Ayahs of the day:
Thus We have made you a centered nation, that you may be witnesses to humanity. [2: 143]
Hadith of the day:
Faith wears out in the heart of anyone of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah to renew the faith in your heart. [Tabrani]
Wise quote of the day:
The religious traits of character cannot take firm root in the soul until it has grown accustomed to every good habit and renounced every evil one. [Imam al-Ghazali]
Guidance of the day:
God bestows material wealth and poverty upon individuals for reasons known only to Him. There is good in whatever He bestows. It is not wealth or poverty in itself that is good, but rather the state of mind that has disciplined (and triumphed over) the worldly self and set its sight upon eternal life.
The surest way for the believers to progress is to understand that whatever God gives is designed to perfect them. Regardless of personal circumstances, believers should strive to improve the welfare of others and trust inwardly and outwardly in the All-Mighty and All-Merciful. The best attitude toward this world, which is only a resting place on the way to our everlasting destination, is expressed in this brief poem:
I accept, my Lord, whatever comes to me from You,
For whatever comes to me from You is my good;
Whether a robe of honor comes or a shroud,
Whether a sharp thorn or a sweet, fresh rose,
If it comes with Your blessing,
It is my good that comes. [M. Fethullah Gulen]
Food for thought:
Death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity. The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of our eternity. We cannot banish dangers, but we can banish fears, we must not demean life by standing in awe of death. To be idle is a short road to death, and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle and wise people are diligent.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Muharram Mubarak -- Happy new year!!!
Abu Hurayra (radi Allahu anhu) reported:
the Holy Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said,
"Wealth is not diminished by giving (in charity).
Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) augments the honour of one
who forgives; and one who displays humbleness towards
another seeking the pleasure of ALLAH (Subhanu wa Ta'ala),
Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) exalts him in ranks.''
[Muslim].
Commentary:
This Hadith has described three facts.
First, Sadaqah does not
diminish wealth because Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) blesses the rest of it and thus
recompenses it in this world, and the almsgiver will certainly be rewarded on the Day of Resurrection.
Second, man
thinks that a conciliatory or forgiving attitude will weaken his position in the eyes of others. He erroneously takes it as his disparagement and insult. However, this Hadith reveals the reality that by this way, Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) raises his image and he is not belittled at all, because a forgiving gesture will enhance his esteem in the hearts of people. And in the Hereafter, Divine reward for it will definitely lead to his elevation.
Third, if somebody displays affability and humbleness
in his behaviour, Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) will project his prestige and dignity into the hearts of others and bless him in the Hereafter.
the Holy Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said,
"Wealth is not diminished by giving (in charity).
Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) augments the honour of one
who forgives; and one who displays humbleness towards
another seeking the pleasure of ALLAH (Subhanu wa Ta'ala),
Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) exalts him in ranks.''
[Muslim].
Commentary:
This Hadith has described three facts.
First, Sadaqah does not
diminish wealth because Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) blesses the rest of it and thus
recompenses it in this world, and the almsgiver will certainly be rewarded on the Day of Resurrection.
Second, man
thinks that a conciliatory or forgiving attitude will weaken his position in the eyes of others. He erroneously takes it as his disparagement and insult. However, this Hadith reveals the reality that by this way, Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) raises his image and he is not belittled at all, because a forgiving gesture will enhance his esteem in the hearts of people. And in the Hereafter, Divine reward for it will definitely lead to his elevation.
Third, if somebody displays affability and humbleness
in his behaviour, Allah (Subhanu wa Ta'ala) will project his prestige and dignity into the hearts of others and bless him in the Hereafter.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Pearls of wisdom 322
1. Remembrance of God strengthens the spirit and acts as its wings and feathers in its heavenward flight.
2. Even if the spirit does not reach heaven, every moment it achieves a loftier height.
3. We may not attain to the Essence of God, but remembrance of Him, whether it be with the tongue or in the heart leave its mark upon us.
4. It is only burnished breast freed from greed, avarice, and hate, a heart cleansed of all taints of corruption that can reflect the Divine Light.
5. Death is no occasion for sorrow, but an occasion for rejoicing for it means Homeward flight of the human spirit, freed from the trammels of matter.
6. If you have no eyes, do not walk blindly; take a staff in your hand.
7. If you have no staff of insight, do not walk without a guide.
8. Hidden creatures good and bad always touch the heart -- the touch of the angel is inspiration; Satanic touches temptations untold.
9. Tarry with patience until your confusion is resolved and you know whom you rejected and who became the leader of your heart.
10. As he beheld the light of God he felt protected, and was delivered from the throes of doubt. [Mawlana Rumi]
2. Even if the spirit does not reach heaven, every moment it achieves a loftier height.
3. We may not attain to the Essence of God, but remembrance of Him, whether it be with the tongue or in the heart leave its mark upon us.
4. It is only burnished breast freed from greed, avarice, and hate, a heart cleansed of all taints of corruption that can reflect the Divine Light.
5. Death is no occasion for sorrow, but an occasion for rejoicing for it means Homeward flight of the human spirit, freed from the trammels of matter.
6. If you have no eyes, do not walk blindly; take a staff in your hand.
7. If you have no staff of insight, do not walk without a guide.
8. Hidden creatures good and bad always touch the heart -- the touch of the angel is inspiration; Satanic touches temptations untold.
9. Tarry with patience until your confusion is resolved and you know whom you rejected and who became the leader of your heart.
10. As he beheld the light of God he felt protected, and was delivered from the throes of doubt. [Mawlana Rumi]
Friday, November 18, 2011
LESSON OF THE DAY 1292
Ayahs of the day:
That was a people that has passed away; they will get what they earned, and you will get what you earned. And you will not be questioned about what they used to do. [2: 134]
Hadith of the day:
Rights will be given to those who they are owed on the Day of Judgment, even the hornless sheep will have retaliation from the horned sheep. [Muslim]
Wise quote of the day:
Do not dispute anyone in any matter as far as possible. For in argumentation lies much harm and its evil is greater than its benefit. [Imam al-Ghazali]
Guidance of the day:
We cannot attribute evil to God, for that comes from ourselves. We have only ourselves to blame for what we suffer. What happens to us is based upon our choices and actions, and accords with the law of the cause and effect that God has decreed for His creation. Thus, those who persistently adhere to false beliefs and refuse to listen to and obey Divine commandments gradually lose the ability to perceive the truth.
Happiness in the Hereafter is the natural consequence of our efforts to attain righteousness and inner illumination while alive. God does not cause anyone to go astray. Deserving His favor and blessings or deserving their withdrawal depend upon our free choice, and nothing else. [M. Fethullah Gulen]
Food for thought:
Things do not change unless we change. If there is something we wish to change in a child/adult, we should first examine it and see whether it is something that could better be changed in ourselves. If we don't change, we don't grow, if we don't grow we aren't really living. They must often change, who would be constant in happiness and wisdom. We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.
That was a people that has passed away; they will get what they earned, and you will get what you earned. And you will not be questioned about what they used to do. [2: 134]
Hadith of the day:
Rights will be given to those who they are owed on the Day of Judgment, even the hornless sheep will have retaliation from the horned sheep. [Muslim]
Wise quote of the day:
Do not dispute anyone in any matter as far as possible. For in argumentation lies much harm and its evil is greater than its benefit. [Imam al-Ghazali]
Guidance of the day:
We cannot attribute evil to God, for that comes from ourselves. We have only ourselves to blame for what we suffer. What happens to us is based upon our choices and actions, and accords with the law of the cause and effect that God has decreed for His creation. Thus, those who persistently adhere to false beliefs and refuse to listen to and obey Divine commandments gradually lose the ability to perceive the truth.
Happiness in the Hereafter is the natural consequence of our efforts to attain righteousness and inner illumination while alive. God does not cause anyone to go astray. Deserving His favor and blessings or deserving their withdrawal depend upon our free choice, and nothing else. [M. Fethullah Gulen]
Food for thought:
Things do not change unless we change. If there is something we wish to change in a child/adult, we should first examine it and see whether it is something that could better be changed in ourselves. If we don't change, we don't grow, if we don't grow we aren't really living. They must often change, who would be constant in happiness and wisdom. We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Means to increase Allah's love....
Ibn Qayyim al-Jaoziyah mentioned in his book 'Madarij al-Salikeen' ten points that produce will Allah's Love in a person's heart. Also, such points and causes result in Allah's Love for him/her. We briefly state these points and causes as follows:
1. To read, understand and consider the Qur'an carefully.
2. To keep on coming closer to Allah by performing Nawafil (optional good deeds). Such an action will help one to be lifted to the rank of being Allah's beloved after one loves His Lord.
3. To mention Allah at all states and in all occasions. The more you mention Allah, the more beloved you will be.
4. To prefer what Allah likes to what one likes.
5. To think about Allah's Names and Attributes, since whoever becomes aware of His Names and Attributes will certainly love Him.
6. To think of Allah's innumerable blessings and favors, hidden and apparent.
7. To show subordination, submission and surrender to Allah, The Great and Almighty.
8. To perform optional prayers at midnight and read Qur'an and to end such actions with repentance and seeking forgiveness.
9. To associate with the righteous and religious and to get benefit from their good words.
10. To avoid every misdeed and sin that may come between a slave and His Lord, Allah.
As for acquiring the Messenger's Love (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), know that there are two matters that bring forth such a love:
1. To consider carefully the Qur'anic verses that describe and praise the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) character such as: "And verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) are on an exalted standard of character." [68:4].
2. To read and regard the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) biography, good features and stories attentively.
Allah knows best.
===============================================
1. To read, understand and consider the Qur'an carefully.
2. To keep on coming closer to Allah by performing Nawafil (optional good deeds). Such an action will help one to be lifted to the rank of being Allah's beloved after one loves His Lord.
3. To mention Allah at all states and in all occasions. The more you mention Allah, the more beloved you will be.
4. To prefer what Allah likes to what one likes.
5. To think about Allah's Names and Attributes, since whoever becomes aware of His Names and Attributes will certainly love Him.
6. To think of Allah's innumerable blessings and favors, hidden and apparent.
7. To show subordination, submission and surrender to Allah, The Great and Almighty.
8. To perform optional prayers at midnight and read Qur'an and to end such actions with repentance and seeking forgiveness.
9. To associate with the righteous and religious and to get benefit from their good words.
10. To avoid every misdeed and sin that may come between a slave and His Lord, Allah.
As for acquiring the Messenger's Love (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), know that there are two matters that bring forth such a love:
1. To consider carefully the Qur'anic verses that describe and praise the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) character such as: "And verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) are on an exalted standard of character." [68:4].
2. To read and regard the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) biography, good features and stories attentively.
Allah knows best.
===============================================
Friday, November 11, 2011
Pearls of wisdom 321
1. We must go through the fire of self-mortification and purge ourselves from self's pollution.
2. Nothing is of greater merit in this world of afflictions than a good disposition.
3. From good disposition good manners arise.
4. Good manners are forbearance with the ill-mannerly people.
5. Whatever gloom and grief comes upon us is the result of our insolence, that is, of flouting religious injunctions; it is the result of our indiscipline.
6. Abstinence is the result of piety. It involves abstaining from what the Lord has forbidden. It also involves abstaining from everything except God.
7. Full abstinence cannot be achieved so long as desire is not renounced.
8. Exertion is necessary in our daily life as well as on the spiritual path.
9. Envy is the worst of all evils. Pride and envy led Satan to disobey the Lord's command to bow to Adam and caused his expulsion from Paradise.
10. Trust in God is an important station on the spiritual path. The elect do not tremble for fear of hunger -- in trust in God, they live full-fed. [Above quotes by Mawlana Rumi]
2. Nothing is of greater merit in this world of afflictions than a good disposition.
3. From good disposition good manners arise.
4. Good manners are forbearance with the ill-mannerly people.
5. Whatever gloom and grief comes upon us is the result of our insolence, that is, of flouting religious injunctions; it is the result of our indiscipline.
6. Abstinence is the result of piety. It involves abstaining from what the Lord has forbidden. It also involves abstaining from everything except God.
7. Full abstinence cannot be achieved so long as desire is not renounced.
8. Exertion is necessary in our daily life as well as on the spiritual path.
9. Envy is the worst of all evils. Pride and envy led Satan to disobey the Lord's command to bow to Adam and caused his expulsion from Paradise.
10. Trust in God is an important station on the spiritual path. The elect do not tremble for fear of hunger -- in trust in God, they live full-fed. [Above quotes by Mawlana Rumi]
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
LESSON OF THE DAY 1291
Ayahs of the day:
And make us submissive to You, our Lord, and make our descendants a people submissive to You. And show us our places for rituals, and be relenting toward us, for You are Most Relenting, Most Merciful. [2: 128]
Hadith of the day:
It is sin enough for a man that he neglects someone whom he is supposed to feed. [Abu Dawud]
Wise quote of the day:
Never break a Muslim's heart by refusing what he offers you, when you know that anything that comes to you through him is in reality from God, and he is only His powerless and compelled means. [Imam al Haddad]
Guidance of the day:
Satan also uses obscene scenes to lead believers astray. He torments us with call to illicit pleasures. On such occasions, we must remind ourselves that indulging in any illicit pleasure will engender remorse and may engender both our present and future lives. We must never forget that the life of this world is but a passing plaything, a comforting illusion, and that the real or true life is that of the Hereafter.
When Satan whispers evil thoughts, believers should realize that he is using his weakest strategy and it can be ignored. Dwelling on such thoughts only exaggerates and aggravates our weakness or susceptibility. We also must avoid heedlessness and make sure that we do not neglect of worship, for such oversights attract Satan's attention. If we remember the All-Merciful, focus on noble or sacred phenomena and living a religious life, we will be able to resist Satan. [M. Fethullah Gulen]
Food for thought:
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Life belongs to the living and he who lives must be prepared for changes. Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens -- the sleeper must awaken. The world hates change, but it is the only thing that has brought progress.
And make us submissive to You, our Lord, and make our descendants a people submissive to You. And show us our places for rituals, and be relenting toward us, for You are Most Relenting, Most Merciful. [2: 128]
Hadith of the day:
It is sin enough for a man that he neglects someone whom he is supposed to feed. [Abu Dawud]
Wise quote of the day:
Never break a Muslim's heart by refusing what he offers you, when you know that anything that comes to you through him is in reality from God, and he is only His powerless and compelled means. [Imam al Haddad]
Guidance of the day:
Satan also uses obscene scenes to lead believers astray. He torments us with call to illicit pleasures. On such occasions, we must remind ourselves that indulging in any illicit pleasure will engender remorse and may engender both our present and future lives. We must never forget that the life of this world is but a passing plaything, a comforting illusion, and that the real or true life is that of the Hereafter.
When Satan whispers evil thoughts, believers should realize that he is using his weakest strategy and it can be ignored. Dwelling on such thoughts only exaggerates and aggravates our weakness or susceptibility. We also must avoid heedlessness and make sure that we do not neglect of worship, for such oversights attract Satan's attention. If we remember the All-Merciful, focus on noble or sacred phenomena and living a religious life, we will be able to resist Satan. [M. Fethullah Gulen]
Food for thought:
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Life belongs to the living and he who lives must be prepared for changes. Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens -- the sleeper must awaken. The world hates change, but it is the only thing that has brought progress.
Friday, November 04, 2011
Eid Mubarak!!!
POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE LIFE
1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest
your energy in the positive present moment.
3. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does.
4. Don't waste your precious energy and time on gossip.
5. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
6. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind people of their mistakes
of the past. That will ruin their present happiness.
7. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
8. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
9. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away
but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
10. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
11. Each day give something good to others.
13. Forgive everyone for everything -- hoping to be forgiven by Allah.
14. What other people think of you is none of your business,
just do the right things.
15. Put Allah first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.
16. The best is yet to come -- Paradise!-- strive for it.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. If you know Allah you will always be happy. So, know Him and be happy.
19. The hardship of obedience disappears and its reward remains.
20. The pleasure of sins disappears and its punishment remains.
1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest
your energy in the positive present moment.
3. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does.
4. Don't waste your precious energy and time on gossip.
5. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
6. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind people of their mistakes
of the past. That will ruin their present happiness.
7. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
8. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
9. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away
but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
10. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
11. Each day give something good to others.
13. Forgive everyone for everything -- hoping to be forgiven by Allah.
14. What other people think of you is none of your business,
just do the right things.
15. Put Allah first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.
16. The best is yet to come -- Paradise!-- strive for it.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. If you know Allah you will always be happy. So, know Him and be happy.
19. The hardship of obedience disappears and its reward remains.
20. The pleasure of sins disappears and its punishment remains.
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