Ayahs of the Day:
Have they not seen the birds above them, as they draw in their wings, having spread them--------the Benevolent One holds them up, observing everything. And who is there as a force to help you other than the Benevolent One? The disbelievers are only involved in illusion. Or who is there to provide for you if God stops providing? Yet they persist in presumption and escapism. Then is one who walks bent on his own design better guided, or one who walks for common cause on a straight path? [67: 19 to 22]
Hadith of the Day:
Give the sadaqa without delay for it stands in the way of calamity. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The righteous salaf were as fearful of their good deeds squandered and not accepted as the present generation is certain that their neglect will be forgiven. [Hasan al-Basri]
Guidance of the Day:
Beware of praying against yourself, your children, or any other Muslim, even if they have wronged you. Beware of unjustly harming a Muslim or insulting him. Beware of cursing a Muslim, an animal, an inanimate thing, or any specific person, even if he is a disbeliever, unless you know for certain that he has died a disbeliever, as in the cases of Pharaoh and Abu Jahl, or unless you know that God's mercy will not, under any circumstance reach him, as in the case of the devil.
It has been said that the curse uttered by a person ascends toward heaven but that the gates are locked against it. It then descends to earth, the gates of which are also locked against it, so that it then goes to the one who was cursed, and either finds him vulnerable to it, or else it recoils against its utterer. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
Life is half spent before we know it. It's what you do with your life counts. Life is not a sum of what we are, but what we yearn to be. Life is like a blanket too short. You pull it up and your toes rebel, you yank it down and your shoulders shiver, but cheerful folks manage to draw their knees up and pass a very comfortable night.
Flee to the shelter of God's grace. He showers our souls with His grace. When He provides shelter, how can you lack shelter? Fear not; water and fire will become your army. Did the sea not help Noah and Moses? Did it not seek vengeance upon their foes? Was not the fire a fortress for Abraham? Did it not raise the smoke of despair in the heart of Nimrod? [Mawlana Rumi]
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
An interview for www.feeqalbee.wordpress.com
(Originally posted at www.feeqalbee.wordpress.com)
1. Hafiza Iffath, Please tell us about yourself?
A. I am 55 years old, originally from Hyderabad, India. My parents arranged my marriage at 18 and I came to Canada with my husband, and few years later we moved to Chicago, US. I have two sons, both of them married and working in California. I teach at the Institute for Islamic Education (IIE) for girls in Elgin Illinois, a twenty minute drive from where I live.The subjects I teach are memorization of the Qur'aan and Arabic language.
2. When and how did you begin memorizing Qur'an?
A. I memorized the Qur'an at the age of 37. Generally with difficult situations in our lives we happen to connect with Almighty Allah, so this was one of those situations I was going through, and I really wanted Allah to answer my prayer, I used to wake up for Tahajjud and make my heartfelt duas, with the barakah of Tahajjud Allah granted me my wish, then I said to myself 'how can I stop making Tahajjud through which Allah granted me my wish', and Alhamdulillah I was able to continue my Tahajjud. After a couple of months I felt that night after night I was only reciting the same few long surahs that I knew, I felt I should memorize 3 to 4 juz for some variety in my Tahajjud, and that is how it all got started. Allah Almighty says in His holy book; "It may be that you dislike something that is good for you, and it may be that you like something that is bad for you. God knows and you do not know" (2: 216). In my case the disliked situation became a source two of the greatest blessings---------Tahajjud and Hifdh.
3. Who inspired you during your memorization of Qur'an?
A. I have a friend who is a Hafidhah, I always used to admire her, but I had never thought of ever memorizing it myself. Then when I got started she was there to help me and give me ideas and tips on how to follow the process of memorization. Allah Almighty has promised His special help especially in the matters of deen. "As for those who struggle for Our sake, We will guide them in Our ways. For God is with those who do good" (29: 69).
4. How long did it take for you to complete memorization?
A. It took me one year to memorize the first ten Juz, until then I had not thought of memorizing the whole Qur'an. At that point I said to myself 'Allah has made it so easy for me how can I stop now.' I was Alhamdulillah able to continue with more enthusiasm and was able to complete the Hifdh in two years.
5. What were the challenges that you faced during memorization?
A. I had to fulfill my responsibilities as a wife and a mother of two, and run the household smoothly. I had to make the most of my time when I was by myself. People do ask me about how many hours I used to spend during the day for memorization. During the morning hours I had a few hours to myself but even in between I used to make the most of what ever time I got. And the second challenge was 'my migraine headaches' which used to be quite frequent in those days, which again became another blessing for me, because I really valued my time and tried to make the most of it when I was not sick, because I knew once I get sick there is nothing I can do (i.e. I can't memorize). I am sure Allah gave barakah in my time.
6. As a Qur'an teacher, how do you feel the challenges of past and present students differ?
A. MashaAllah I have come across those students who are still very eager and anxious to memorize, there are definitely more temptations to do all sorts of things with the modern technology and waste their time, but this same technology when used for good is helping the students to achieve their goal with much ease. My students benefit a lot through listening to different Huffadh with their IPods, mp3 players etc.
7. What advise or learning resources would you offer/recommend to those currently memorizing Qur'an?
A. My advise is first and foremost we turn to Allah for help, and do it for His pleasure with utmost Ikhlas, and then we need to commit ourselves just the way we commit for all the other things that we want to achieve in our lives and also make the most of all the resources that are available on an individual basis.
8. What advice would you present to those who have completed memorization of Qur'aan?
A. As we know this is a unique thing in itself, we need to make a life long commitment to review a portion of the Qur'aan regularly every single day -- that portion should be one seventh of the Quraan, I call it 'a seven day cycle', no matter where we are this shouldn't get disturbed, and besides that we should be able to recite a Juz or so in our daily salats. These two things have really helped me and I do emphasize on these when I am asked for advice.
9. Please tell me more on your published work on Qur'anic Language Made Easy?
A. Alhamdulillah I was able to learn the Arabic language with the basic grammar to understand the Qur'an around the same time when I was memorizing the Qur'an. Later on I started teaching, I didn't have a text, I was teaching from the notes which I took from my teachers. Some of my students at the end of their course insisted that I should get my notes published so that others can also benefit from it. Alhamdulillah I hear MashaAllah more and more people are using it now. It is basically written for non Arabic speaking students. Those who want to learn the basic grammar on their own who are fluent with their recitation of the Qur'aan, this book InshaAllah will be a good start.
10. In the past, many parents focused primarily on their sons memorizing Qur'an. In recent years, this has changed, with many more sisters memorizing Qur'an. Why do you think this is so?
A. MashaAllah times have changed and I have also come across parents who want their daughters to memorize the Qur'aan and also sisters who are very much committed to memorizing the Qur'aan. My guess is, in the past girls didn't go into every field of education and compete with men, but now times have changed and they are competing with men in every field, so why not the memorization of the Qur'an. My advice to the girls is "go for it, commit yourselves, may Allah grant you success, ameen."
11. What/who motivates you daily?
A. My motivation every single day comes to me through the realization of the great gift Allah has blessed me with. Every single day I weep, because I am out of words to express my gratitude for the best possible gift I am blessed with after Iman. With this realization it becomes easy to do my review every single day, because I know I can't afford to lose it. And besides that I love doing it, in fact I look forward to doing it everyday as soon as I possibly can.
12. Let's talk favorites- Please share with us:-your favorite verse of Qur'an? -your favorite Surah?-your best memory from the days of memorizing Qur'an?
A. My favorite verses are many, and one of them is: 'Those who believe and whose hearts are satisfied by remembrance of God. Oh, it is by remembrance of God that hearts are satisfied!' (13: 28).
My favorite Surah is Surah al Ikhlas.
My best memories from the days of memorizing Qur'an are two, one is when after quietly doing it on my own without my husband knowing about it for a year, I told him after I had memorized ten Juz, he was really happy for me, and second is in my second year I was able to persuade my son to start memorizing, he was in eleventh grade at that time, we were both doing it together, and MashaAllah later on when he was in college he was able to complete his Hifdh as well. And also my parents I was able to make them soooo happy through this.
1. Hafiza Iffath, Please tell us about yourself?
A. I am 55 years old, originally from Hyderabad, India. My parents arranged my marriage at 18 and I came to Canada with my husband, and few years later we moved to Chicago, US. I have two sons, both of them married and working in California. I teach at the Institute for Islamic Education (IIE) for girls in Elgin Illinois, a twenty minute drive from where I live.The subjects I teach are memorization of the Qur'aan and Arabic language.
2. When and how did you begin memorizing Qur'an?
A. I memorized the Qur'an at the age of 37. Generally with difficult situations in our lives we happen to connect with Almighty Allah, so this was one of those situations I was going through, and I really wanted Allah to answer my prayer, I used to wake up for Tahajjud and make my heartfelt duas, with the barakah of Tahajjud Allah granted me my wish, then I said to myself 'how can I stop making Tahajjud through which Allah granted me my wish', and Alhamdulillah I was able to continue my Tahajjud. After a couple of months I felt that night after night I was only reciting the same few long surahs that I knew, I felt I should memorize 3 to 4 juz for some variety in my Tahajjud, and that is how it all got started. Allah Almighty says in His holy book; "It may be that you dislike something that is good for you, and it may be that you like something that is bad for you. God knows and you do not know" (2: 216). In my case the disliked situation became a source two of the greatest blessings---------Tahajjud and Hifdh.
3. Who inspired you during your memorization of Qur'an?
A. I have a friend who is a Hafidhah, I always used to admire her, but I had never thought of ever memorizing it myself. Then when I got started she was there to help me and give me ideas and tips on how to follow the process of memorization. Allah Almighty has promised His special help especially in the matters of deen. "As for those who struggle for Our sake, We will guide them in Our ways. For God is with those who do good" (29: 69).
4. How long did it take for you to complete memorization?
A. It took me one year to memorize the first ten Juz, until then I had not thought of memorizing the whole Qur'an. At that point I said to myself 'Allah has made it so easy for me how can I stop now.' I was Alhamdulillah able to continue with more enthusiasm and was able to complete the Hifdh in two years.
5. What were the challenges that you faced during memorization?
A. I had to fulfill my responsibilities as a wife and a mother of two, and run the household smoothly. I had to make the most of my time when I was by myself. People do ask me about how many hours I used to spend during the day for memorization. During the morning hours I had a few hours to myself but even in between I used to make the most of what ever time I got. And the second challenge was 'my migraine headaches' which used to be quite frequent in those days, which again became another blessing for me, because I really valued my time and tried to make the most of it when I was not sick, because I knew once I get sick there is nothing I can do (i.e. I can't memorize). I am sure Allah gave barakah in my time.
6. As a Qur'an teacher, how do you feel the challenges of past and present students differ?
A. MashaAllah I have come across those students who are still very eager and anxious to memorize, there are definitely more temptations to do all sorts of things with the modern technology and waste their time, but this same technology when used for good is helping the students to achieve their goal with much ease. My students benefit a lot through listening to different Huffadh with their IPods, mp3 players etc.
7. What advise or learning resources would you offer/recommend to those currently memorizing Qur'an?
A. My advise is first and foremost we turn to Allah for help, and do it for His pleasure with utmost Ikhlas, and then we need to commit ourselves just the way we commit for all the other things that we want to achieve in our lives and also make the most of all the resources that are available on an individual basis.
8. What advice would you present to those who have completed memorization of Qur'aan?
A. As we know this is a unique thing in itself, we need to make a life long commitment to review a portion of the Qur'aan regularly every single day -- that portion should be one seventh of the Quraan, I call it 'a seven day cycle', no matter where we are this shouldn't get disturbed, and besides that we should be able to recite a Juz or so in our daily salats. These two things have really helped me and I do emphasize on these when I am asked for advice.
9. Please tell me more on your published work on Qur'anic Language Made Easy?
A. Alhamdulillah I was able to learn the Arabic language with the basic grammar to understand the Qur'an around the same time when I was memorizing the Qur'an. Later on I started teaching, I didn't have a text, I was teaching from the notes which I took from my teachers. Some of my students at the end of their course insisted that I should get my notes published so that others can also benefit from it. Alhamdulillah I hear MashaAllah more and more people are using it now. It is basically written for non Arabic speaking students. Those who want to learn the basic grammar on their own who are fluent with their recitation of the Qur'aan, this book InshaAllah will be a good start.
10. In the past, many parents focused primarily on their sons memorizing Qur'an. In recent years, this has changed, with many more sisters memorizing Qur'an. Why do you think this is so?
A. MashaAllah times have changed and I have also come across parents who want their daughters to memorize the Qur'aan and also sisters who are very much committed to memorizing the Qur'aan. My guess is, in the past girls didn't go into every field of education and compete with men, but now times have changed and they are competing with men in every field, so why not the memorization of the Qur'an. My advice to the girls is "go for it, commit yourselves, may Allah grant you success, ameen."
11. What/who motivates you daily?
A. My motivation every single day comes to me through the realization of the great gift Allah has blessed me with. Every single day I weep, because I am out of words to express my gratitude for the best possible gift I am blessed with after Iman. With this realization it becomes easy to do my review every single day, because I know I can't afford to lose it. And besides that I love doing it, in fact I look forward to doing it everyday as soon as I possibly can.
12. Let's talk favorites- Please share with us:-your favorite verse of Qur'an? -your favorite Surah?-your best memory from the days of memorizing Qur'an?
A. My favorite verses are many, and one of them is: 'Those who believe and whose hearts are satisfied by remembrance of God. Oh, it is by remembrance of God that hearts are satisfied!' (13: 28).
My favorite Surah is Surah al Ikhlas.
My best memories from the days of memorizing Qur'an are two, one is when after quietly doing it on my own without my husband knowing about it for a year, I told him after I had memorized ten Juz, he was really happy for me, and second is in my second year I was able to persuade my son to start memorizing, he was in eleventh grade at that time, we were both doing it together, and MashaAllah later on when he was in college he was able to complete his Hifdh as well. And also my parents I was able to make them soooo happy through this.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
LESSON OF THE DAY 1184
Ayahs of the Day:
Are you secure from the One in heaven causing the earth to swallow you as it quakes? Or are you secure from One in heaven sending a storm against you so you will know how My warning is? Those before them scoffed too-------and how was My reproval! [67: 16,17,18]
Hadith of the Day:
The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his sadaqa. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Abu Yazid was once asked why he regarded fasting so supreme. He replied, "Had the Pharaoh known hunger he would not have declared himself God. And Korah would never have been so rebellious had he endured the pain of starvation." [Al-Hujwiri]
Guidance of the Day:
Show delight and pleasure when something good befalls the Muslims, such as the arrival of rains, lowering of prices, or victory over aggressors or disbelievers. Be sad and grieved when hardship befalls them such as epidemics, rising prices, and seditions. Entreat God to relieve them of such trials. Yet you should accept His decree and ordinance.
The Messenger of God, may blessings and peace be upon him, has said: 'The one who is not interested in the affairs of the Muslims is not one of them.' And: 'The believers are, in their mutual affection and sympathy, as one body; when one of its organs falls ill the rest of the body is mutually affected with fever and sleeplessness.' [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell,
and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil;
one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves,
and another thing to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God.
It is one thing to be terrified; another, to be humbled.
Are you secure from the One in heaven causing the earth to swallow you as it quakes? Or are you secure from One in heaven sending a storm against you so you will know how My warning is? Those before them scoffed too-------and how was My reproval! [67: 16,17,18]
Hadith of the Day:
The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his sadaqa. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Abu Yazid was once asked why he regarded fasting so supreme. He replied, "Had the Pharaoh known hunger he would not have declared himself God. And Korah would never have been so rebellious had he endured the pain of starvation." [Al-Hujwiri]
Guidance of the Day:
Show delight and pleasure when something good befalls the Muslims, such as the arrival of rains, lowering of prices, or victory over aggressors or disbelievers. Be sad and grieved when hardship befalls them such as epidemics, rising prices, and seditions. Entreat God to relieve them of such trials. Yet you should accept His decree and ordinance.
The Messenger of God, may blessings and peace be upon him, has said: 'The one who is not interested in the affairs of the Muslims is not one of them.' And: 'The believers are, in their mutual affection and sympathy, as one body; when one of its organs falls ill the rest of the body is mutually affected with fever and sleeplessness.' [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell,
and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil;
one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves,
and another thing to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God.
It is one thing to be terrified; another, to be humbled.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Pearls of the wisdom 222
1. The spirit of all the science is this---------to know who you will be on the Day of Resurrection.
2. The suffering of that world is beyond the limits of description, compared to that, all suffering in this world is easy.
3. He who has intellect dominates his sensuality, is higher than the angels, and he whose sensuality dominates his intellect, is lower than the beasts.
4. Happy is he who wages the Holy war, who chastises his body and gives it its due. Wishing to be delivered from the suffering of that world, he assumes the painful burden of worship in this world.
5. Only God fearingness (taqwa), religion, and piety are of any use. Through them you gain prosperity in the two worlds.
6. Man must cleanse all ulterior motives from his faculty of discernment, and seek companions in religion.
7. Never be without the remembrance of God, for His remembrance provides the bird of the spirit with strength, feathers and wings.
8. Through the remembrance of God your inward will be illuminated and you will achieve a degree of detachment from the world.
9. Remembrance makes people desire the Journey; it makes them into travelers (to Allah).
10. What is sweeter than the remembrance of the Friend? If you mention His name in the depths of a well, He will make the depths of the well the Summit of Paradise. [Mawlana Jalal uddin Rumi]
Friday, January 22, 2010
LESSON OF THE DAY 1183
Ayahs of the Day:
As for those who fear their Lord unseen, they will have forgiveness and great recompense. And whether you keep secret what you say or express it publicly, God knows what is in all hearts. Doesn't the Creator know, being most subtle, completely aware? That is who made the earth accessible to you, so travel its roads and partake of what God has provided, though the resurrection is to God. [67: 12 to 15]
Hadith of the Day:
Do not gloat over your brother's misfortune, lest Allah gives him well-being and afflict you. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The best of your moments is the one wherein you witness the existence of your indigence and, through it, arrive at existence of your lowliness. [Ibn Ata'Allah]
Guidance of the Day:
Always smile at believers, show them an engaging friendly face, speak well to them, be gentle and 'lower your wing' to them. It has been handed down that when two Muslims meet and shake hands a hundred mercies are divided between them, ninety-nine of which are for the friendlier of the two.
Beware of breaking off relations with a Muslim for the sake of yourself. If you need to leave him for a religious reason then do so for no more than three days, for the Prophet has said, may blessings and peace be upon him: 'The one who deserts his brother for more than three days will be driven by God into the Fire, unless God rescues him through His mercy.' This relates to desertion for the purpose of discipline; but if it be done because of a wrong is being committed or a right neglected, then there can be no restoration until he reverts to right conduct. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
The happy people are those who are producing something. Congenial labor is essence of happiness. Employment is nature's physician, and an essential to human happiness. Continuity of purpose is one of the most essential ingredients of happiness in the long run, and for most men this chiefly comes through their work.
As for those who fear their Lord unseen, they will have forgiveness and great recompense. And whether you keep secret what you say or express it publicly, God knows what is in all hearts. Doesn't the Creator know, being most subtle, completely aware? That is who made the earth accessible to you, so travel its roads and partake of what God has provided, though the resurrection is to God. [67: 12 to 15]
Hadith of the Day:
Do not gloat over your brother's misfortune, lest Allah gives him well-being and afflict you. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The best of your moments is the one wherein you witness the existence of your indigence and, through it, arrive at existence of your lowliness. [Ibn Ata'Allah]
Guidance of the Day:
Always smile at believers, show them an engaging friendly face, speak well to them, be gentle and 'lower your wing' to them. It has been handed down that when two Muslims meet and shake hands a hundred mercies are divided between them, ninety-nine of which are for the friendlier of the two.
Beware of breaking off relations with a Muslim for the sake of yourself. If you need to leave him for a religious reason then do so for no more than three days, for the Prophet has said, may blessings and peace be upon him: 'The one who deserts his brother for more than three days will be driven by God into the Fire, unless God rescues him through His mercy.' This relates to desertion for the purpose of discipline; but if it be done because of a wrong is being committed or a right neglected, then there can be no restoration until he reverts to right conduct. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
The happy people are those who are producing something. Congenial labor is essence of happiness. Employment is nature's physician, and an essential to human happiness. Continuity of purpose is one of the most essential ingredients of happiness in the long run, and for most men this chiefly comes through their work.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Pearls of Wisdom....221
1. This world is a place of preparation where one is given many lessons and passes many tests. Choose less over more. Be satisfied with what you have, even if it is less than what others have. In fact, prefer to have less.
2. This world is not bad--------on the contrary, it is the field of the Hereafter. What you plant here, you will reap there. This world is the way to eternal bliss and so is good--------worthy to be cherished and to be praised.
3. What is bad about this world is when you become blind to truth and totally consumed by your desires, lust, and ambition for it.
4. Do not exchange your spiritual peace and the possibility of eternal bliss for the temporal, decaying goods of this world. No matter how grand and secure they look, they will die when you die.
5. May the Eternal Truth wake you from the slumber of heedlessness. May He make you aware of the origin, to which we will all return and in which we will all remain for the rest of eternity.
6. Do not leave your accounting to the Day of Reckoning. This is the place and the time to do it. See yourself; close your accounts. The only way to salvation is to go into the Beyond clean and clear of debts.
7. Examine your life; weigh your transgressions against your good deeds. Do it while you still have time in this world of numbered breaths, while you can, before you are left alone in that dark hole in the ground.
8. There are three dangers which may keep you from examining yourself, making the accounting of your acts, and being thankful to your Generous Lord:
a. The first of these dangers is unconsciousness, heedlessness.
b. The second is the flood of tastes and desires that gush from your ego, your lower self.
c. The third is bad habits, in fact all habits, which make one like a machine. The one who can protect himself against these three dangers, with Allah's help, will find salvation in both worlds. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
2. This world is not bad--------on the contrary, it is the field of the Hereafter. What you plant here, you will reap there. This world is the way to eternal bliss and so is good--------worthy to be cherished and to be praised.
3. What is bad about this world is when you become blind to truth and totally consumed by your desires, lust, and ambition for it.
4. Do not exchange your spiritual peace and the possibility of eternal bliss for the temporal, decaying goods of this world. No matter how grand and secure they look, they will die when you die.
5. May the Eternal Truth wake you from the slumber of heedlessness. May He make you aware of the origin, to which we will all return and in which we will all remain for the rest of eternity.
6. Do not leave your accounting to the Day of Reckoning. This is the place and the time to do it. See yourself; close your accounts. The only way to salvation is to go into the Beyond clean and clear of debts.
7. Examine your life; weigh your transgressions against your good deeds. Do it while you still have time in this world of numbered breaths, while you can, before you are left alone in that dark hole in the ground.
8. There are three dangers which may keep you from examining yourself, making the accounting of your acts, and being thankful to your Generous Lord:
a. The first of these dangers is unconsciousness, heedlessness.
b. The second is the flood of tastes and desires that gush from your ego, your lower self.
c. The third is bad habits, in fact all habits, which make one like a machine. The one who can protect himself against these three dangers, with Allah's help, will find salvation in both worlds. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
LESSON OF THE DAY 1182
Ayahs of the Day:
When they are thrown into it (hell), they will hear its gasp as it flares, nearly exploding with fury. Every time a group is thrown into it, its keepers will ask them, "Didn't a warner come to you?" They will say, "Yes, a warner came to us, but we scoffed and said, 'God never sent down anything down------you are very much mistaken.'" And they will say, "Had we listened or been rational, we wouldn't be among the inmates of the blaze." Then they will acknowledge their fault, but those to be inmates of the blaze will be taken away, condemned. [67: 7 to 11]
Hadith of the Day:
Do much remembrance of the destroyer of pleasures---------death. [Tirmidhi & Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
We are given numerous actions in life that bring spiritual rewards, and warn off many others that are forbidden to pursue. And in whatever we do, we are taught that our intentions, sincerity, and love and fear of Allah are of the greatest importance for our salvation. [Imam Birgivi]
Guidance of the Day:
Remove all (that may cause) harm from the Muslims' road, for this is one of the branches of faith. Show compassion to the orphan and stroke his head, for the Prophet (may blessings and be peace upon him) has said, 'When a man strokes an orphan's head, God records for each hair that his hand has touched ten good deeds.'
Try to gladden the hearts of believers in every possible way, as long as these ways are not sinful. Intercede for anyone who requests it of you with those with whom you are influential, for God will ask His servant to account for his influence just as He will ask him to account for his money. If, following an act of intercession, you receive a gift for it you should refuse it, for it is a form of usury. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
The purpose of life is a life of purpose. Not being dead doesn't mean being alive. Life is like a coin. You can spent it any way you wish, but you can only spend it once. It is not the length of life, but the depth of life. Only a few things are important for life. All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.
When they are thrown into it (hell), they will hear its gasp as it flares, nearly exploding with fury. Every time a group is thrown into it, its keepers will ask them, "Didn't a warner come to you?" They will say, "Yes, a warner came to us, but we scoffed and said, 'God never sent down anything down------you are very much mistaken.'" And they will say, "Had we listened or been rational, we wouldn't be among the inmates of the blaze." Then they will acknowledge their fault, but those to be inmates of the blaze will be taken away, condemned. [67: 7 to 11]
Hadith of the Day:
Do much remembrance of the destroyer of pleasures---------death. [Tirmidhi & Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
We are given numerous actions in life that bring spiritual rewards, and warn off many others that are forbidden to pursue. And in whatever we do, we are taught that our intentions, sincerity, and love and fear of Allah are of the greatest importance for our salvation. [Imam Birgivi]
Guidance of the Day:
Remove all (that may cause) harm from the Muslims' road, for this is one of the branches of faith. Show compassion to the orphan and stroke his head, for the Prophet (may blessings and be peace upon him) has said, 'When a man strokes an orphan's head, God records for each hair that his hand has touched ten good deeds.'
Try to gladden the hearts of believers in every possible way, as long as these ways are not sinful. Intercede for anyone who requests it of you with those with whom you are influential, for God will ask His servant to account for his influence just as He will ask him to account for his money. If, following an act of intercession, you receive a gift for it you should refuse it, for it is a form of usury. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
The purpose of life is a life of purpose. Not being dead doesn't mean being alive. Life is like a coin. You can spent it any way you wish, but you can only spend it once. It is not the length of life, but the depth of life. Only a few things are important for life. All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Pearls of Wisdom....220
1. Whoever truly fears the warnings of torment of the Absolute Judge cannot but act in accordance with the pleasure of the Creator and seek the right over the wrong.
2. The fear of Allah is a protection, the thing that guards you from harm. Allah's protection is the strongest of all armor, no harm can penetrate it. That is what Divine fear secures for you.
3. Know that knowing your Creator and obeying Him is the only path that will lead you to peace and felicity.
4. Whatever act, whatever thing, whatever path is under the shadow of doubt and fear, do not come close to it--------leave it.
5. Revolt and selfishness are a dead end. Only by gaining the Divine consent can you save yourself from your Lord's wrath.
6. Only by entering the straight path can you get out of the abyss of that dead end; only by actions proper to Paradise can you keep away from Fire.
7. Chastity is the foundation of religion and the path to truth. If you are chaste, all your deeds will be pure and sincere; all you do will end well-------you will be in harmony with the Divine order.
8. Be chaste; chastity is to be cautious, to try to abstain from all that is unclean and sinful. It is protecting yourself from all that is doubtful and suspicious in and around you.
9. Even if you feel in need of that which is doubtful, even if you are unable to get anything else, do not take it; leave it for the sake of Allah. This is chastity.
10. Be sure that Allah will reward the chaste with abundant goods much better than the doubtful thing that was abandoned. But do not expect the reward immediately. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
2. The fear of Allah is a protection, the thing that guards you from harm. Allah's protection is the strongest of all armor, no harm can penetrate it. That is what Divine fear secures for you.
3. Know that knowing your Creator and obeying Him is the only path that will lead you to peace and felicity.
4. Whatever act, whatever thing, whatever path is under the shadow of doubt and fear, do not come close to it--------leave it.
5. Revolt and selfishness are a dead end. Only by gaining the Divine consent can you save yourself from your Lord's wrath.
6. Only by entering the straight path can you get out of the abyss of that dead end; only by actions proper to Paradise can you keep away from Fire.
7. Chastity is the foundation of religion and the path to truth. If you are chaste, all your deeds will be pure and sincere; all you do will end well-------you will be in harmony with the Divine order.
8. Be chaste; chastity is to be cautious, to try to abstain from all that is unclean and sinful. It is protecting yourself from all that is doubtful and suspicious in and around you.
9. Even if you feel in need of that which is doubtful, even if you are unable to get anything else, do not take it; leave it for the sake of Allah. This is chastity.
10. Be sure that Allah will reward the chaste with abundant goods much better than the doubtful thing that was abandoned. But do not expect the reward immediately. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
Monday, January 18, 2010
LESSON OF THE DAY 1181
Ayahs of the Day:
We have adorned the sky of the world with lamps, and made them missiles against the devils, for whom We have prepared the agony of the blaze. And for those who reject their Lord, there is the agony of hell, a miserable destination: [67: 5,6]
Hadith of the Day:
God shall torment those who torment others in this life. [Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
We cannot do away with our daily nourishment, but let us not wallow in gluttony. [Al-Hujwiri]
Guidance of the Day:
Comfort the heartbroken, be gentle to the weak and the needy, console the poor, be lenient with insolvent, and lend to those who ask you. The reward for a loan exceeds that for charity eight times. This is because a loan is taken only by one who is in need of it. Console those who are stricken by adversity.
Beware of gloating, which is to rejoice at another Muslim's misfortune. Beware of openly reviling a Muslim for a sin he has fallen into, for the one who does so will be afflicted likewise before he dies. Relieve those in hardship, fulfill the needs of those in need, and keep the sinner's disgrace concealed. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
He who is greedy is always in want. No gain satisfies a greedy mind. Greed lessens what is gathered. Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.
We have adorned the sky of the world with lamps, and made them missiles against the devils, for whom We have prepared the agony of the blaze. And for those who reject their Lord, there is the agony of hell, a miserable destination: [67: 5,6]
Hadith of the Day:
God shall torment those who torment others in this life. [Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
We cannot do away with our daily nourishment, but let us not wallow in gluttony. [Al-Hujwiri]
Guidance of the Day:
Comfort the heartbroken, be gentle to the weak and the needy, console the poor, be lenient with insolvent, and lend to those who ask you. The reward for a loan exceeds that for charity eight times. This is because a loan is taken only by one who is in need of it. Console those who are stricken by adversity.
Beware of gloating, which is to rejoice at another Muslim's misfortune. Beware of openly reviling a Muslim for a sin he has fallen into, for the one who does so will be afflicted likewise before he dies. Relieve those in hardship, fulfill the needs of those in need, and keep the sinner's disgrace concealed. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
He who is greedy is always in want. No gain satisfies a greedy mind. Greed lessens what is gathered. Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Pearls of Wisdom....219
1. The one who has reached the level of realization of Divine benevolence will have conscience. He will feel the gaze of Allah upon him and will be ashamed to sin.
2. Conscience is total good. If a believer has conscience, he is aware of what he is doing and he cannot do wrong.
3. When a heart is filled with conscience, the possessor of that heart encounters no harm either in this world or in the Hereafter.
4. The sign of a man with conscience is his lack of arrogance and self-importance. He never oppresses or tries to dominate others.
5. Try to undo the knots of your persistence in sinning. Knot over knot ties you up. How are you going to save yourself?
6. Are you sure, as you inhale, that this is not your last breath?
7. Death will seize you by the throat; yet you persist in piling wrong upon wrong, sin upon sin.
8. Do not turn your back on One Who created you; face Him and repent. Do it now, without delay, for you do not know when death will break you in two.
9. The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) whom He sent as a mercy upon the universe said that Allah accepts your repentance until the time when your breath is being choked out of you, at the moment of death throes it is too late.
10. Death comes without warning--------to some while eating, to some while drinking, to others in deep sleep from which they do not awake. If you keep warning your lower self, with the help of Allah the knots of binding your heart will be untied. That is the only way to be saved. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
2. Conscience is total good. If a believer has conscience, he is aware of what he is doing and he cannot do wrong.
3. When a heart is filled with conscience, the possessor of that heart encounters no harm either in this world or in the Hereafter.
4. The sign of a man with conscience is his lack of arrogance and self-importance. He never oppresses or tries to dominate others.
5. Try to undo the knots of your persistence in sinning. Knot over knot ties you up. How are you going to save yourself?
6. Are you sure, as you inhale, that this is not your last breath?
7. Death will seize you by the throat; yet you persist in piling wrong upon wrong, sin upon sin.
8. Do not turn your back on One Who created you; face Him and repent. Do it now, without delay, for you do not know when death will break you in two.
9. The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) whom He sent as a mercy upon the universe said that Allah accepts your repentance until the time when your breath is being choked out of you, at the moment of death throes it is too late.
10. Death comes without warning--------to some while eating, to some while drinking, to others in deep sleep from which they do not awake. If you keep warning your lower self, with the help of Allah the knots of binding your heart will be untied. That is the only way to be saved. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
LESSON OF THE DAY 1180
Ayahs of the Day:
Blessed is the One who holds the dominion, and who has power over all things, Who created death and life to test which of you is best in behavior; Almighty, the Forgiving, the One who created seven skies in correspondence; you see no disharmony in the creation of the Benevolent One. Now look: do you see any gap? Then look twice again, and your vision will come back to you weak and weary. [67: 1 to 4]
Hadith of the Day:
O people spread salams, feed others, maintain family ties, and pray at night when others sleep and you'll enter Heaven safely. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The man of bad character is like a piece of broken pottery, which can neither be patched up nor returned to clay. [Imam Ghazali]
Guidance of the Day:
Be merciful to the servants of God and compassionate to His creatures, and be gentle and kind, and of engaging manners, and easy to approach. Beware of being callous, coarse, obscene, or difficult to approach. Teach the ignorant, guide those who stray, remind the distracted, and beware of neglecting any of these things.
Teaching and reminding is part of practicing what one knows, and great men only became great by the grace of God and by their guiding God's servants to His path. If you are unworthy now, then the only way you become worthy is to do good and invite people to it. Evil lies only in making claims and leading others to other than the truth. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
Life is a long lesson in humility. Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well. When I stand in front of God at the end of my life, I hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say: "I used everything You gave me."
Blessed is the One who holds the dominion, and who has power over all things, Who created death and life to test which of you is best in behavior; Almighty, the Forgiving, the One who created seven skies in correspondence; you see no disharmony in the creation of the Benevolent One. Now look: do you see any gap? Then look twice again, and your vision will come back to you weak and weary. [67: 1 to 4]
Hadith of the Day:
O people spread salams, feed others, maintain family ties, and pray at night when others sleep and you'll enter Heaven safely. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The man of bad character is like a piece of broken pottery, which can neither be patched up nor returned to clay. [Imam Ghazali]
Guidance of the Day:
Be merciful to the servants of God and compassionate to His creatures, and be gentle and kind, and of engaging manners, and easy to approach. Beware of being callous, coarse, obscene, or difficult to approach. Teach the ignorant, guide those who stray, remind the distracted, and beware of neglecting any of these things.
Teaching and reminding is part of practicing what one knows, and great men only became great by the grace of God and by their guiding God's servants to His path. If you are unworthy now, then the only way you become worthy is to do good and invite people to it. Evil lies only in making claims and leading others to other than the truth. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
Life is a long lesson in humility. Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well. When I stand in front of God at the end of my life, I hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say: "I used everything You gave me."
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Pearls of Wisdom....218
1. Spend from what Allah has given you. Do not fear poverty. Allah will give what He has promised.
2. No one who has been generous has ever perished in destitution.
3. If you wish to find the truth and have Allah's pleasure and support in it, then avoid being negative and control your temper and anger.
4. If you cannot stop your anger, at least do not show it. When you do this, you will please Allah and disappoint the devil, and you will begin to educate your ego.
5. Anger is a result and a sign of the ego not being under control, like a wild animal untied and uncaged. As you control your temper, it is as if you put a bridle on its head and barriers around it---------Give heed to this advice and make it a habit.
6. If you hold your temper, the All-Just will also hold back His punishment for your sins, which are punishable by His divine wrath.
7. Your forgiving will be rewarded by His forgiving you. What better benefit may one expect for effort in bearing hardship caused by your brothers and sisters in faith?
8. Allah will treat you the way He has ordered you to treat others---------so try to assume the good qualities of being just, peaceful, helpful, gentle, and loving.
9. To leave anger, to replace it with bearing hardship, with forgiving, with caring for the one who causes the hardship, is one of the cornerstones of the foundation of love.
10.Open your heart to receive divine benevolence. A benevolent heart becomes the mirror in which Allah's favors are manifest. When the divine favors manifest and come through you, when you feel His presence, you will feel shame at your improper actions. This will cause both both you and others to have conscience. Thus your benevolence will protect you and others from sin. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
2. No one who has been generous has ever perished in destitution.
3. If you wish to find the truth and have Allah's pleasure and support in it, then avoid being negative and control your temper and anger.
4. If you cannot stop your anger, at least do not show it. When you do this, you will please Allah and disappoint the devil, and you will begin to educate your ego.
5. Anger is a result and a sign of the ego not being under control, like a wild animal untied and uncaged. As you control your temper, it is as if you put a bridle on its head and barriers around it---------Give heed to this advice and make it a habit.
6. If you hold your temper, the All-Just will also hold back His punishment for your sins, which are punishable by His divine wrath.
7. Your forgiving will be rewarded by His forgiving you. What better benefit may one expect for effort in bearing hardship caused by your brothers and sisters in faith?
8. Allah will treat you the way He has ordered you to treat others---------so try to assume the good qualities of being just, peaceful, helpful, gentle, and loving.
9. To leave anger, to replace it with bearing hardship, with forgiving, with caring for the one who causes the hardship, is one of the cornerstones of the foundation of love.
10.Open your heart to receive divine benevolence. A benevolent heart becomes the mirror in which Allah's favors are manifest. When the divine favors manifest and come through you, when you feel His presence, you will feel shame at your improper actions. This will cause both both you and others to have conscience. Thus your benevolence will protect you and others from sin. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
Monday, January 11, 2010
LESSON OF THE DAY 1179
Ayahs of the Day:
And God has made an example for those who believe of the wife of Pharaoh when she said, "My Lord, build me a house in Your presence in the garden; rescue me from Pharaoh and his course of action, rescuing me from tyrannical people." And Mary, daughter of Imran, who defended her chastity, so We breathed some of Our spirit into her, and she confirmed the pronouncements and the scriptures of her Lord, and she was among the devout. [66: 11,12]
Hadith of the Day:
Modesty does not bring anything except good. Modesty is part of faith, and faith leads to Heaven; while vulgarity is part of disbelief and disbelief leads to Hell. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
He bestowed His grace upon you, first, through giving you being and, second, through uninterrupted sustenance. [Ibn Ata'Allah]
Guidance of the Day:
You must love and hate for the sake of God, for this is the one of the firmest handholds of faiths. When you love the servant because of his obedience, and hate the one who is disobedient to God because of his disobedience, and not for any other reason, then you are one who truly loves and hates for the sake of God. If you find in yourself no love for people of goodness, because of their goodness, and no loathing for the people of evil, because of their evil, then know that your faith is weak.
Keep the company of the best of people and avoid that of the worst; sit with the virtuous and avoid the unjust. Know that associating with people of goodness and keeping their company implant the love of goodness in the heart and help to practice it, while associating with the people of evil and keeping their company implant the love of evil in the heart and the love of practicing it. The one who associates closely with a particular group of people, inevitably ends up loving them, whether they are good or evil, and a man is with those he loves both in this world and in the hereafter. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
Life is a journey, and where your finish line is has yet to be examined. We are all on a pilgrimage to a final destination. Your choice of direction will lead you farther or closer to home. Every day is an opportunity to train. To find the truth and to find yourself is really what the journey is about.
And God has made an example for those who believe of the wife of Pharaoh when she said, "My Lord, build me a house in Your presence in the garden; rescue me from Pharaoh and his course of action, rescuing me from tyrannical people." And Mary, daughter of Imran, who defended her chastity, so We breathed some of Our spirit into her, and she confirmed the pronouncements and the scriptures of her Lord, and she was among the devout. [66: 11,12]
Hadith of the Day:
Modesty does not bring anything except good. Modesty is part of faith, and faith leads to Heaven; while vulgarity is part of disbelief and disbelief leads to Hell. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
He bestowed His grace upon you, first, through giving you being and, second, through uninterrupted sustenance. [Ibn Ata'Allah]
Guidance of the Day:
You must love and hate for the sake of God, for this is the one of the firmest handholds of faiths. When you love the servant because of his obedience, and hate the one who is disobedient to God because of his disobedience, and not for any other reason, then you are one who truly loves and hates for the sake of God. If you find in yourself no love for people of goodness, because of their goodness, and no loathing for the people of evil, because of their evil, then know that your faith is weak.
Keep the company of the best of people and avoid that of the worst; sit with the virtuous and avoid the unjust. Know that associating with people of goodness and keeping their company implant the love of goodness in the heart and help to practice it, while associating with the people of evil and keeping their company implant the love of evil in the heart and the love of practicing it. The one who associates closely with a particular group of people, inevitably ends up loving them, whether they are good or evil, and a man is with those he loves both in this world and in the hereafter. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
Life is a journey, and where your finish line is has yet to be examined. We are all on a pilgrimage to a final destination. Your choice of direction will lead you farther or closer to home. Every day is an opportunity to train. To find the truth and to find yourself is really what the journey is about.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Pearls of Wisdom....217
1. Give value to your time, live in the present moment. Do not live in imagination and throw your time away.
2. Allah has prescribed a duty, an act, a worship for every moment. Know what it is and hasten to do it.
3. Above all, what you need is high morals, good character, proper behavior; you must identify your bad features and rid yourself of them.
4. A good rule to remember is that if a thing is done to bring salvation, truth, comfort, and peace to others, to oneself, and to as many people as possible, it is good behavior--------on condition that it is not done for personal benefit, but for Allah's sake.
5. Choose to leave that which is due to you and forgive, instead of punishing, so that you will be counted among the compassionate, the peaceful, the righteous, whose rewards are promised by Allah.
6. Anger and its manifestation are one of the great sins if aroused by wrongs done to you personally.
7. It is permissible and right and a part of correct behavior and good character to become angry because of something done against Allah and His divine precepts.
8. Learn to give, whether you have plenty or little, whether you are happy or in pain------------this is a proof of your faith in Allah.
9. The one who gives from his sustenance attracts more than he has given from the Ultimate Sustainer.
10. The miser, in addition to his sin of his miserliness, accuses Allah Most High of stinginess and prefers and trusts his miserable goods over the generosity of his Lord. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
2. Allah has prescribed a duty, an act, a worship for every moment. Know what it is and hasten to do it.
3. Above all, what you need is high morals, good character, proper behavior; you must identify your bad features and rid yourself of them.
4. A good rule to remember is that if a thing is done to bring salvation, truth, comfort, and peace to others, to oneself, and to as many people as possible, it is good behavior--------on condition that it is not done for personal benefit, but for Allah's sake.
5. Choose to leave that which is due to you and forgive, instead of punishing, so that you will be counted among the compassionate, the peaceful, the righteous, whose rewards are promised by Allah.
6. Anger and its manifestation are one of the great sins if aroused by wrongs done to you personally.
7. It is permissible and right and a part of correct behavior and good character to become angry because of something done against Allah and His divine precepts.
8. Learn to give, whether you have plenty or little, whether you are happy or in pain------------this is a proof of your faith in Allah.
9. The one who gives from his sustenance attracts more than he has given from the Ultimate Sustainer.
10. The miser, in addition to his sin of his miserliness, accuses Allah Most High of stinginess and prefers and trusts his miserable goods over the generosity of his Lord. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
Thursday, January 07, 2010
LESSON OF THE DAY 1178
Ayah of the Day:
God has made an example for those who scoff of the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot: they were under two righteous servants of Ours, but they were unfaithful to them, and derived no benefit from God on their account, being told to enter hell along with the damned. [66: 10]
Hadith of the Day:
Seeking knowledge (in the company of others) for an hour in the night is better than spending the whole night in prayer. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The science of heart, the knowledge of its diseases such as jealousy, arrogance, and pride, and leaving them are an obligation on every Muslim. [Imam al-Suyuti]
Guidance of the Day:
Respect your ties of kinship and start with the closest of you; give generously of the good things you have and start with the nearest. God has in many contexts enjoined kind behavior toward kin in His precious Book; and the Messenger of God, may blessings and peace be upon him, has said: 'Charity to kin is both charity and joining (of kinship bonds).' And: 'Let him who believes in God and the Last Day honor his neighbor.'
Maintaining ties of kinship and kind behavior towards neighbors will not be complete unless one refrains from harming them, endures the harming they do, and does good to them according to the means at one's disposal. He has said, may blessings and peace be upon him: 'The maintainer (of kinship ties) is not him who rewards (the acts of goodness); rather is he the man who, when his kinship ties are severed, joins them again.' And: 'Habituate yourselves to kindness when people behave kindly (towards you), and do not behave badly when people behave badly (towards you).' [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
Selfishness is the root and source of all natural and moral evils, it is the greatest curse of the human race. Usually he is most empty who is most full of himself. Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.
God has made an example for those who scoff of the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot: they were under two righteous servants of Ours, but they were unfaithful to them, and derived no benefit from God on their account, being told to enter hell along with the damned. [66: 10]
Hadith of the Day:
Seeking knowledge (in the company of others) for an hour in the night is better than spending the whole night in prayer. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The science of heart, the knowledge of its diseases such as jealousy, arrogance, and pride, and leaving them are an obligation on every Muslim. [Imam al-Suyuti]
Guidance of the Day:
Respect your ties of kinship and start with the closest of you; give generously of the good things you have and start with the nearest. God has in many contexts enjoined kind behavior toward kin in His precious Book; and the Messenger of God, may blessings and peace be upon him, has said: 'Charity to kin is both charity and joining (of kinship bonds).' And: 'Let him who believes in God and the Last Day honor his neighbor.'
Maintaining ties of kinship and kind behavior towards neighbors will not be complete unless one refrains from harming them, endures the harming they do, and does good to them according to the means at one's disposal. He has said, may blessings and peace be upon him: 'The maintainer (of kinship ties) is not him who rewards (the acts of goodness); rather is he the man who, when his kinship ties are severed, joins them again.' And: 'Habituate yourselves to kindness when people behave kindly (towards you), and do not behave badly when people behave badly (towards you).' [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
Selfishness is the root and source of all natural and moral evils, it is the greatest curse of the human race. Usually he is most empty who is most full of himself. Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Pearls of Wisdom....216
1. A matter of greatest importance, one of your greatest needs, is to be sure that the morsel of bread you put in your mouth is lawful.
2. Lawful sustenance, the lawfulness of all your joy in this world, is the foundation of your faith. It is upon this foundation that your religion can be built.
3. A clear sign of the lawfulness of one's gain is that it will not permit you to be either stingy or a spendthrift.
4. Take care, since if the love of this world takes root firmly in your heart, it constricts your heart, and it becomes exceedingly hard to pull it out and throw it away.
5. This world is a trial ground; don't seek comfort and riches in it.
6. Be light in worldly goods, light in concerns about this world.
7. Eat less. That will leave more space in your heart and will increase your desire to pray and be obedient. It will make you more active and less lazy.
8. Cleanse and beautify your days and nights with worship. The generous Lord asks you to His presence five times a day.
9. Do your prayers at the times He calls you, and at each prayer make an accounting of your actions since the last prayer. It is to be hoped that the only good deeds and actions befitting a Muslim are done between the times of prayer.
10. Be thankful and praise Him for your good qualities, and feel shame for the qualities missing in you, so that you may hope to find the character of the faithful in yourself. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
2. Lawful sustenance, the lawfulness of all your joy in this world, is the foundation of your faith. It is upon this foundation that your religion can be built.
3. A clear sign of the lawfulness of one's gain is that it will not permit you to be either stingy or a spendthrift.
4. Take care, since if the love of this world takes root firmly in your heart, it constricts your heart, and it becomes exceedingly hard to pull it out and throw it away.
5. This world is a trial ground; don't seek comfort and riches in it.
6. Be light in worldly goods, light in concerns about this world.
7. Eat less. That will leave more space in your heart and will increase your desire to pray and be obedient. It will make you more active and less lazy.
8. Cleanse and beautify your days and nights with worship. The generous Lord asks you to His presence five times a day.
9. Do your prayers at the times He calls you, and at each prayer make an accounting of your actions since the last prayer. It is to be hoped that the only good deeds and actions befitting a Muslim are done between the times of prayer.
10. Be thankful and praise Him for your good qualities, and feel shame for the qualities missing in you, so that you may hope to find the character of the faithful in yourself. [Above quotes by Shaykh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
LESSON OF THE DAY 1177
Ayah of the Day:
Believers, turn to God with sincere repentance; perhaps your Lord may efface your evils and admit you to gardens with streams flowing below them, on the day God will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believe with him; their light will stream before them and by their right hands, as they say, "Our Lord, complete our illumination for us and give us; for You are capable of all things." [66: 8]
Hadith of the Day:
Shake hands and rancor will disappear. Give presents to each other and enmity will disappear. [al Muwatta]
Wise of the Day:
The one who trusts in God is at peace with His promise, the one who surrenders is content with His knowledge, and the one who assigns his affairs to God is satisfied with His wisdom. [Abu ali ad-Daqaq]
Guidance of the Day:
Deal justly with those in your charge, whether 'public' or 'personal'. Be altogether protecting and solicitous for them, for God will call you to account in their regard, and 'every shepherd will be asked to account for his flock.' By your 'personal charges' I mean your seven organs, which are your tongue, ears, eyes, stomach, genitals, hands and feet.
These are your charges which God has given you and a trust with which He has entrusted you, which you should restrain from sin and use in His obedience. For God the Exalted created them only that by means of them you might obey Him; they are among the greatest of His favors, for which you should thank Him by using them to obey Him, and not in His disobedience. If you do not do this you will be turning God's favor into ingratitude. You will one day stand before God and these organs will testify to every good or evil in which you used them. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
A humble knowledge of oneself is a surer road to God than a deep searching of sciences. When a man takes one step toward God, God takes more steps toward that man than there are sands in the worlds of time. Nothing has separated us from God but our own will, or rather our own will is our separation from God.
Believers, turn to God with sincere repentance; perhaps your Lord may efface your evils and admit you to gardens with streams flowing below them, on the day God will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believe with him; their light will stream before them and by their right hands, as they say, "Our Lord, complete our illumination for us and give us; for You are capable of all things." [66: 8]
Hadith of the Day:
Shake hands and rancor will disappear. Give presents to each other and enmity will disappear. [al Muwatta]
Wise of the Day:
The one who trusts in God is at peace with His promise, the one who surrenders is content with His knowledge, and the one who assigns his affairs to God is satisfied with His wisdom. [Abu ali ad-Daqaq]
Guidance of the Day:
Deal justly with those in your charge, whether 'public' or 'personal'. Be altogether protecting and solicitous for them, for God will call you to account in their regard, and 'every shepherd will be asked to account for his flock.' By your 'personal charges' I mean your seven organs, which are your tongue, ears, eyes, stomach, genitals, hands and feet.
These are your charges which God has given you and a trust with which He has entrusted you, which you should restrain from sin and use in His obedience. For God the Exalted created them only that by means of them you might obey Him; they are among the greatest of His favors, for which you should thank Him by using them to obey Him, and not in His disobedience. If you do not do this you will be turning God's favor into ingratitude. You will one day stand before God and these organs will testify to every good or evil in which you used them. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
A humble knowledge of oneself is a surer road to God than a deep searching of sciences. When a man takes one step toward God, God takes more steps toward that man than there are sands in the worlds of time. Nothing has separated us from God but our own will, or rather our own will is our separation from God.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Pearls of Wisdom....215
1. Look upon the whole creation, and above all, mankind, with good will--------accepting, approving, forgiving, serving, loving. Make that your nature in dealings with the world.
2. Listen to your conscience. Cleanse your heart. In that clean heart, keep up prayer for your believing brothers.
3. Help and serve, as much as you can, the people who hide their misery, who are content with their poverty, the travelers on the path to truth.
4. Do not attribute to yourself virtue, goodness, and graciousness because of your service to the creation. Consider that you owe other people thanks for having humbly accepted your help.
5. It is incumbent upon you to lighten the load of those who are burdened.
6. If people whose pain you have helped to alleviate cause you pain in return---------show patience and forbearance. Do not forget that Allah says: "Surely Allah is with the patient."
7. Find a right friend, who will be a support for you, a good traveling companion on the path of truth.
8. Faith is a seed. It grows into a tree with the beneficent watering and sunshine of faithful friends.
9. Beware of being close to those who do not discriminate between faithful and unfaithful--------not knowing either faith or faithful, they do not care about them.
10. Do not spend your life in empty endeavors and your time in idle talk. Instead, reflect and remember Allah, read the Qur'an, guide the misguided to the enlightened path. Help others leave evil and turn to doing good. Mend broken friendships. Help others to help others. [Above quotes by Shayh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
2. Listen to your conscience. Cleanse your heart. In that clean heart, keep up prayer for your believing brothers.
3. Help and serve, as much as you can, the people who hide their misery, who are content with their poverty, the travelers on the path to truth.
4. Do not attribute to yourself virtue, goodness, and graciousness because of your service to the creation. Consider that you owe other people thanks for having humbly accepted your help.
5. It is incumbent upon you to lighten the load of those who are burdened.
6. If people whose pain you have helped to alleviate cause you pain in return---------show patience and forbearance. Do not forget that Allah says: "Surely Allah is with the patient."
7. Find a right friend, who will be a support for you, a good traveling companion on the path of truth.
8. Faith is a seed. It grows into a tree with the beneficent watering and sunshine of faithful friends.
9. Beware of being close to those who do not discriminate between faithful and unfaithful--------not knowing either faith or faithful, they do not care about them.
10. Do not spend your life in empty endeavors and your time in idle talk. Instead, reflect and remember Allah, read the Qur'an, guide the misguided to the enlightened path. Help others leave evil and turn to doing good. Mend broken friendships. Help others to help others. [Above quotes by Shayh Muhyuddin Ibn Arabi]
Friday, January 01, 2010
LESSON OF THE DAY 1176
Ayah of the Day:
Believers, protect yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is humans and stones, over which are stern, severe angels who do not refuse what God orders them, doing what they are instructed. [66: 6]
Hadith of the Day:
Let each of you protect himself against Hell fire, be with even a half a date (given in charity)-----and even if he finds (not even that small amount to give), then with a kind word.
Wise Quote of the Day:
If you are destined for good fortune you will be blessed; if afflictions have been ordained, no matter where you hide they will seek you out. Submit therefore before the will of God; be grateful in well-being and endure adversity with fortitude that His light may radiate within your being. [Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani]
Guidance of the Day:
Beware of spying, which is seeking to know private affairs of other Muslims and their hidden sins. Know that a concealed sin harms only its doer, but when it becomes public and is not stopped its harm becomes general.
When sins and reprehensible things become obscenely in evidence where you live, and you despair of truth being accepted, then isolate yourself, for in this lies safety; or emigrate to another place, which action is better. For when chastisement falls on a place it includes both the wicked and the good; to the believer who was neglectful in supporting God's religion it is an expiation and a mercy, but for others it is a chastisement and an affliction. And God knows best. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
The only way to have a friend is to be one. A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. A friend is one who knows all about you, and still likes you. Friends are relatives you make for yourself. There is nothing on this earth prized than true friendship.
Believers, protect yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is humans and stones, over which are stern, severe angels who do not refuse what God orders them, doing what they are instructed. [66: 6]
Hadith of the Day:
Let each of you protect himself against Hell fire, be with even a half a date (given in charity)-----and even if he finds (not even that small amount to give), then with a kind word.
Wise Quote of the Day:
If you are destined for good fortune you will be blessed; if afflictions have been ordained, no matter where you hide they will seek you out. Submit therefore before the will of God; be grateful in well-being and endure adversity with fortitude that His light may radiate within your being. [Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani]
Guidance of the Day:
Beware of spying, which is seeking to know private affairs of other Muslims and their hidden sins. Know that a concealed sin harms only its doer, but when it becomes public and is not stopped its harm becomes general.
When sins and reprehensible things become obscenely in evidence where you live, and you despair of truth being accepted, then isolate yourself, for in this lies safety; or emigrate to another place, which action is better. For when chastisement falls on a place it includes both the wicked and the good; to the believer who was neglectful in supporting God's religion it is an expiation and a mercy, but for others it is a chastisement and an affliction. And God knows best. [Al-Haddad, The Book of Assistance]
Food for Thought:
The only way to have a friend is to be one. A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. A friend is one who knows all about you, and still likes you. Friends are relatives you make for yourself. There is nothing on this earth prized than true friendship.
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