Ayahs of the Day:
(The servants of the Benevolent are) those who do not pray to any other deities besides God, and do not kill any being made off limits by God, except for just cause, and do not commit adultery-----for whosoever does that will meet with punishment; his torment will be doubled on the day of resurrection, and he will remain in that state abased. [25: 68,69]
Hadith of the Day:
On the Day of Judgment, first the Prophets, then the holders of knowledge, and then the martyrs will intercede for the humankind. [Ibn Majah]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Abstaining is leaving behind every dubious thing and examination of the self with each moment. [Yusuf bin Ubayd]
Guidance of the Day:
When you love God first, you love your spouse more. When you love God first, you love your children more. You should always love God first, not people first. Then you have the power to love people with rich and unconditional love. You transcend the personal when you love God; yet in doing so, you feed the heart and soul of both you and the other person. To tap into this source of boundless love takes spiritual effort; but when it comes, it is like being nourished by a spring.
We also affect the world by being prayerful. Prayer taps into the energy of God, bringing heavenly forces on the other side to bear on this side. When someone prays in faith for someone, although he or she may not be connected in time or space, we don't know how it happens, but the energy of God touches that person in the form of protection or perhaps a sense of peace and comfort. The kindest thing we can ever do for other people is to give them love and prayer. They may not ever know we are doing it. Individuals can affect the world by becoming a model or an example in their small circle of influence. We are all part of one another and so interwoven; it's a kind of divine architectural ecology that encompasses us all and cannot be violated. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
He who thinks he can afford to be negligent is not far from being poor. A little neglect may breed great mischief. Negligence is the rust of the soul, that corrodes through all her best resolves.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 772
Ayah of the Day:
(The servants of the Benevolent One are) those who when they spend are neither extravagant nor stingy, but right in between. [25: 67]
Hadith of the Day:
An hour spent in the evening to study the fundamentals of my religion is better than praying the whole Night of Power. [Bayhaqi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The best of the words is that which is confirmed by the best of the actions. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Love is the supreme activity of life. Developing love in yourself has to take priority. You need to draw upon the divine energy from God so that you have a power to manifest or express this kind of love. Then the word love is no longer a noun. This word love becomes a verb. It's something you do, a sacrifice you make.
If love is a verb, if forgiveness is a verb, if kindness is a verb, then you can do something about it. But if love is just a feeling, you feel almost helpless because you feel you have no control over your feelings. Since you have control over your actions, you therefore have control over your feelings. As you gradually discover this, you gain the maturity to love-----whether you are loved in return or not. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only will tune in. We must go back to nature for information, it knows no pause in progress and development, and attaches her curse on all inaction. Nature creates ability; luck provides it with opportunity.
(The servants of the Benevolent One are) those who when they spend are neither extravagant nor stingy, but right in between. [25: 67]
Hadith of the Day:
An hour spent in the evening to study the fundamentals of my religion is better than praying the whole Night of Power. [Bayhaqi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The best of the words is that which is confirmed by the best of the actions. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Love is the supreme activity of life. Developing love in yourself has to take priority. You need to draw upon the divine energy from God so that you have a power to manifest or express this kind of love. Then the word love is no longer a noun. This word love becomes a verb. It's something you do, a sacrifice you make.
If love is a verb, if forgiveness is a verb, if kindness is a verb, then you can do something about it. But if love is just a feeling, you feel almost helpless because you feel you have no control over your feelings. Since you have control over your actions, you therefore have control over your feelings. As you gradually discover this, you gain the maturity to love-----whether you are loved in return or not. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only will tune in. We must go back to nature for information, it knows no pause in progress and development, and attaches her curse on all inaction. Nature creates ability; luck provides it with opportunity.
Monday, February 26, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 771
Ayahs of the Day:
(The servants of the Benevolent One are those) who meditate on their Lord by night, prostrating themselves and standing up; and those who say, "Our Lord, deflect the torment of hell from us, for its agony is unrelenting; it is indeed wretched as a dwelling place and an abode. [[25: 64,65,66]
Hadith of the Day:
Everything has a support that holds it. The support of this religion is the people of knowledge. [Bayhaqi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The most difficult things to accomplish are generosity in times of hardship, abstaining in seclusion, and speaking the truth to one you fear and have hopes of. [Ma'ruf al Kharkhi]
Guidance of the Day:
We often think the big things are what really matter, but that's not always true. Never underestimate the importance of loving acts. One tiny kind deed can make a world of difference-----and you may never even know it. The wisest words about love are: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is a good advice------always stop and think before you respond or act out of kindness or harshness. Imagine how you would feel, how you would like to be treated, if you were in that person's shoes.
The true blessing of offering love comes when you don't need to do something for someone, but you do it anyway------for no other reason than your desire to be loving. In these instances, you, as well as the person you are loving, are truly blessed. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Never forget, each of your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever return them to your mouth. Choose your words well, and guard them most of all in the presence of those you love.
(The servants of the Benevolent One are those) who meditate on their Lord by night, prostrating themselves and standing up; and those who say, "Our Lord, deflect the torment of hell from us, for its agony is unrelenting; it is indeed wretched as a dwelling place and an abode. [[25: 64,65,66]
Hadith of the Day:
Everything has a support that holds it. The support of this religion is the people of knowledge. [Bayhaqi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The most difficult things to accomplish are generosity in times of hardship, abstaining in seclusion, and speaking the truth to one you fear and have hopes of. [Ma'ruf al Kharkhi]
Guidance of the Day:
We often think the big things are what really matter, but that's not always true. Never underestimate the importance of loving acts. One tiny kind deed can make a world of difference-----and you may never even know it. The wisest words about love are: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is a good advice------always stop and think before you respond or act out of kindness or harshness. Imagine how you would feel, how you would like to be treated, if you were in that person's shoes.
The true blessing of offering love comes when you don't need to do something for someone, but you do it anyway------for no other reason than your desire to be loving. In these instances, you, as well as the person you are loving, are truly blessed. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Never forget, each of your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever return them to your mouth. Choose your words well, and guard them most of all in the presence of those you love.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 770
Ayah of the Day:
And the servant of the Benevolent One are those who walk the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace." [25: 63]
Hadith of the Day:
A scholar is a warrior against evil, and his strength is a thousand times greater than that of the pious. [Bayhaqi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Always consider your intellect to be lacking; otherwise too much faith in it surely leads to error. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
As you focus on being more loving person------without worrying about what you are getting in return-----you find that plenty of love does flow into your life. You don't have to do anything, it just happens. People who are loving and giving attract kindred souls into their lives, for it is easy to love those who are themselves loving. You attract loving people and acts of kindness in your life as you yourself become more loving. It's a giant circle of love that begins with you.
When you act in a loving fashion, an important ripple effect takes place. And even in those rare instances when your love for someone is not returned, it's a good idea simply to keep loving. This doesn't mean that you should allow yourself to be taken advantage of, but rather that you become a model of love and loving behavior. You may be able to help lead that person to another level, where he or she might be kinder somewhere down the road. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Deeds, not stones, are the true monuments of the great. If one has done any deed worthy of remembrance, that deed will be his monument. If not, no monument can preserve ones memory.
And the servant of the Benevolent One are those who walk the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace." [25: 63]
Hadith of the Day:
A scholar is a warrior against evil, and his strength is a thousand times greater than that of the pious. [Bayhaqi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Always consider your intellect to be lacking; otherwise too much faith in it surely leads to error. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
As you focus on being more loving person------without worrying about what you are getting in return-----you find that plenty of love does flow into your life. You don't have to do anything, it just happens. People who are loving and giving attract kindred souls into their lives, for it is easy to love those who are themselves loving. You attract loving people and acts of kindness in your life as you yourself become more loving. It's a giant circle of love that begins with you.
When you act in a loving fashion, an important ripple effect takes place. And even in those rare instances when your love for someone is not returned, it's a good idea simply to keep loving. This doesn't mean that you should allow yourself to be taken advantage of, but rather that you become a model of love and loving behavior. You may be able to help lead that person to another level, where he or she might be kinder somewhere down the road. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Deeds, not stones, are the true monuments of the great. If one has done any deed worthy of remembrance, that deed will be his monument. If not, no monument can preserve ones memory.
Friday, February 23, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 769
Ayahs of the Day:
Blessed is the One Who put constellations in the sky, and put a lamp therein, and a light-giving moon: and He is the One Who made the night and the day alternate, for those who want to be mindful, and those who want to be grateful. [25: 61,62]
Hadith of the Day:
There is no greater worship in the opinion of God than the knowledge of one's religion. [Bayhaqi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The most noble of mankind in the world are the generous, and the most noble in the after life are the God fearing. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
It is easy to find faults in others, but much more difficult to look at ourselves and our own faults with honesty. We are often in denial about our own faults; we don't like to see them too clearly. When we genuinely attempt to treat others as we would like to be treated, we become much kinder, more compassionate, and more tolerant. No one wants to be hurt or to be treated unkindly or disrespectfully. And although many of us were taught to treat others as we would like to be treated, we usually insist that others extend this courtesy to us before we do so. We have to reverse this process. If we were the ones to offer love and kindness, even if we didn't always get something in return, we would live in a much loving world.
It's important to love and appreciate the little things in life, all the beauty that God has created. When we do, it's as though the universe opens up and envelops us in love. A wonderful expanding cycle begins to take place. The more you notice the love, the miracles, and the beauty around you, the more love comes into your life. The more you love, the greater your ability to love. And the process perpetuates itself. As you love the world and the people in it, you find this love manifests itself and returns to you. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul. He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money. Put not your trust in money, but put your money in trust.
Blessed is the One Who put constellations in the sky, and put a lamp therein, and a light-giving moon: and He is the One Who made the night and the day alternate, for those who want to be mindful, and those who want to be grateful. [25: 61,62]
Hadith of the Day:
There is no greater worship in the opinion of God than the knowledge of one's religion. [Bayhaqi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The most noble of mankind in the world are the generous, and the most noble in the after life are the God fearing. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
It is easy to find faults in others, but much more difficult to look at ourselves and our own faults with honesty. We are often in denial about our own faults; we don't like to see them too clearly. When we genuinely attempt to treat others as we would like to be treated, we become much kinder, more compassionate, and more tolerant. No one wants to be hurt or to be treated unkindly or disrespectfully. And although many of us were taught to treat others as we would like to be treated, we usually insist that others extend this courtesy to us before we do so. We have to reverse this process. If we were the ones to offer love and kindness, even if we didn't always get something in return, we would live in a much loving world.
It's important to love and appreciate the little things in life, all the beauty that God has created. When we do, it's as though the universe opens up and envelops us in love. A wonderful expanding cycle begins to take place. The more you notice the love, the miracles, and the beauty around you, the more love comes into your life. The more you love, the greater your ability to love. And the process perpetuates itself. As you love the world and the people in it, you find this love manifests itself and returns to you. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul. He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money. Put not your trust in money, but put your money in trust.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 768
Ayah of the Day:
And trust in the Living, Who never dies; and celebrate praise of God, Who is sufficiently aware of the faults of mortal creatures. [25: 58]
Hadith of the Day:
On the Day of Judgment the pious person is told to enter Paradise, but the holder of knowledge is commanded to stay, to intercede for human-kind. [Isfahani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
One who acts as if death will come tomorrow feels no sorrow when it finally comes. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
The strength of the heart is its ability to nurture all that is beautiful in human life. It requires from us a great mercy and forgiveness----not judgment but the tenderness that weeps at the sorrow of another as if it were our own and that is willing to offer quick forgiveness. By forgiveness, it does not mean condoning what causes suffering to us or to others. Forgiveness, in the end, is simply the statement that we shall not put another human being out of our heart. That we are willing to let go of the pain of the past so that we can start again on the basis of love.
So the work of the heart is simply the work of mercy for ourselves and for others. It is as natural to us as our own breath. It is who we are. Ask you heart, "If my life were only a little bit longer, what is most important, what do I value, how do I want to live?" As we practice listening to the heart and bringing it forth in our actions, in our tongue, we discover that love itself changes our universe. It is contagious-----we catch it from one another. And the power of loving-kindness, the power of those living from the heart, makes the power of armies and technology seems like child play. For it is the heart force that brings all life, that creates all life, that moves through us. It is never too late to touch this fountain. So take time to listen, to allow that wellspring to be known in your life. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Forgive, forgive, and forgive some more. Never stop forgiving, for the temptation to project and judge will always be there as long as you are alive. Forgiveness is the key to peace and happiness, and gives us everything that we could possibly want.
.
And trust in the Living, Who never dies; and celebrate praise of God, Who is sufficiently aware of the faults of mortal creatures. [25: 58]
Hadith of the Day:
On the Day of Judgment the pious person is told to enter Paradise, but the holder of knowledge is commanded to stay, to intercede for human-kind. [Isfahani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
One who acts as if death will come tomorrow feels no sorrow when it finally comes. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
The strength of the heart is its ability to nurture all that is beautiful in human life. It requires from us a great mercy and forgiveness----not judgment but the tenderness that weeps at the sorrow of another as if it were our own and that is willing to offer quick forgiveness. By forgiveness, it does not mean condoning what causes suffering to us or to others. Forgiveness, in the end, is simply the statement that we shall not put another human being out of our heart. That we are willing to let go of the pain of the past so that we can start again on the basis of love.
So the work of the heart is simply the work of mercy for ourselves and for others. It is as natural to us as our own breath. It is who we are. Ask you heart, "If my life were only a little bit longer, what is most important, what do I value, how do I want to live?" As we practice listening to the heart and bringing it forth in our actions, in our tongue, we discover that love itself changes our universe. It is contagious-----we catch it from one another. And the power of loving-kindness, the power of those living from the heart, makes the power of armies and technology seems like child play. For it is the heart force that brings all life, that creates all life, that moves through us. It is never too late to touch this fountain. So take time to listen, to allow that wellspring to be known in your life. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Forgive, forgive, and forgive some more. Never stop forgiving, for the temptation to project and judge will always be there as long as you are alive. Forgiveness is the key to peace and happiness, and gives us everything that we could possibly want.
.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 767
Ayahs of the Day:
Yet they worship, instead of God, what cannot benefit or harm them; and the ingrates are helpless against their Lord. But We only send you as a herald of good and a warner. [25: 55,56]
Hadith of the Day:
If death comes to a person in pursuit of sacred knowledge, that person is received by his Lord. The spiritual level he attains is so high that the difference between him and the prophets is in the prophethood given to the prophet. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Taqwa has an exterior and interior aspect. Its exterior aspect is preservation of boundaries, and its interior aspect is intention and striving. [Abul Hasan al Farisi]
Guidance of the Day:
Death is our eternal companion. It is always to our left at an arm's length. It has always been watching us, and it always will until the day it taps us. The thing to do when you are impatient with your life, turn to your left and ask advice from your death. An immense amount of pettiness is dropped if your death makes a gesture to you, if you catch a glimpse of it, or if you just catch the feeling that your companion is there watching you.
If you have the privilege of being at the bedside of someone having a conscious death, the question asked at the end of his or her life are very simple ones: "Did I love well? Did I love the people around me, my community, the earth, in a deep way?" And perhaps, "Did I live full? Did I offer myself? Did I offer myself to life?" [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
To be peaceful and joyful, there is but one commitment to make. To give all of ourselves in love, to give total, maximal, and unconditional love to everyone, excluding no one, to be helpful to those in need, to trust and accept God's boundless Love for ourselves, and thereby, become a messenger of God's Love.
Yet they worship, instead of God, what cannot benefit or harm them; and the ingrates are helpless against their Lord. But We only send you as a herald of good and a warner. [25: 55,56]
Hadith of the Day:
If death comes to a person in pursuit of sacred knowledge, that person is received by his Lord. The spiritual level he attains is so high that the difference between him and the prophets is in the prophethood given to the prophet. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Taqwa has an exterior and interior aspect. Its exterior aspect is preservation of boundaries, and its interior aspect is intention and striving. [Abul Hasan al Farisi]
Guidance of the Day:
Death is our eternal companion. It is always to our left at an arm's length. It has always been watching us, and it always will until the day it taps us. The thing to do when you are impatient with your life, turn to your left and ask advice from your death. An immense amount of pettiness is dropped if your death makes a gesture to you, if you catch a glimpse of it, or if you just catch the feeling that your companion is there watching you.
If you have the privilege of being at the bedside of someone having a conscious death, the question asked at the end of his or her life are very simple ones: "Did I love well? Did I love the people around me, my community, the earth, in a deep way?" And perhaps, "Did I live full? Did I offer myself? Did I offer myself to life?" [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
To be peaceful and joyful, there is but one commitment to make. To give all of ourselves in love, to give total, maximal, and unconditional love to everyone, excluding no one, to be helpful to those in need, to trust and accept God's boundless Love for ourselves, and thereby, become a messenger of God's Love.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 766
Ayah of the Day:
And He is the One Who created men from water and made from them relations of blood and of marriage; for your Lord is Omnipotent. [25: 55]
Hadith of the Day:
The best of piety is to avoid that which is doubtful. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Know that the hearing and sight are two open doors; whatever enters through them reaches the heart. [Imam al Haddad]
Guidance of the Day:
The clear proof of a person's love for God is if that person genuinely shows love to fellow human beings. None of us has the power to make someone love us. But we all have the power to give away love, to love other people. And if we do so, we change the kind of person we are, and we change the kind of world we live in.
Happiness is always a by-product. You don't make yourself happy by chasing happiness. You make yourself happy by being a good person. The happiest people are people who don't even think about being happy. They just think about being good neighbors, good people. And then happiness sort of sneaks in the back window while they are busy. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
To be peaceful and joyful, there is but one commitment to make. It is to live life, one second at a time, as if it is eternal moment. It is to make the decision, regardless of the behavior we observe, no matter where we are, nor whom we are with.
And He is the One Who created men from water and made from them relations of blood and of marriage; for your Lord is Omnipotent. [25: 55]
Hadith of the Day:
The best of piety is to avoid that which is doubtful. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Know that the hearing and sight are two open doors; whatever enters through them reaches the heart. [Imam al Haddad]
Guidance of the Day:
The clear proof of a person's love for God is if that person genuinely shows love to fellow human beings. None of us has the power to make someone love us. But we all have the power to give away love, to love other people. And if we do so, we change the kind of person we are, and we change the kind of world we live in.
Happiness is always a by-product. You don't make yourself happy by chasing happiness. You make yourself happy by being a good person. The happiest people are people who don't even think about being happy. They just think about being good neighbors, good people. And then happiness sort of sneaks in the back window while they are busy. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
To be peaceful and joyful, there is but one commitment to make. It is to live life, one second at a time, as if it is eternal moment. It is to make the decision, regardless of the behavior we observe, no matter where we are, nor whom we are with.
Monday, February 19, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 765
Ayah of the Day:
And it is He Who has released the two waters, one fresh and sweet, one salty and bitter, and put a gap between them, and a forbidden barrier. [25: 53]
Hadith of the Day:
The best worship for the faithful is to know what is right and what is wrong, with the intention of applying it in their lives. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Whoever desires sound taqwa, let him abandon all sins. [Sahl bin Abdullah]
Guidance of the Day:
Be aware of when you are judging others. Try to let go of those judgments, because they are walls between people. Judgments create hostility, while letting go of them allows you to embrace and love others. If you lead with love, others will respond with love.
Next is gratitude---a wonderful precursor to happiness and love. We are often like harried consumers who rush into the store to buy dozens of doughnuts but, once they get home, moan and groan about the holes in the doughnuts. We forget to see the abundance of doughnuts-----we see only what's lacking. As you go through your daily activities, allow yourself to look for substance and abundance, rather than focusing on the holes. This attitude goes a long way toward opening your heart, your mind, and your spirit to happy, loving feelings. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Never stop forgiving, for the temptation to project and judge will always be there as long as you are living in the body. Forgiveness is the key to peace and happiness, and gives us everything that we could possibly want.
And it is He Who has released the two waters, one fresh and sweet, one salty and bitter, and put a gap between them, and a forbidden barrier. [25: 53]
Hadith of the Day:
The best worship for the faithful is to know what is right and what is wrong, with the intention of applying it in their lives. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Whoever desires sound taqwa, let him abandon all sins. [Sahl bin Abdullah]
Guidance of the Day:
Be aware of when you are judging others. Try to let go of those judgments, because they are walls between people. Judgments create hostility, while letting go of them allows you to embrace and love others. If you lead with love, others will respond with love.
Next is gratitude---a wonderful precursor to happiness and love. We are often like harried consumers who rush into the store to buy dozens of doughnuts but, once they get home, moan and groan about the holes in the doughnuts. We forget to see the abundance of doughnuts-----we see only what's lacking. As you go through your daily activities, allow yourself to look for substance and abundance, rather than focusing on the holes. This attitude goes a long way toward opening your heart, your mind, and your spirit to happy, loving feelings. [Handbook for the Heart]
Food for Thought:
Never stop forgiving, for the temptation to project and judge will always be there as long as you are living in the body. Forgiveness is the key to peace and happiness, and gives us everything that we could possibly want.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 764
Ayahs of the Day:
Had We wished We would have sent a warner to every community. So don't follow the disbelievers, but wage a mighty struggle against them. [25: 51,52]
Hadith of the Day:
There is no doubt that the wise holders of knowledge are the inheritors of the prophets, for the prophets did not leave gold and silver as their legacy, but left knowledge. Whoever received from this inheritance is certainly the richest. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Whoever honors you honors only the beauty of His veil in you. Therefore, praise is to Him Who veiled you, not the one who honored and thanked you. [Ibn Ataillah]
Guidance of the Day:
We can learn to retrain our minds to count our blessings rather than our misfortunes. By surrendering to love, by surrender to God, we can go through each day acknowledging one another with love and gratitude. How quickly our world changes as we learn to return all the love that is continuously given to us by our Source. What greater gratitude can we give to our Creator than choosing to love one another unconditionally by seeing the face of God in everyone.
Everything we do in life can be a gift to God. With every "hello," with every touch, with everything we do, it can be done with all of our love as a gift to God. It is not what we do but how we do it that matters. As more and more of us begin to experience love and forgiveness as our only functions, we will begin to see that unconditional love is the answer to all our problems and all our questions. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue. Modesty is the conscience of the body. It may make a fool seem a man of sense. It is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.
Had We wished We would have sent a warner to every community. So don't follow the disbelievers, but wage a mighty struggle against them. [25: 51,52]
Hadith of the Day:
There is no doubt that the wise holders of knowledge are the inheritors of the prophets, for the prophets did not leave gold and silver as their legacy, but left knowledge. Whoever received from this inheritance is certainly the richest. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Whoever honors you honors only the beauty of His veil in you. Therefore, praise is to Him Who veiled you, not the one who honored and thanked you. [Ibn Ataillah]
Guidance of the Day:
We can learn to retrain our minds to count our blessings rather than our misfortunes. By surrendering to love, by surrender to God, we can go through each day acknowledging one another with love and gratitude. How quickly our world changes as we learn to return all the love that is continuously given to us by our Source. What greater gratitude can we give to our Creator than choosing to love one another unconditionally by seeing the face of God in everyone.
Everything we do in life can be a gift to God. With every "hello," with every touch, with everything we do, it can be done with all of our love as a gift to God. It is not what we do but how we do it that matters. As more and more of us begin to experience love and forgiveness as our only functions, we will begin to see that unconditional love is the answer to all our problems and all our questions. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue. Modesty is the conscience of the body. It may make a fool seem a man of sense. It is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.
Friday, February 16, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 763
Ayahs of the Day:
And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of good in advance of divine mercy: and We shower pure water from the sky, that We may revive a dead land with it, and provide drink for the multitude of livestock and humans We created. [25: 48,49]
Hadith of the Day:
Don't insult my companions. Even if someone should donate as much gold as the mountain of Uhud, he will not receive praise from Allah equal to that received for half a handful donated by my Companions. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
There is no helper other than Allah; there is no guide other than the Prophet of Allah; there is no provision other than taqwa; and there is no work other than perseverance in taqwa. [Sahl bin Abdullah]
Guidance of the Day:
Can there be anything more important than acknowledging others by saying just these two words: "Thank you." As we make the choice to lift ourselves up from the perceptual world and live in the world of God's love, "thank you" becomes a way of life. As we become aware of God's gifts of eternal love and peace, the words "thank you" are increasingly the only ones on our lips.
We can learn to say "thank you" for the day whether it is stormy or sunny. Everything that happens in the perceptual world is but a new opportunity to choose the belief system of love, of God, and world where there is no form but only love. Imagine what the world would be if the only words we spoke, to God and one another, were "Thank you!" Each time we express our gratitude by extending our love to all, there is a little more light in the world, and a little less darkness. [Out of the Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Prayer is the food of the soul. When you have faith and trust in God, nothing is impossible; there is always hope, there is always joy, there is always love, there is always tranquility and peace.
And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of good in advance of divine mercy: and We shower pure water from the sky, that We may revive a dead land with it, and provide drink for the multitude of livestock and humans We created. [25: 48,49]
Hadith of the Day:
Don't insult my companions. Even if someone should donate as much gold as the mountain of Uhud, he will not receive praise from Allah equal to that received for half a handful donated by my Companions. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
There is no helper other than Allah; there is no guide other than the Prophet of Allah; there is no provision other than taqwa; and there is no work other than perseverance in taqwa. [Sahl bin Abdullah]
Guidance of the Day:
Can there be anything more important than acknowledging others by saying just these two words: "Thank you." As we make the choice to lift ourselves up from the perceptual world and live in the world of God's love, "thank you" becomes a way of life. As we become aware of God's gifts of eternal love and peace, the words "thank you" are increasingly the only ones on our lips.
We can learn to say "thank you" for the day whether it is stormy or sunny. Everything that happens in the perceptual world is but a new opportunity to choose the belief system of love, of God, and world where there is no form but only love. Imagine what the world would be if the only words we spoke, to God and one another, were "Thank you!" Each time we express our gratitude by extending our love to all, there is a little more light in the world, and a little less darkness. [Out of the Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Prayer is the food of the soul. When you have faith and trust in God, nothing is impossible; there is always hope, there is always joy, there is always love, there is always tranquility and peace.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 762
Ayah of the Day:
And it is He who has made the night a garment for you, and sleep for rest; and made the day a revival. [25: 47]
Hadith of the Day:
If you could pass the day into night and the night into day with your heart clean of any feeling of enmity or vengeance against anyone, be so, for this is how I feel always. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Health and well-being on the one hand and gluttony on the other are mutually exclusive. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Each of us makes a difference
When giving, kindness, patience, and tenderness
Is the way that we pray,
When love and Forgiveness become
Our song of the day.
Each of us can make a difference
When everything we think, say, or do
Becomes a gift of Love to God.
Each of us makes a difference
When we commit ourselves
To Peace, to Love, to Happiness;
When we commit our lives to God. [Out of Darkness into the Light by Dr. Gerald G. Jampolsky]
Food for Thought:
In everything the middle road is the best; all things in excess bring trouble to men. Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom. To go beyond the bounds of moderation is to outrage humanity. He will always be a slave who does not know how to live upon a little.
And it is He who has made the night a garment for you, and sleep for rest; and made the day a revival. [25: 47]
Hadith of the Day:
If you could pass the day into night and the night into day with your heart clean of any feeling of enmity or vengeance against anyone, be so, for this is how I feel always. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Health and well-being on the one hand and gluttony on the other are mutually exclusive. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Each of us makes a difference
When giving, kindness, patience, and tenderness
Is the way that we pray,
When love and Forgiveness become
Our song of the day.
Each of us can make a difference
When everything we think, say, or do
Becomes a gift of Love to God.
Each of us makes a difference
When we commit ourselves
To Peace, to Love, to Happiness;
When we commit our lives to God. [Out of Darkness into the Light by Dr. Gerald G. Jampolsky]
Food for Thought:
In everything the middle road is the best; all things in excess bring trouble to men. Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom. To go beyond the bounds of moderation is to outrage humanity. He will always be a slave who does not know how to live upon a little.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 761
Ayahs of the Day:
Don't you see how your Lord extends the shade, instead of making it stand still, at will? And We have made the sun its guide. Then We will gradually withdraw it to Ourselves. [25: 45,46]
Hadith of the Day:
The one who obeys me will enter Paradise. The one who refuses to obey me has refused to enter Paradise. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Taqwa of Allah is that He should be obeyed and not disobeyed, remembered and not forgotten, and thanked and not be the object of ingratitude. [Al- Qushayri]
Guidance of the Day:
Each of us can make a difference
When we put an end to indifference and
When we let go of our selfish desires
Each of us makes a difference
When we awaken each day
By showing each other the way.
Each of us makes a difference
When we commit ourselves to have a heart
That beats only with compassion,
Where caring for one another becomes
Our only passion. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Minorities are the stars of firmament. That cause is strong which has not a multitude, but one strong man behind it. The smallest number, with God and truth on their side, are weightier than thousands. All history is a record of the power of minorities.
Don't you see how your Lord extends the shade, instead of making it stand still, at will? And We have made the sun its guide. Then We will gradually withdraw it to Ourselves. [25: 45,46]
Hadith of the Day:
The one who obeys me will enter Paradise. The one who refuses to obey me has refused to enter Paradise. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Taqwa of Allah is that He should be obeyed and not disobeyed, remembered and not forgotten, and thanked and not be the object of ingratitude. [Al- Qushayri]
Guidance of the Day:
Each of us can make a difference
When we put an end to indifference and
When we let go of our selfish desires
Each of us makes a difference
When we awaken each day
By showing each other the way.
Each of us makes a difference
When we commit ourselves to have a heart
That beats only with compassion,
Where caring for one another becomes
Our only passion. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Minorities are the stars of firmament. That cause is strong which has not a multitude, but one strong man behind it. The smallest number, with God and truth on their side, are weightier than thousands. All history is a record of the power of minorities.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 760
Ayahs of the Day:
Do you see the one who takes his fancy for his god? Could you be an agent for him? Do you suppose that most of them hear or understand? They are just like cattle, but even more errant in their way. [25: 43,44]
Hadith of the Day:
Surely the best word is the Book of Allah, the best path guiding to good is the Way of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah upon him). [Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
When you purify your hearts just as you purify your raiment, union with God will follow. If you sincerely seek union with God, then seek Him inside your hearts and leave the world alone. [Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani]
Guidance of the Day:
When we completely trust God's Love and Gentleness, we will have no fear, and then we can accept and experience Love and Gentleness within ourselves. We cannot have peace of mind until we clean up our grievances from the past. It doesn't matter whether they were big or small; any grievance of any size, is an obstacle to our experiencing peace in the present and keeps us engaged. We can't experience perfect peace, or give peace and love to anyone, if we are holding onto grievances.
To find peace, it is necessary to go to the source of our problems. Most of the problems we have, in both our personal and professional lives, stem from the fact that we have held onto unforgiving thoughts. If we could just stop in our tracks for one moment we might recognize that we all make mistakes, but mistakes can be forgiven. We are here not to judge, but to forgive.
Perceptions of hurts need to be honored, not hidden from consciousness. But, through forgiveness, we also need to let go of them. And it takes just one split second to do that. We cannot be free as long as we are imprisoning ourselves, and others with our grievances. It is only through forgiveness that we can experience our own freedom and theirs. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order. The only people who do not change their minds are incompetents in asylums, who can't and those in cemeteries.
Do you see the one who takes his fancy for his god? Could you be an agent for him? Do you suppose that most of them hear or understand? They are just like cattle, but even more errant in their way. [25: 43,44]
Hadith of the Day:
Surely the best word is the Book of Allah, the best path guiding to good is the Way of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah upon him). [Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
When you purify your hearts just as you purify your raiment, union with God will follow. If you sincerely seek union with God, then seek Him inside your hearts and leave the world alone. [Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani]
Guidance of the Day:
When we completely trust God's Love and Gentleness, we will have no fear, and then we can accept and experience Love and Gentleness within ourselves. We cannot have peace of mind until we clean up our grievances from the past. It doesn't matter whether they were big or small; any grievance of any size, is an obstacle to our experiencing peace in the present and keeps us engaged. We can't experience perfect peace, or give peace and love to anyone, if we are holding onto grievances.
To find peace, it is necessary to go to the source of our problems. Most of the problems we have, in both our personal and professional lives, stem from the fact that we have held onto unforgiving thoughts. If we could just stop in our tracks for one moment we might recognize that we all make mistakes, but mistakes can be forgiven. We are here not to judge, but to forgive.
Perceptions of hurts need to be honored, not hidden from consciousness. But, through forgiveness, we also need to let go of them. And it takes just one split second to do that. We cannot be free as long as we are imprisoning ourselves, and others with our grievances. It is only through forgiveness that we can experience our own freedom and theirs. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order. The only people who do not change their minds are incompetents in asylums, who can't and those in cemeteries.
Monday, February 12, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 759
Ayah of the Day:
Yet they have adopted other deities besides, which do not create anything but are themselves created; and which have no power over death, or over life, or over resurrection. [23: 3]
Hadith of the Day:
Fear and love Allah as He is worthy to be feared and loved, and obey and follow your leader even if he be an Abyssinian slave. [Abu Dawud]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Taqwa is the gatherer of all goodness, and the inner truth of taqwa is protecting one's self from God's punishment by means of obedience. [Al-Qushayri]
Guidance of the Day:
The way of the ego is to have us forget about God by getting and attaching ourselves to people and things. The way of spirit is to have us remember God by having no attachments and giving our love to everyone unconditionally. There is only one attachment that can save and bring peace to the world, and that is the attachment of giving unconditional love to one another. With true love there is always a childlike sense of wonder and appreciation for the mystery of life that is beyond our human comprehension.
Surrendering begins by asking the Higher Power what we can do in our lives to help bring love, joining, harmony, and joy into our world. Each time that we accept the love God has for us, each time we give our love to others and put a smile on another person's face, we have taken a giant step toward healing a world suffering from lack of love. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Marriage is that relation between man and woman in which the independence is equal, the dependence mutual, and the obligation reciprocal. It takes two to make a marriage a success and only one to make it a failure. Where there's marriage without love, there will be love without marriage.
Yet they have adopted other deities besides, which do not create anything but are themselves created; and which have no power over death, or over life, or over resurrection. [23: 3]
Hadith of the Day:
Fear and love Allah as He is worthy to be feared and loved, and obey and follow your leader even if he be an Abyssinian slave. [Abu Dawud]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Taqwa is the gatherer of all goodness, and the inner truth of taqwa is protecting one's self from God's punishment by means of obedience. [Al-Qushayri]
Guidance of the Day:
The way of the ego is to have us forget about God by getting and attaching ourselves to people and things. The way of spirit is to have us remember God by having no attachments and giving our love to everyone unconditionally. There is only one attachment that can save and bring peace to the world, and that is the attachment of giving unconditional love to one another. With true love there is always a childlike sense of wonder and appreciation for the mystery of life that is beyond our human comprehension.
Surrendering begins by asking the Higher Power what we can do in our lives to help bring love, joining, harmony, and joy into our world. Each time that we accept the love God has for us, each time we give our love to others and put a smile on another person's face, we have taken a giant step toward healing a world suffering from lack of love. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Marriage is that relation between man and woman in which the independence is equal, the dependence mutual, and the obligation reciprocal. It takes two to make a marriage a success and only one to make it a failure. Where there's marriage without love, there will be love without marriage.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 758
Ayah of the Day:
(Blessed is) the One to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Who has not begotten a son, and Who has no partner in the dominion, and Who created everything and determined its measure. [25: 2]
Hadith of the Day:
Shall I not inform you of something more excellent than fasting, prayer and charity? It is putting things right between people. [Abu Dawud]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The scandal monger harms three people with his tongue------himself, his listener, and his target. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
It is your thought alone that cause you pain.
What could you want that forgiveness cannot give?
Do you want peace? Forgiveness offers it.
Do you want happiness, a quiet mind, a certainty of purpose, and a sense of worth and beauty that transcends the world?
Do you want care and safety, and the warmth of sure protection always?
Do you want a quietness that cannot be disturbed, a gentleness that never can be hurt, a deep, abiding comfort, and a rest so perfect it can never be upset?
All this forgiveness offers you. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
If you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
(Blessed is) the One to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Who has not begotten a son, and Who has no partner in the dominion, and Who created everything and determined its measure. [25: 2]
Hadith of the Day:
Shall I not inform you of something more excellent than fasting, prayer and charity? It is putting things right between people. [Abu Dawud]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The scandal monger harms three people with his tongue------himself, his listener, and his target. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
It is your thought alone that cause you pain.
What could you want that forgiveness cannot give?
Do you want peace? Forgiveness offers it.
Do you want happiness, a quiet mind, a certainty of purpose, and a sense of worth and beauty that transcends the world?
Do you want care and safety, and the warmth of sure protection always?
Do you want a quietness that cannot be disturbed, a gentleness that never can be hurt, a deep, abiding comfort, and a rest so perfect it can never be upset?
All this forgiveness offers you. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
If you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
Friday, February 09, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 757
Ayah of the Day:
Blessed is the One Who revealed the Criterion to a servant of the Divine for it to be a warning to all people; [25: 1]
Hadith of the Day:
O Allah! Grant us enough fear (of displeasing You) that it may serve as a barrier between us and our sins, and grant us enough faith that it may help us to face the misfortunes of this world (more) easily. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
There is certainly goodness in associating with people. But there is safety in seclusion. [Shaykh Makhul]
Guidance of the Day:
There are only two emotions, love and fear. How we perceive is a choice. Rather than seeing another person as angry and attacking us, let us view that person as either loving or fearful, giving us a call of help for love. Forgiveness is the key to happiness. It is only our own thoughts that hurt us. It is only our own minds that need to be healed. We are not the victims of the world that we see.
Let us make no judgments and relinquish any value we find in guilt or in holding on to grievances and blame. Let us let go of the temptation to interpret other people's behavior and step back to let God lead the way. Let us chose love instead of fear. Let us choose peace instead of conflict. Let us remember that unconditional love has nothing to do with how we or anyone else performs. Honesty is when all thoughts come from love, and when there is harmony in what we think, say, and do. It is where one thought does not oppose another. It is a state of mind where there is only peace. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Love is not soft like water, it is hard like a rock, on which the waves of hatred beat in vain. Love cannot be wasted. It makes no difference where it is bestowed, it always brings in big returns. Love is to the mortal nature what sun is to the earth.
Blessed is the One Who revealed the Criterion to a servant of the Divine for it to be a warning to all people; [25: 1]
Hadith of the Day:
O Allah! Grant us enough fear (of displeasing You) that it may serve as a barrier between us and our sins, and grant us enough faith that it may help us to face the misfortunes of this world (more) easily. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
There is certainly goodness in associating with people. But there is safety in seclusion. [Shaykh Makhul]
Guidance of the Day:
There are only two emotions, love and fear. How we perceive is a choice. Rather than seeing another person as angry and attacking us, let us view that person as either loving or fearful, giving us a call of help for love. Forgiveness is the key to happiness. It is only our own thoughts that hurt us. It is only our own minds that need to be healed. We are not the victims of the world that we see.
Let us make no judgments and relinquish any value we find in guilt or in holding on to grievances and blame. Let us let go of the temptation to interpret other people's behavior and step back to let God lead the way. Let us chose love instead of fear. Let us choose peace instead of conflict. Let us remember that unconditional love has nothing to do with how we or anyone else performs. Honesty is when all thoughts come from love, and when there is harmony in what we think, say, and do. It is where one thought does not oppose another. It is a state of mind where there is only peace. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Love is not soft like water, it is hard like a rock, on which the waves of hatred beat in vain. Love cannot be wasted. It makes no difference where it is bestowed, it always brings in big returns. Love is to the mortal nature what sun is to the earth.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 756
Ayah of the Day:
It is to God that all in the heavens and the earth belongs. God knows what you are about; and one day God will bring them back and tell them what they did; and God knows everything. [24: 64]
Hadith of the Day:
I have left two things for you to hold onto, to save yourselves from Satan, and if you hold firm to them, you will never go astray. That is the Book of Allah and my sunna. [Hakim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The trials that arrive in this world are but reminders to you of what you ignore of indigence. [Ibn Ataillah]
Guidance of the Day:
We can never truly be happy if we are spiritually empty, focused on getting rather than giving. Decisions based on satisfying the ego do not bring happiness, peace, love, or fulfillment. On the contrary, they bring sadness, disappointment, darkness, conflict, and emptiness. There is no room for peace of mind or love in our hearts when the ego is telling us to value anger and hate. The moment we accept the belief that we are victims, fear and anger dominate our lives. When anger seems justified, we can be sure of one thing at least: peace of mind is not our goal.
It has been said many times by spiritual leaders that the best way to experience peace of mind is to become immersed in helping others. When you spend just one moment putting the interests of another soul above your own, that is the moment when God's presence can be felt most strongly. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Manners easily and rapidly mature into morals. A man's own good breeding is the best security against other people's ill manners. A man's own manner and character is what most becomes him.
It is to God that all in the heavens and the earth belongs. God knows what you are about; and one day God will bring them back and tell them what they did; and God knows everything. [24: 64]
Hadith of the Day:
I have left two things for you to hold onto, to save yourselves from Satan, and if you hold firm to them, you will never go astray. That is the Book of Allah and my sunna. [Hakim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The trials that arrive in this world are but reminders to you of what you ignore of indigence. [Ibn Ataillah]
Guidance of the Day:
We can never truly be happy if we are spiritually empty, focused on getting rather than giving. Decisions based on satisfying the ego do not bring happiness, peace, love, or fulfillment. On the contrary, they bring sadness, disappointment, darkness, conflict, and emptiness. There is no room for peace of mind or love in our hearts when the ego is telling us to value anger and hate. The moment we accept the belief that we are victims, fear and anger dominate our lives. When anger seems justified, we can be sure of one thing at least: peace of mind is not our goal.
It has been said many times by spiritual leaders that the best way to experience peace of mind is to become immersed in helping others. When you spend just one moment putting the interests of another soul above your own, that is the moment when God's presence can be felt most strongly. [Out of Darkness into the Light]
Food for Thought:
Manners easily and rapidly mature into morals. A man's own good breeding is the best security against other people's ill manners. A man's own manner and character is what most becomes him.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 755
Ayah of the Day:
Don't consider the call of the messenger among you like the way you call on each other. God knows those of you who slip away seeking exemption: so let those who oppose his command beware lest a trial befall them, or a punishment strike them. [24: 63]
Hadith of the Day:
The Devil has given up hope of being worshipped anymore in your land. He is satisfied that you follow him with your little errors, things that you consider trivial. Beware of following him. [Hakim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
There is no faster way to ruin than that of one who does not know his faults, for surely disobedience to God is the path to unbelief. [Abu Hafs]
Guidance of the Day:
We must use our minds to seek where we came from to this temporal life in this world and where we will go at the end. We must learn who we are and why we are here and find our Lord. We cannot live this life without knowing our Lord, nor can we find peace and happiness. For even if we shut our eyes and ears of Him, everything around us sing His praises.
All that we receive and all that we have are His gifts. At best we sometimes realize and appreciate the good things we receive, but good fortune, happiness and riches become our gods and become veils between us and Him, instead of reminding us of the generosity of our Lord. The only time God's gifts are going to be really ours and benefit us is when we share them with those who need help: alms are the true expression of thankfulness, and praising our Lord the Most Generous. It is said, "The beginning and the end of this life is but gratefulness." [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
Man is a piece of universe made alive. Man is the only creature that refuses to be what he is. Men are not superior by reason of the accidents of race or color. They are superior who have the best heart----the best brain. The superior man stands erect by bending above the fallen. He rises by lifting others.
Don't consider the call of the messenger among you like the way you call on each other. God knows those of you who slip away seeking exemption: so let those who oppose his command beware lest a trial befall them, or a punishment strike them. [24: 63]
Hadith of the Day:
The Devil has given up hope of being worshipped anymore in your land. He is satisfied that you follow him with your little errors, things that you consider trivial. Beware of following him. [Hakim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
There is no faster way to ruin than that of one who does not know his faults, for surely disobedience to God is the path to unbelief. [Abu Hafs]
Guidance of the Day:
We must use our minds to seek where we came from to this temporal life in this world and where we will go at the end. We must learn who we are and why we are here and find our Lord. We cannot live this life without knowing our Lord, nor can we find peace and happiness. For even if we shut our eyes and ears of Him, everything around us sing His praises.
All that we receive and all that we have are His gifts. At best we sometimes realize and appreciate the good things we receive, but good fortune, happiness and riches become our gods and become veils between us and Him, instead of reminding us of the generosity of our Lord. The only time God's gifts are going to be really ours and benefit us is when we share them with those who need help: alms are the true expression of thankfulness, and praising our Lord the Most Generous. It is said, "The beginning and the end of this life is but gratefulness." [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
Man is a piece of universe made alive. Man is the only creature that refuses to be what he is. Men are not superior by reason of the accidents of race or color. They are superior who have the best heart----the best brain. The superior man stands erect by bending above the fallen. He rises by lifting others.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 754
Ayahs of the Day:
Pray regularly, and gives alms, and obey the messenger, so that you may receive mercy. Never reckon those who scoff to be obstacles on earth, for their place is the fire, a wretched destination. [24: 56,57]
Hadith of the Day:
The Qur'an is an intercessor. Its intercession is accepted. Whoever follows it as a guide will be led to Paradise. Whoever leaves it behind and does not follow it, it leaves him to Hell. [Ibn Hibban]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Thankfulness to the Creator in the form of service to His creation is the ultimate expression of gratitude. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Believe in destiny. Divine order is such that nothing can change it; it is God's will. Nothing in the created universe is created in vain nor is left unfettered. And man, His supreme creation is certainly not left alone, uncontrolled. There is hope in faith for those who obey God and harm and suffering for the disbeliever who imagined he is the master of his own destiny.
Peace is in believing that all good and that which seems not so good to our egos are from God. Peace is in being content and showing patience for trials with which our Lord tests our obedience. Peace is in our love for Him and being always thankful to Him. It is not difficult because that is how life is: there are things which are full, half full or empty. Let us not be of the ones who resent when things are "half empty." [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
Luxury destroys mankind; at once corrupts the body and the mind. A simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both body and the mind. The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.
Pray regularly, and gives alms, and obey the messenger, so that you may receive mercy. Never reckon those who scoff to be obstacles on earth, for their place is the fire, a wretched destination. [24: 56,57]
Hadith of the Day:
The Qur'an is an intercessor. Its intercession is accepted. Whoever follows it as a guide will be led to Paradise. Whoever leaves it behind and does not follow it, it leaves him to Hell. [Ibn Hibban]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Thankfulness to the Creator in the form of service to His creation is the ultimate expression of gratitude. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Believe in destiny. Divine order is such that nothing can change it; it is God's will. Nothing in the created universe is created in vain nor is left unfettered. And man, His supreme creation is certainly not left alone, uncontrolled. There is hope in faith for those who obey God and harm and suffering for the disbeliever who imagined he is the master of his own destiny.
Peace is in believing that all good and that which seems not so good to our egos are from God. Peace is in being content and showing patience for trials with which our Lord tests our obedience. Peace is in our love for Him and being always thankful to Him. It is not difficult because that is how life is: there are things which are full, half full or empty. Let us not be of the ones who resent when things are "half empty." [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
Luxury destroys mankind; at once corrupts the body and the mind. A simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both body and the mind. The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.
Monday, February 05, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 753
Ayah of the Day:
God promises those of you who believe and do good works to make them heirs on earth, as God made those before you heirs. And God will establish their religion for them----which God has chosen for them----and after that will change their fear into security. They will worship Me, and not associate anything to Me. And those who scoff after that are the ones who are immoral.[24: 55]
Hadith of the Day:
One end of the Qur'an is in the total power of Allah Most High, and the other end is in your hands. Hold firm to it with great care so that you will not go astray, neither will you perish. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The striving of the common people consists of acts, and the goal of the elect in striving is to purify their spiritual states. Enduring hunger and sleeplessness is very easy, but cultivating moral characteristics and cleansing them of lowly aspects is extremely difficult. [Al-Qushayri]
Guidance of the Day:
The Creator created the creation and placed His signs everywhere as a reminder to man. From the very beginning He teaches us how to live this life. He has shown us as a lesson what happened to the first man, our father Adam: if you disrupt the divine harmony and eat the forbidden fruit, you are banished and punished. But when you realize your sin of "tyrannizing yourself," and ask pardon you are forgiven.
Over and over again in the history of man, the children of Adam broke the divine law, and over and over again in His mercy the Lord sent His Prophets as reminders to teach us anew to follow the divine harmony and to show us that He has created man as His supreme creation. He has given us a mind and made us His deputy and master over all, but also ordered us that "the best of masters is the one who is a servant to his servant." [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
If there is anything better than to be loved it is loving. We will never know how to worship until we know how to love. We are shaped and fashioned by what we love. A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave. Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction..
God promises those of you who believe and do good works to make them heirs on earth, as God made those before you heirs. And God will establish their religion for them----which God has chosen for them----and after that will change their fear into security. They will worship Me, and not associate anything to Me. And those who scoff after that are the ones who are immoral.[24: 55]
Hadith of the Day:
One end of the Qur'an is in the total power of Allah Most High, and the other end is in your hands. Hold firm to it with great care so that you will not go astray, neither will you perish. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The striving of the common people consists of acts, and the goal of the elect in striving is to purify their spiritual states. Enduring hunger and sleeplessness is very easy, but cultivating moral characteristics and cleansing them of lowly aspects is extremely difficult. [Al-Qushayri]
Guidance of the Day:
The Creator created the creation and placed His signs everywhere as a reminder to man. From the very beginning He teaches us how to live this life. He has shown us as a lesson what happened to the first man, our father Adam: if you disrupt the divine harmony and eat the forbidden fruit, you are banished and punished. But when you realize your sin of "tyrannizing yourself," and ask pardon you are forgiven.
Over and over again in the history of man, the children of Adam broke the divine law, and over and over again in His mercy the Lord sent His Prophets as reminders to teach us anew to follow the divine harmony and to show us that He has created man as His supreme creation. He has given us a mind and made us His deputy and master over all, but also ordered us that "the best of masters is the one who is a servant to his servant." [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
If there is anything better than to be loved it is loving. We will never know how to worship until we know how to love. We are shaped and fashioned by what we love. A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave. Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction..
Sunday, February 04, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 752
Ayah of the Day:
Say, "Obey God, and obey the messenger of God. But if you turn away, then his only obligation is his duty, and yours is your duty. If you obey him you will be guided, but the messenger's only obligation is clear communication." [22: 54]
Hadith of the Day:
Worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, certainly He sees you. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
There is no good in wealth without generosity; there is no good in brotherhood without caring for one another. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
You cannot wait to repent, because repentance takes time, needs certain conditions, and a lot of effort. It suffices not to say Astagfirullah (" I ask pardon of God"). First one has to be aware of what one did; then one should know and admit that it was wrong; then one regrets what one did; then sincerely decides not to do it again and asks God's help. But all this still does not help until one has undone the wrong deed. Give back what you took, heel the heart you broke, build what you destroyed. It is said that the sign of one's repentance is that one cannot commit that sin ever again.
Repent and do not forget that there is that day when your fortune, your fame, your family, and friends on whom you count and depend in this life will be of no help to you. Only your faith in God, service to others for His sake, your submission to Him and your love for Him may obtain His mercy and your love for and obedience to His prophet will secure his intercession for you. And God's messenger says: Do your accounting now, before the time you have to do it on the judgment Day. [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
No evil is without its compensation. The less money, the less trouble; the less favor, the less envy. Even in those cases which put us out of wits, it is not the loss itself, but the estimate of the loss that troubles us.
Say, "Obey God, and obey the messenger of God. But if you turn away, then his only obligation is his duty, and yours is your duty. If you obey him you will be guided, but the messenger's only obligation is clear communication." [22: 54]
Hadith of the Day:
Worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, certainly He sees you. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
There is no good in wealth without generosity; there is no good in brotherhood without caring for one another. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
You cannot wait to repent, because repentance takes time, needs certain conditions, and a lot of effort. It suffices not to say Astagfirullah (" I ask pardon of God"). First one has to be aware of what one did; then one should know and admit that it was wrong; then one regrets what one did; then sincerely decides not to do it again and asks God's help. But all this still does not help until one has undone the wrong deed. Give back what you took, heel the heart you broke, build what you destroyed. It is said that the sign of one's repentance is that one cannot commit that sin ever again.
Repent and do not forget that there is that day when your fortune, your fame, your family, and friends on whom you count and depend in this life will be of no help to you. Only your faith in God, service to others for His sake, your submission to Him and your love for Him may obtain His mercy and your love for and obedience to His prophet will secure his intercession for you. And God's messenger says: Do your accounting now, before the time you have to do it on the judgment Day. [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
No evil is without its compensation. The less money, the less trouble; the less favor, the less envy. Even in those cases which put us out of wits, it is not the loss itself, but the estimate of the loss that troubles us.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 751
Ayah of the Day:
Those who obey God and the messenger of God, and are in awe of God and conscious of God___they are the winners. [24: 52]
Hadith of the Day:
As long as you do not love me more than anything else, your faith is not complete. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Repentance is that you turn away from everything other than God. [Abul Husayn Nuri]
Guidance of the Day:
Watch your tongue, do not ever insult anyone. Harsh words can cut deep wounds, deep down to the heart. But when you are one so wounded say to your oppressor "peace" and no more. For it is said: The one who guards his tongue is at peace. The best of all words are in God's Holy Qur'an and the best way to say them is the way His beloved Prophet did. So study it.
Surely soon we will face a divine court on the day of the Last Judgment, where the supreme judge is God, the prosecutors are His angels who have recorded our most minute deeds, our defense lawyers will be the prophets and saints, if we are worthy. The witnesses are our own members: eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet as well as our deeds who will witness against us. [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
Wise men never sit and wail their loss, but cheerily seek how to redress their harms. The cheerful loser is the winner. When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.
Practice what you have learned, for theory without practice is like a spirit without a body. One who is content with learning alone is not learned, for the truly learned seek more than words. [Al Hujwiri]
Those who obey God and the messenger of God, and are in awe of God and conscious of God___they are the winners. [24: 52]
Hadith of the Day:
As long as you do not love me more than anything else, your faith is not complete. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Repentance is that you turn away from everything other than God. [Abul Husayn Nuri]
Guidance of the Day:
Watch your tongue, do not ever insult anyone. Harsh words can cut deep wounds, deep down to the heart. But when you are one so wounded say to your oppressor "peace" and no more. For it is said: The one who guards his tongue is at peace. The best of all words are in God's Holy Qur'an and the best way to say them is the way His beloved Prophet did. So study it.
Surely soon we will face a divine court on the day of the Last Judgment, where the supreme judge is God, the prosecutors are His angels who have recorded our most minute deeds, our defense lawyers will be the prophets and saints, if we are worthy. The witnesses are our own members: eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet as well as our deeds who will witness against us. [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
Wise men never sit and wail their loss, but cheerily seek how to redress their harms. The cheerful loser is the winner. When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.
Practice what you have learned, for theory without practice is like a spirit without a body. One who is content with learning alone is not learned, for the truly learned seek more than words. [Al Hujwiri]
Friday, February 02, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 750
Ayah of the Day:
All the believers say when called to God and the messenger of God, in order to judge among them, is "We hear and we obey." And they are the ones who attain happiness. [24: 51]
Hadith of the Day:
Blessed is the person whom God has made a key for good and a lock for evil. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Your finest moment is the one in which you see clearly the reality of your indigence and are reduced to a state of submission. [Ibn Ataillah]
Guidance of the Day:
God is ever-present, yet invisible. Invisible, because no eye can look at Him. If you stare at the sun you will be blinded, while you can view the moon to your heart's content. And what you see in moon is but the reflection of sunlight. Like this, the divine light of God is reflected in His beloved prophet. In this life if you wish to see God's light, look at the beauty of His prophet, and his deeds and his words that came from his blessed lips.
Words are the smell of the breath of one's inner self. It is what distinguishes man. A word is a promise. So watch your word. It is said: "To judge a man, make him speak." Take care to always tell the truth. Speak kindly and positively or keep silent. Do not be suspicious or opinionated about others. When you give your word, keep it under any circumstances. Do not talk in vain without any meaning or sense. Man is not created in vain. Your breaths are numbered; do not spend them in speaking nonsense. Good words are heard by God. And the speaker reaps rewards. So remember God is listening when you speak. [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
He who talks much cannot talk well. They always talk who never think, and who have the least to say. Speaking much is a sign of vanity, for he that is lavish with word is a niggard in deed.
All the believers say when called to God and the messenger of God, in order to judge among them, is "We hear and we obey." And they are the ones who attain happiness. [24: 51]
Hadith of the Day:
Blessed is the person whom God has made a key for good and a lock for evil. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Your finest moment is the one in which you see clearly the reality of your indigence and are reduced to a state of submission. [Ibn Ataillah]
Guidance of the Day:
God is ever-present, yet invisible. Invisible, because no eye can look at Him. If you stare at the sun you will be blinded, while you can view the moon to your heart's content. And what you see in moon is but the reflection of sunlight. Like this, the divine light of God is reflected in His beloved prophet. In this life if you wish to see God's light, look at the beauty of His prophet, and his deeds and his words that came from his blessed lips.
Words are the smell of the breath of one's inner self. It is what distinguishes man. A word is a promise. So watch your word. It is said: "To judge a man, make him speak." Take care to always tell the truth. Speak kindly and positively or keep silent. Do not be suspicious or opinionated about others. When you give your word, keep it under any circumstances. Do not talk in vain without any meaning or sense. Man is not created in vain. Your breaths are numbered; do not spend them in speaking nonsense. Good words are heard by God. And the speaker reaps rewards. So remember God is listening when you speak. [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
He who talks much cannot talk well. They always talk who never think, and who have the least to say. Speaking much is a sign of vanity, for he that is lavish with word is a niggard in deed.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 749
Ayah of the Day:
God alternates the night and the day; surely there is a lesson in that for those who can see. [24: 44]
Hadith of the Day:
Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well and if they do evil you will do evil. But (instead) accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do evil if they do evil. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The sign that Allah is pleased with His servant is that His servant is pleased with His decree. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
The essence of time is the moment, that is the time we are living, not yesterday, or tomorrow, but Now. So use your mind, your effort for that indivisible single moment, for it is the soul of time. It is real reality. Don't you see what is now is gone the next moment and you missed it. To throw away one's fortune is sinful; the worst spendthrift is the one who throws away time. The reality, all of existence is in Now: that breath which you inhale. It is that moment which is divine and belongs to God.
The past is lost memory and the future is vague hope. So if you honor the moment by living it, God may stretch it to past eternity and to future eternity, for the moment of Now is like the soul of Time. As the soul penetrates to all the members of your body, if you are aware of it, so will the Now effect your whole life, if you live it. [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
This world is like a steep mountain which echoes. Whatever you say, whatever you do, whatever you think or feel, good or bad comes back to you louder as an echo.
God alternates the night and the day; surely there is a lesson in that for those who can see. [24: 44]
Hadith of the Day:
Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well and if they do evil you will do evil. But (instead) accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do evil if they do evil. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The sign that Allah is pleased with His servant is that His servant is pleased with His decree. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
The essence of time is the moment, that is the time we are living, not yesterday, or tomorrow, but Now. So use your mind, your effort for that indivisible single moment, for it is the soul of time. It is real reality. Don't you see what is now is gone the next moment and you missed it. To throw away one's fortune is sinful; the worst spendthrift is the one who throws away time. The reality, all of existence is in Now: that breath which you inhale. It is that moment which is divine and belongs to God.
The past is lost memory and the future is vague hope. So if you honor the moment by living it, God may stretch it to past eternity and to future eternity, for the moment of Now is like the soul of Time. As the soul penetrates to all the members of your body, if you are aware of it, so will the Now effect your whole life, if you live it. [The Path of Muhammad]
Food for Thought:
This world is like a steep mountain which echoes. Whatever you say, whatever you do, whatever you think or feel, good or bad comes back to you louder as an echo.
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