And once this man had
taken the first positive step towards fighting his evil habits, he was
able to reform very quickly.
Prayer can have a very similar effect. If a person remembers five times
a day that he will stand on his prayer-mat and address his Lord, it
will prevent him from committing the sins that Shaitan has been
encouraging him to do.
The quality of the prayer is of utmost importance as well. consider a
house with solid foundations, concrete walls and a strong roof. this
house will be able to withstand all forms of bad weather, be it winds,
hail or storms. After all, the purpose of a house is to provide shelter
and protection against these elements. If, on the other hand, the house
is loosely constructed with leaves and grass, it will blow away at the
slightest hint of bad weather.
This image applies very clearly to prayer. If a prayer is offered
regularly, at the correct time, with sincerity of intention and
concentration on what is being recited, it will strengthen the person's
Faith and provide comfort and strength in times of trouble.
Irregular and insincere prayers will be of little use to a person in
times of distress. A healthy body can combat viruses with more ease
that can a weak body.
PRAYER:
THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS ESTABLISHING THE ISLAMIC SHARIAH AS A WHOLE
The Qur'an records the following conversation between Prophet Shuaib
and his people:
"And to the Madyan (Midian) people (We sent) their brother Shuaib. He
said: O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilah (god) but Him,
and give not short measure or weight, I see you in prosperity; and
verily I fear for you the torment of a Day encompassing. And O my
people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce no the
things that are due to the people, and do not commit mischief in the
land, causing corruption. That which is left by Allah for you (after
giving the rights of the people) is better for you, if you are
believers. And I am not sent over you as a guardian."
[11: 84-86]
This was an invitation to honor the Rights of Allah (by accepting
Tawhid) and honor the rights (in daily trade and business). But
Shuaib's people replied with sarcasm:
"They said: O Shuaib! Does your prayer (i.e., the prayers which you
offer has spoiled your mind, so you) command that we leave off what our
fathers used to worship, or that we leave off doing what we like with
our property? Verily, you are the forbearer, right-minded!"
[11: 87]
Shuaib's people realized that the Prophet was not simply asking them to
pray regularly but that he wanted them to establish a whole new
economic system as well, hence the references to fair trading. The
lesson to be learned from this is that in Islam, there is no leaving
"What belongs to God, for God; and what belongs to Caesar, for Caesar." Everything belongs to God. How can a Muslim who worships Allah Almighty
during his five daily prayers, be expected to obey others in other
aspects of his daily life. There can be no duality of authority in
Islam. Allah is the Creator , and His Alone is the right to legislate
and demand loyalty. Man is the slave of Allah and should obey Him
Alone.
Muslims who live in a non-Muslim state may feel that they are unable to
implement the Din of Allah in their political and economic lives, but
those Muslims who live in Muslim countries have no excuse for allowing
the Din of Allah to be confined to a personal level.
Muslims should be clear that the Din of Allah does not consist simply
of prayers, fasting, charity and Hajj. It is their duty to implement
all Islamic teachings in political, economic and social fields.
"Truly, the religion with of Allah is Islam..." [3: 19]
"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be
accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers".
[3: 85]
Today's false idols, which dominate over the entire world, are
Democracy, Capitalism, Socialism and communism. Instead, Islam calls
for a Khilafa (caliphate) based on consultation, and a just economic
system based on Zakat and a prohibition of usury. If you remove any of
these three characteristics, you make it impossible for Islamic law to
operate properly.
The Qur'an describes clearly the first duty of a Muslim ruler:
"Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they)
order for Iqamat-as-Salat{ (i.e. to offer prayers perfectly-the five
compulsory, congregational prayers (the males in mosques)}, to pay the
Zakat and they enjoin Al-Maruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that
Islam orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e., disbelief,
polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden) {i.e. they make the Quran
as the law of their country in all the spheres of life}. And with Allah
rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures)."
[22: 41]
A well-known Arabic saying is: "The people follow the religion of their
kings." Ordinary people enjoy imitating their rulers, and if those in
authority set a good example by praying and fasting regularly, the
people will be encouraged to do so as well. Those in power can also
provide material assistance, such as the construction of mosques and
prayer facilities in public places. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) advised the people not to rebel against their leaders...as
long as the leaders establish prayer and do not commit acts of open
disobedience to Allah. This advice will save the Muslim nation from
anarchy and useless bloodshed.
PRAYER
AS AN EXPIATION OF SINS
Prayer not only stimulates a person to do good deeds, but it also takes
away his minor sins.
"Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins)"
[11: 114]
As prayer is the best of all good actions, it can erase many sins. 'Ali
narrated that Abu Bakr heard Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) saying:
'Whoever commits a sin, but performs ablution in the best way, then
offers two Rakat prayer, and he asks for the forgiveness of Allah,
Allah almighty forgives his sins'
This does not mean to say that a person can commit as many sins as he
likes, as long as he follows each sin with a prayer. What Allah's
Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) was showing is that repentance
opens the door to forgiveness. Prayer is a form of repentance and
should be offered with sincerity and a true desire to amend one's
character. After repenting, the person's Faith should be revived, and
he should fight all Satanic temptations to do evil.
In Surah Al-Furqan repentance is described as a way out for those who
commit major sins:
"And those who invoke not any other Ilah (god) along with Allah, nor
kill such life as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor
commit illegal sexual intercourse - and whoever does this shall receive
the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of
Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace. Except those who
repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, for
those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And whosoever repents and does righteous
good deeds, then verily, he repents towards Allah with true repentance"
[25: 68-71]
PRAYER:
THE FIRST QUESTION ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
Man was sent to this world for only one purpose:
"And I (Allah) created not the jinns and men except they should worship
Me (Alone)"
[51: 56]
Man is to live in this world as a worshipper of his Creator, and the
best form of worship is prayer. On the Day of Judgment, man will have
to answer for each and every deed committed on this earth. He will be
asked about the bounties bestowed upon him in this life:
"Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight (you indulged
in, in this world)!
[102: 8]
But the first question to be asked on that Great Day will be about
prayer. Man has two Mauqif (standing positions) in front of his
Creator, one in this world and one in the next.
The first is his prayer-mat when he stands in regular prayer to his
Lord. The second will be on Judgment Day when his actions will be
brought forward as evidence. If his first stand (i.e. his prayer) is
found to be correct, his second stand will be made easy for him. If his
first stand was faulty, he will face immense difficulties in the second
stand.
To intentionally neglect even a single prayer is a serious sin for
which there can be no compensation. A Muslim is not to miss a prayer
even in the terrifying moments of battle, so how can there be
justification for missing his prayers in ordinary circumstances. during
battle, the Imam leads same ranks of the contingent in one Rakat of the
prayer, while the other soldiers continue to fight. The soldiers then
change places, and the Imam leads the second group in prayer, while the
first resumes fighting. This continues until everyone had prayed. This
particular prayer is called Salat al-Khauf (Prayer of Fear) because of
its unusual circumstances.
Another form of prayer is the shortened prayer, which is allowed during
battle and traveling. The prayers which normally consist of four Rakaat
i.e. Zuhr, Asr, and Isha) are shortened to two Rakaat, but in no
circumstances can a prayer be missed. The only exemption available is
for menstruating women, who are not required to pray during this time. At all other times women must pray just like men. So strict is the
requirement of prayer that a person who is ill, no matter how
seriously, must pray as long as he or she is in consciousness. If the
person can not stand, then the prayer is offered in the sitting
position; if the person is too ill to sit, then the prayer is offered
in the lying position, using the eyes, head, hands, etc., to signal the
different movements of the prayer.
PRAYER:
A DUTY KNOWN TO EVERY PROPHET OF ALLAH
Prophet Ibrahim (alayhis salam) recited the following Du'a when he was
raising the walls of the Ka'bah in Makkah:
"O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley with
no cultivation, by Your Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they
may offer prayers perfectly"
[14: 37]
While he prayed for himself and his children, Prophet Ibrahim did not
ask for riches and fame. He pleaded instead:
"O my Lord! Make me one who offers prayers perfectly, and (also) from
my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation. Our Lord! Forgive me
and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning
will be established"
[14: 40-41]
Prophet Ismail (alayhis salam) has also been praised for his character
in the Qur'an:
"And mention in the Book Ismail. Verily! He was true to what he
promised, and he was a Messenger, (and) a Prophet. And he used to
enjoin on his family and his people As-Salat (i.e. order them to offer
the prayers perfectly) and the Zakat, and his Lord was pleased with
him" [19: 54-55]
Prophet Zakariyyah (alayhis salam) was childless in his old age, and he
yearned constantly for a son: "At that time Zakariyyah (Zachariah)
invoked his Lord, saying: 'O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed
the All-Hearer of invocation.'"
[3: 38]
And while he was praying to Allah, he received the good news:
"Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in
Al-Mihrab (a praying place or a private room), (saying): 'Allah gives
you glad tidings of Yahya (John) confirming (believing in) the Word
from Allah {i.e. the creation of Jesus" (Be!"- and he was! )}, noble,
keeping away from sexual relations with women, a Prophet, from among
the righteous'"
[3: 39]
Prophet Isa (alayhis salam) received Divine communications while he was
still a baby in his cradle: "...and has enjoined on me Salat (prayer),
and Zakat, as long as I live"
[19: 31]
So the daily prayer is not a new act introduced by Allah's Messenger
(pbuh). It is a form of personal communication with Allah, and it is as
old as the first man on this planet.
Prayer cannot be an isolated act:
The Qur'an mentions the act of prayer about thirty-five times, but
never alone. It always couples prayer with giving Zakat or spending on
the poor and needy. The two are inseparable. The person who gives
charity but does not pray five times a day is only earning the
displeasure of Allah.
Another virtue which is mentioned with prayer in the Qur'an is
patience:
"O you who believer! Seek help in patience and Salat (prayer). Truly!
Allah is with the patient."
[2: 153]
Man is surrounded by external and internal problems. To deal with
these, he has been given the two weapons of prayer and patience. Patience helps him withstand external hostilities and opposition.
Prayer strengthens his internal relationship with God.
Another requirement alongside prayer is that of sacrifice, on the day
of Eid during the time of Hajj:
"Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only). For
he who makes you angry (O Muhammad), - he will be cut off (from every
good thing in this world and in the Hereafter)"
[108: 2-3]
This association of prayer and sacrifice is explained in Surah
Al-A'nam:
"Say (O Muhammad): 'Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my
dying are for Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinns and all
that exists)'"
[6: 162]
Prayer is an act of life, and sacrifice symbolizes death. Whether our
actions are concerned with life or death, our sole purpose must be the
Pleasure of Allah. No sacrifice may be offered to any being other than
Allah, just as no prayer is valid except if directed to Allah.
WHY
DOES MAN ABANDON PRAYER?
Allah Almighty says:
"Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up prayers
(i.e. made their prayers to be lost, either by not offering them or by
not offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper
fixed times, etc.) and have followed lusts. so they will be thrown in
Hell. Except those who repent and believe (in the Oneness of Allah and
His Messenger Muhammad {pbuh}) and work righteousness. Such will enter
Paradise and they will not be wronged in aught"
[19: 59-60]
Preceding this verse, the Qur'an gives the example of many previous
Prophets and their guided followers. This particular verse explains
that the people who abandon prayer are those who follow their own
selfish desires. |
|
| 0 Comments / Subscribe To Comments |
| Published: Feb.07.2007 @ 8:10 am
|
The Key to Prosperity
The word "prosperity" has been defined in the Webster's dictionary as follows:
* The condition of being prosperous and having good fortune or financial success.
The word "prosperous" has been defined as:
* Having success, flourishing, well to do, and well off.
The Islamic way of life and the Islamic life-style are indeed the key
to prosperity in this world and in the hereafter. The Islamic way of
life is a way through which a person can live his daily life with
happiness, peace, tranquility, and success in this world and in the
hereafter.
Moreover, prosperity is for the individual in as
much as it is for the family, the local society, other societies,
government, and other governments as well.
Prosperity in the Qur'an
Islam has encouraged every person to strive well in order to be
successful in this world and in the hereafter. The Qur'an speaks about
"successful people" forty (40) times. The Qur'an talks about
Al-Muflihoon by specifying their obligations, their actions, their
deeds, and their good intentions. In Surah Al-Muminoon (Chapter of The
Believers), Allah says the following: "Successful indeed are the believers, who are humble in their prayers; and who keep aloof from what is vain;
And
who are givers of poor-rate; and who guard their private parts, except
before their mates or those whom their hands possess, for they surely
are not blame able,
but whoever seeks to go beyond that, these
are they that exceed the limits; and those who are keepers of their
trusts and their covenants; and those who keep a guard on their
prayers; these are they who are the heirs, who shall inherit the
Paradise; they shall abide therein."
(23:1-11)
While in Surah Al-Baqara, Allah has explained more about the factors
that make people prosperous and successful. The following are the
starting verses of the Chapter:
"Alif Lam Mim.
This Book,
there is no doubt in it, is a guidance to those who guard (against
evil); those who believe in the unseen and keep up prayer and spend out
of what We have given them;
And who believe in that which was
revealed before you and they are sure of the Hereafter; these are on a
right course from their Lord and these it is that shall be successful."
(2:1-5)
By going through these Verses of the Qur'an,
one is able to identify certain activities, deeds and actions that lead
to prosperity and success in this world and the Hereafter. They are:
1. Performing Prayer (Salat) with Pleasure
2. Paying charity
3. Belief in the Unseen
4. Belief in what Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received (the Qur'an)
5. Belief in what the previous Prophets received (Revelations)
6. Belief in the Day of Judgement
7. Refraining from meaningless conversations
8. Refraining from the haram: alcohol, gambling, etc.
9. Refraining from indulging in magic
10. Preserving morality, practicing modesty and chastity
11. Fulfilling on promises
12. Taking care of the trust given to them
13. Exercising patience at all times
14. Having Taqwa
15. Jihad for the love of Allah
16. Doing good and helping others
17. Performing Salat-e-Taubah
18. Speaking the truth and refraining from lies
19. Remembrance of Allah daily
20. Inviting people to the teachings of Allah
21. Instructing people to refrain from doing haram (Forbidden Acts)
22. Being a member of the Party of Allah (Hizbullah)
23. Abstaining from being stingy and miserly
24. Reciting and listening to the Qur'an daily
25. Abstaining from Zulm and Zaalimoon, that is, those who inflict injustice and harm to others
Prosperity / Success in the Hereafter
The most important task in an individual's life is to do something in
this world so as to acquire success for the Hereafter. The following is
a partial list of activities, deeds, actions and services that one can
to do in order to be among the successful people on the Day of Judgment: 1. Good intention
2. Honesty and sincerity for the love of Allah
3. To do good for others
4. To be among the first in doing good
5. Sadaqa and charity
6. Sharing useful knowledge with others
7. Taking care of orphans
8. Preparing one to leave this world and to go to Allah
9. Trying to enlighten one's own grave before going there
10. Visiting cemeteries, hospitals, prisons, and refugee camps
11. Raising children properly, so as to make "Du'a Maghfirah" after
Death
12.
To be among the seven categories of people that Allah will take care
of, and provide shade during the Day of Assembly and the Day of
Judgment. These people are:
a) An Imam who is fairs and just
b) A person who lives with the obedience of Allah
c) A person who loves to visit mosques daily
d) A person who spends money so that his right hands doesn't allow the left hand to know how many doe he spends
e) When a beautiful woman with a high position invites a person to go astray, he refuses because he obeys in Allah
f)
Two people, who get to know one another, become good friends and remain
such, even after they depart to different parts of the world
g) A person who remembers Allah privately, and tears flow upon his face
Extra Bonus
Those who wish to earn more rewards and blessings from Allah can do
some extra activities, services, and sacrifices. Such groups of people
will be given extra bonuses from Allah in this world and in the
Hereafter. Their credits of rewards will be much more than others.
Their lives should be devoted for the love of Allah, and theSunnah of
Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Some of these activities would be as the
followings:
1. Praying Salat Tahajjud
2. Praying Salat Haajah
3. Praying Salat Istikharah
4. Praying extra Salat such as Sunnat al-Wadoo, Sunnat Tahiyat al-Masjid, and Salat Tasbeeh, etc.
5.
Fasting the extra days outside the month of Ramadan such as: Mondays,
Thursdays, Day of Arafa, few days in Dhu al Hijja, and Rajab and
Sha'ban.
6. To analyze daily before going to sleep so as to make sure to be better day by day
7. To ask for forgiveness from Allah, and to ask for His guidance on a daily basis
8. To read Ayatul-Kursi and the two Surahs of Qul-Aadhu before going to sleep
9. To deny yourself in order to contribute to those who are less fortunate than you
10. One has to have a pleasing personality, character, a smiling face, and amicable relations with others
11.
There are many more activities that one may have to perform or avoid,
in order to earn the Mercy and Blessings of Allah. The more a person is
close to Allah, the more will he guide him
Final Remarks
As a final statement in this paper, it is better to quote the Qur'an
about the winners and the successful people in this world and in the
Hereafter. Almighty Allah says in Surah Luqman the following:
"Alif Lam Mim. These are verses of the Wise Book - a Guide and a Mercy
to the doers of Good - those who establish regular prayers, and give
regular charity, and have in their hearts the assurance of the
Hereafter. These are on true guidance from their Lord; and these are
the ones who will prosper. (31:1-5)
|
|
| 0 Comments / Subscribe To Comments |
| Published: Jan.10.2007 @ 7:10 am
|

Society
(The Evils of Isolation)
KNOW that among both the worldly and the
spiritual objectives of Islam are issues which rely on mutual aid and assistance
among Muslims and that cannot come about except via"society" (social mixing)
and the intermingling of Muslims with one another.
In fact, our very survival as Muslims and
our protection from our avowed enemy Iblis depends on our holding fast
to the society of Muslims and avoiding isolation and separation.
Allah's
Messenger (sas) warned us about this.
"Verily Ash-Shaitaan is the wolf of mankind
like the wolf of [who preys on] sheep.
He takes distant one who wanders
to one side. So beware of the canyons and hold fast to the group, the masses
and the masjid."
Shaitaan the accursed is well aware of
this weakness and sends constant expeditions against mankind to separate
and divide them from one another in every way he can.
The Prophet (sas)
said:
"Iblis places his throne upon the water
and then sends out his expeditions.
The closest of them to him are those
who create the most strife (fitnah).
One of them will return and say, 'I
did such-and-such' and he will say, 'You have done nothing'.
Then one of
them will come and say, 'I did not leave him alone until I created division
between him and his wife.' He brings this one close and says, 'You are
the best'."
Staying together and connected as Muslims
is essential to our well-being and the way to it is adherence to the good
character and good interaction as exemplified in the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
The Prophet (sas) said:
"Whoever did not show thankfulness for
a little will not show it for a lot. And whoever did not thank people will
not thank Allah.
Conversing about the favors of Allah is gratitude and
turning away from it is disbelief.
The collective is mercy and isolation
is punishment."
After reading the above, use it to understand
Allah's statement:
{By the night as it covers over (1)
By
the day as it manifests clearly (2)
By the One who created male and female
(3)
Verily your strivings are varied (4)
As for the one who gives and fears
Allah (5)
And acknowledges the best (6)
So we will make way easy to ease.
(7)
But as for the one who is miserly and feels free of need [for others]
(8)
And belies the best (9)
So we will make easy his way to hardship (10)}
Allah describes here those who GIVE, FEAR
ALLAH and ACKNOWLEDGE THE BEST.
It is narrated here that "the best" is
Paradise or all of the favors of Allah upon us in general.
So, the one
who is grateful to Allah for his favors is also among those who fear Allah
and among those who "give", which means they give help and/or things to
others - which by definition means that they are not isolated and cut off
from others..
On the contrary, the other group is described
as being miserly, i.e., not wanting to help others with what Allah has
given them. Allah says about them "istaghnaa" which means that they feel
no need for others.
In other words, in their evil and miserly hearts, they
would not help others except only as they felt that THEY may need something
from those others instead of seeking the pleasure and reward of Allah in
that help or that giving.
This is so normal in our times that it is not
even considered the exception!
This feeling of "istighnaa" (lack of need
for others) is the fundamental ignorance which underlies all miserliness
and selfishness.
The slave of Allah realizes always his profound poverty
and need before Allah no matter what he seems to possess at the moment.
So, as the hadith says, this one shows no gratitude neither to Allah nor
to other Muslims.
There are many benefits from mingling and
staying connected to the Muslims.
Among them are teaching and learning,
helping and receiving help, learning and exemplifying manners (adab), the
pleasure of one another's company, getting thawaab (reward) for maintaining
the rights of others, learning humility, gaining experience and insight
from these experiences and learning from them.
These are some of the many
benefits of the society of Muslims and our holding fast to one another
and not separating ourselves.
Teaching and Learning
If one isolates himself before learning
much about Islam such that he knows all of his obligations toward Allah
and toward others, there is no good in his isolation.
"Gain knowledge before isolating yourself (for worship). Knowledge
is the foundation of the deen and there is no good in the isolated worship
of the common folk."
On the other hand, if one isolates himself
after learning Islam for the purpose of worship, this may be of benefit
to him personally, but will be a harm to the Muslims at large who are in
desparate need of the knowledge which he has acquired.
So, his obligation
to benefit others with that knowledge does not leave room for him to isolate
himself from the Muslims even if there might be some benefit in that for
him.
Since imparting this knowledge is fardh kifaya, the previous statement
is more true when knowledge and its people are relatively scarce.
There is great reward in teaching others
when the intention is righteous and sound. If however, one does so out
of desire for reputation and to have a large number of followers, that
will be his destruction in his deen.
Economic Benefits, etc.
Muslims have needs to receive benefits
from one another such as employment, physical help, etc. and to give that
help to one another.
In a Muslim society, there is a need to intermingle
and be connected so that these needs may be discovered and fulfilled.
In
a mixed or Muslim-minority situation it becomes even more critical since
giving and receiving such benefits exclusively with the disbelievers introduces
all kinds of corruption into the Muslims.
One who had needs has no choice but to
be connected to the Muslim society to seek the fulfillment of those needs.
One who has some ability to benefit others in this way should not choose
isolation over connection as this will leave unmet needs among the Muslims.
There is a great reward for involving oneself in the needs of others and
this should never be neglected for extraogatory acts of worship.
The Prophet (sas) said:
"Every Muslim is the brother of every other
Muslim. He does not oppress him nor turn him over [to his enemy].
Allah
is occupied with the needs of one who is occupied with the needs of his
brother.
Whoever relieves a Muslim of some hardship, Allah will relieve
him of one of the hardships of Qiyama.
Whoever conceals [the fault of]
another Muslim, Allah will conceal [his faults] in Qiyama."
Learning Adab and Imparting Adab
Even in the hardness and ill manners of
others there is benefit for the slave of Allah. Dealing with them is a
training in which there are many benefits.
He must practice maintaining
wisdom and patience in the face of their annoyances and transgressions.
This requires learning to "break" the self, learn humility and learning
to suppress anger and rage seeking the reward of Allah. All of these benefits
will be lost by one who isolates himself form the Muslims. The Prophet
(sas) said:
"The strong is not the one who overpowers
others. Rather, the strong one is the one who maintains control of himself
in anger."
And note Allah's statement on the subject:
{Those who give in easy times and in hard
times. And those who suppress their rage. And those who are forbearing
with people. And Allah loves those who do good. (134)}
Islam provides the training to elevate
the character to levels of wisdom, forbearance and fruitful and benefical
interaction with others.
One who learns Islam and does not mix with the
Muslims is like one who spend his life training an animal but never rode
it.
The only benefit is that the animal will not bite him or kick him.
Likewise, the isolated but learned Muslim will withold his harm from others
and will not experience their harm, but his training is incomplete and
has not born any fruit.
Companionship
Companionship is something needed by human
beings. It can be something highly praiseworthy when one seeks the companionship
of people of knowledge and piety from whomn they will benefit.
In any case,
companionship should be for some of the time with those whose companionship
will not corrupt the remainder of your time.
Strive always for your conversations
during such companionship to be regarding Islam.
Gaining Allah's Reward and Helping Others
to Do So Relationships with other Muslims give many opportunities for thawaab
from Allah Most High such as attending their funerals, visiting the sick
and responding to invitations.
Allah rewards all of these actions because
they bring joy to the heart of the believers.
As for helping others to gain Allah's rewards,
this is by having an open door to the Muslims so that they may come to
give condolences, visit them when they are ill or congratulate them on
some good fortune.
All of these give those others opportunities for more
reward from Allah.
Humility
You cannot practice humility if you isolate
yourself.
In fact, it is commonly so that arrogance was the cause of choosing
isolation over intermingling in the first place.
www.aminah.shiahosting.com
|
|
| 1 Comments / Subscribe To Comments |
| Published: Jan.09.2007 @ 8:43 pm
| Last edited: Jan.09.2007 @ 2:50 pm |
Culture Versus Islam
-
Culture Versus Islam www.aminah.shiahosting.com
Islam
is a religion. But, to many ignorants, Islam is a culture. It is a
practice handed down by their fathers, and their father's father before
that. It is something they do out of habit rather than out of the
education they have received. That is why the converts or the "Born
Again Muslims", if I may be permitted to use this phrase, make better
Muslims. Converts
learn the religion from scratch and throw away their old beliefs on
becoming Muslims. The Born Again Muslims re-learn the religion and are
able to differentiate between Islam and the ignorants AAdat, and are
brave enough to reject what is un Islamic though they run the risk of
being branded fanatics. The
majority of Muslims confuse between what is religion and what is
culture. They take both as one and the same and, on many an occasion,
practice religion as if it was part of the muslim culture, or adopt
some of the old cultures thinking they are doing an Islamic thing. Sometimes
even the culture over-rides religion and they rush out to implement a
cultural practice as if it would be UN Islamic in not doing so. Culture
takes precedence over everything else and, if they miss one or two
obligations in Islam, like praying or fasting, it does not matter as
long as that so called "adat" has been safely implemented. For example, they would spend hours dressing up a bride for a wedding ceremony. Never mind that thebride
has to miss her Maghrib prayers because of this. Allowing her to do her
Maghrib prayers would mean the preparations would be interrupted or
delayed, not to mention her hair, which had been carefully set at great
expense of time and money, would get all messed up. The
house would need to be cleaned and everything would need to be nicely
set up in preparation for Eid preparation. This would mean they would
have to miss the last day of fasting or else there would be no energy
left for the great task ahead of them. Impressing the guests who would
be visiting for Eid preparationis more important that fasting. In
other words, culture is so important that they would sacrifice their
religion as long as the culture is protected. They would not sacrifice
for Islam. How
did this come about? Islam is very specific and explicit. Islam is the
ultimate and everything else comes later. How could, therefore, culture
stand between the Muslim and his religion? Even more important, how
could the Muslim get so confused that he could not differentiate
between religion and culture and allow himself to practice Islam his
way; religion as a culture. In
fact, you can still see aspects of Hindu culture in our so-called
"Islamic" practices. Take the lighting of lanterns on the last seven
nights before the end of Ramadan in some muslims. This is modeled after
the Hindu religious celebration of Deepavali, the festival of the
lights. What
about the wedding ceremony mentioned earlier? Very much a Hindu
practice where the bride and bridegroom sit on a stage so the world can
see them see and to receive the blessings of the crowd who sprinkle
scented water and flowers on them. Many acts the Indians do in the name of religion is not Islamic at all. In
fact, some are even contrary to religious beliefs; bida'ah or shirik;
and compromise the principles of the Islamic faith. These practices are
not only sinful but makes a mockery of the One God fundamental because
that forbidden practice acknowledges the existence of other forces
equally powerful. For
instance, take the practice of consulting mulla (for ganda taweez,
magic). Most muslim believe in the powers of the mulla (for ganda
taweez, magic). and many actually go to see them for assistance. mulla
(for ganda taweez, magic) are nothing but witch doctors. In the Western
terminology "witches" are servants of the devil as they draw upon the
powers of the forces of evil. The muslims swear by the power of the
mulla (for ganda taweez, magic). rather than do their Hajat prayer to get their wishes fulfilled. mulla (for ganda taweez, magic) use the Koran, spirits of dead people, bones of humans, and so on, to "pray" for help. It
must be remembered that though the mulla (for ganda taweez, magic) uses
the Koran it is not used for reciting the verses but as talismans or
"tangkals". The Koran is not taken in its spirit or substance but in
its physical form, as an object of magic. Sometimes
the verses are recited but only for "fixing things". The "client" may
want the mulla (for ganda taweez, magic) to help them get a job
promotion, a contract they have tendered for, the love of a woman or
man, and other worldly desires. In extreme cases the mulla (for ganda
taweez, magic) calls upon the "powers" of the Koran to harm an enemy or
as a prevention, called "sekatan", from an enemy who is suspected of
using another mulla (for ganda taweez, magic) to give this client bad
luck or make him sick. Islam,
or the powers of Islam, is treated as something magical or mystical,
and who better to call upon the magic of the Koran or the verses of the
Koran than the black magic man, the mulla (for ganda taweez, magic). Of
course, every mulla (for ganda taweez, magic) would claim he is doing
things the Islamic way and that there is no shirik in what he is doing.
This gives the Malay the feeling of security, that he is not offending
God in his actions or creating an associate to God. Many religious people, those well learned in Islam dare not speak out. They
realise that this is a very sensitive area to venture into. In fact,
some of these religious people even contribute to the belief by
themselves offering mystical services. The muslim believe that these
religious people have a closeness to God due their "ulama" status and
how better to reach God than through these people. One
reason why the muslims are so gullible may be because Islam was an
"imported" religion.Todays' s muslims choose to be Muslims only when it
suits them and revert to their old cultures and traditions freely. Consider
the concept of water and oil; they do not mix. Oil stays on top and
does not contaminate the water below it. What we do not realize is, oil
chokes life in the water by blocking the flow of oxygen. In
the same way, the belief in other forces other than Allah "kills" the
fundamentals of Islam. Without this fundamental belief, their Islam is
just as "dead" as the life in the water below the oil. It is time the
religious authorities and the ulamas speak out. Re-education is
required. You
are either a muslims(ignorants or a Muslim and, if to be a proper or
good Muslim means we have to be less of a muslims (ignorants), than let
it be so.
|
|
| 0 Comments / Subscribe To Comments |
| Published: Jan.09.2007 @ 4:44 am
|

Weakness
Among Muslim's
I struggled with this question for
many months until I realized that many Muslims are Muslim in name
only and an astounding percentage do not know, let alone practice,
their religion.
The Muslim Ummah is weak because
we as Muslims are weak.
In the West, the enemies of Islam
have cleverly segmented country and religion. Muslims in the West are
now faced with choosing one over the other. In this there is no
decision. Some have opted to serve two masters; a choice that fails
to serve either. The enemies of Islam are cunning indeed. They have
further fragmented Muslims into categories, from moderates to
extremists. There is no such thing in Islam. There is neither
compulsion nor compromise in the requirements laid out for us in the
Qur’an or the Sunnah.
The enemies of Islam have taken
one of our most sacred of acts, namely Jihad and reduce its meaning
to military aggression waged by radical Islamists which it is not.
This has created more fear amongst Muslims and many of our brothers
and sisters have distanced themselves from the actions of our
Mujahideen as the result. Every Muslim is obligated to participate in
the defense of the Muslim people wherever they are attacked.
But in same time, weakness of
Muslim's does not only come from the Western's..
To many Muslim's as they enter
Western contry's looses there faith and there strong Iman.
Then Some would ask why?
It is not the West, it lay upon
One Self !
See clearly inside your self and
jugde!
Why Are You Weak?
Why Do You Go For Making Sin?
Do You Not Fear Allah?
Ask Your Self What Is The Purpose
For Your Life?

The Muslim Ummah is riddled with fear and
suspicion which Allah has also warned us about.
With tactics well known to the
enemies of Islam, Muslims are now pitted against each other when it
is abundantly clear in the Quran and the Sunnah that it is a duty for
Muslims to support their fellow Muslims wherever they are in the
world.
Sorry To Say, But Our Muslim Ummah
Is In A Sorry State!
Muslim's Killing Muslim's!
We See Alot Of Our Sunni Brother's
And Sister's Figthing Against Us..
Welknown They Do Know, We Never
Surrender Our Belief !
Look Around And Watch!
In The West, Most Sunni But Surely
Also Shia Muslim's Has Changed Them Self From Being A True Beliver To
A Weak Muslim!
I Meet Alot Of Muslim's, Who As
They See Me..A Revert..Who Praticy Islam Within All...Are
Surprized..And Then Tell Me How Proud I should Be Off My Self!
Funny Isnt It ?
Cause it is Muslim's Who Dont
Praticy There Religion, Muslimah's Without Hijab, Muslim's Who Go For
All The Forbidding Thing's..
And Then They Tell Me..A
Revert..Be Proud!
Are They Feeling Good Inside?
I dont Think So!
Dont Tell Me...That the Reason for
Rejecting Religion is The Western Life !
It is NOT true!
Sure West has alot to offer for a
human wich may have lived in a Islamic Contry, but it shouldnt be a
reason to change one self.
Faith, honesty and strong Iman
Then One is On the Rigth Way!
Dont Tell Me, That You Dont Fear
Allah?
Do You Know What Happen To You
When Its Time To Face Allah?
Oh Fellow Muslim!
Get Back In Line and Serve Allah
Swt as You Are Supossed To Do!
We will only be able to stop this
aggression, an aggression that ultimately will come to each and every
one of our doorsteps, if we rise to the status that Allah has called
us to; by first becoming knowledgeable in our religion and then
putting into action the prescribed methods that have been laid down
for us.
Surely We Have A Duty To Attempt
To !

As long as Muslims allow the
enemies of Islam to shred the very fabric of our beliefs that pits
brother against brother, and we ignore the obligations Allah has
prescribed for us and remain ignorant of our deen (religion), our
Ummah will remain weak and we will continue to be the target of
aggression.
And when we as individuals come to
the realization that man’s laws will always fail us and that only
Gods laws can bring peace and harmony, then, and only then, we will
make true progress. The solution lies in Islam.

All praise is to Allah, we praise
Him and seek His help and ask for His forgiveness, We seek refuge
from the evils, which are in ourselves and the wicked in our actions,
whoever Allah guides, none can misguide, For whoever Allah guides,
there is none to misguide him. For whoever Allah sends astray, there
is none to guide him. And I bear witness that there is no God but
Allah alone Who has no partner and I bear witness that Mohammed is
His slave and His messenger.
Peace and blessings be upon those
who follow His guidance.
Aminah.alqaem.org
www.aminah.shiahosting.com
|
|
|
|