Thursday, August 30, 2012

A DISTURBING INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED THROUGH FACEBOOK




There is always huge wisdom behind Allah's orders, and the same goes with the Mahram issue. For a Muslim, the most important thing is his/her modesty, and it's extremely worrying to see that modesty isn't taken as a highly important and respectful characteristic anymore. Somehow, most people-Muslims included- restrict the concept of modesty simply to their attire and nothing more. One important thing to be remembered is that Hijab, for both men and women, is not only to with with clothes. Rather, it's a complete set of morals and conduct.

Back to the topic now. I've heard more than one story about intermixing on the internet, particularly on Facebook and chatrooms, and how it has lead to extremely distressful consequences. I know that Muslims often overlook that fact that intermixing with their non-mahrams in not allowed in Islam, and most of them don't see it as a sin in the first place. May Allah guide me, you and everyone else! I did put up on Twitter about the dangers of intermixing with non-mahram, but most people get the message only after they have read some real story about the dangers of Facebook and other social networking sites. So, I heard a story- a very, very disturbing one, and I just have to share it with all of you. It's true and it did happen, which is why I'm telling it now.

A girl and a man started communicating via Facebook. They got familiar with each other, and very soon, they fell in love and expressed their feelings to each other.. Not much later afterwards, they decided to meet up at a local restaurant. So, they set up a date, and decided that they would meet at such an such a place, etc, etc. Now both, the girl and the man went to the restaurant at the time appointed, and Subhanallah, none of them ever expected to see what they saw: The girl and man communicating all that while on Facebook where in fact a daughter and her very own father! What a shock it must have been for both of them! Apparently, both of them had gone under different Facebook usernames, so they didn't know who they were talking to. But see where it lead. After all the confessions of love, it turns out to be a father and daughter... Imagine the situation of the mother when she got to know all about it? May Allah save all Muslims from the Fitna of the internet. Aameen!

I'm not saying here that you shouldn't use the internet. What I'm saying here is that you should be aware of your limits, aware of Shariah, aware of what you're doing, and more importantly, aware of the fact that wherever you may be, Allah is watching you. This thought alone is enough to save a true Muslim from any shameful behaviour.

By the way, this isn't the only story I've heard about the consequences of intermixing online. Almost everyday, people are being plunged into extra-marital relationships, haraam dating, etc, and the simple reason behind this is that people aren't aware of the consequences of it. When a man and woman talk to each other alone, Shaytan is the third person in their midst, and he will try his best to create feeling that ought not to be created between those two people. Remember that whatever sin you may be doing, or whatever sin you may already have done, Allah is watching you, and He will bring the truth out in the Aakhira, if not in this world itself. Nothing is hidden from Him.

If there's anyone of you reading this has any relationship with a man/woman online, the only bit of advice I can give you is to fear Allah. You know it's a sin now, and you know what it may lead to, so stay away from it. All relationships start with a 'Hi' and end up in God knows what, so stick to the Shariah and follow what Allah has asked us to. Please do steer clear from interacting with non-mahrams!


Monday, August 27, 2012

HIJABIS AND NIQABIS- THIS IS FOR YOU!




Sisters, I know it might hard for you to cover up sometimes, particularly when you see magazines splashed with pictures of glamorous models and make-up accessories, fashion, etc. Being a sister, I know that you sometimes may feel so out of the world when you're clad in the Hijab and Niqab, particularly when you're out, and when every other sister is dressed up in jeans, T-shirts, with their hair showing and their faces caked up with make-up. I know it might be weird, but you know what? People might call you a weirdo, but you're nothing like that. You're just unique. Specially unique in fact, because when nearly every other girl chooses to wear according to the latest fashion trend, you stick with what pleases your Lord the most.

Do people call you 'uncool', 'weird' or 'strange' when wearing the Hijab/ Niqab and practicing your Deen? Just keep this Hadith in mind:


"Islam started as something strange and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange. So good tidings for the strangers.
(Sahih Muslim, Book 1 : Hadith 270)

Remember my dear sisters, not everyone can muster the strength to do this. If you're all covered up, it means you're strong- much, much stronger that they can ever perceive! And why is that? Because you have chosen pleasing Allah over fashion. You have chosen pleasing Allah over pleasing your peers. You have chosen Allah over pleasing your own self. When others choose to please the world, you choose to please the Creator. If that isn't bravery, I really don't know what else could be....

When you cover up for the sake of Allah, that in itself makes you a million times more beautiful that anyone else. Just read this verse in the Quran (3: 106)


"The Day will come when some faces will be brightened (with joy), while other faces will be darkened (with misery). As for those whose faces are darkened, they will be asked, "Did you not disbelieve after believing? Therefore, suffer the retribution for your disbelief."


Tell me now sisters, would you rather displease your Lord in this world and risk the amazing prospect of Jannah, or please your Lord and be among those who are the inmates of Jannah- where the pleasures are such that no eyes would have seen, no ears would have heard and no imagination can ever comprehend. Subhanallah!


Imagine your beauty on the Day of Judgement my dear sisters, when your faces will be dazzling with Noor, radiant and beautiful- much more beautiful that the heavenly damsels of Jannah, the Hoor-ul-Ayn! You'll realize then that this world, all the demands of fashion, the beautiful clothes and pleasing others at the cost of displeasing Allah, really wasn't worth it.


So stay strong my dear sisters! Allah loves you the way you are and you're beautiful for Him. And isn't that all that ever matters to us? He is proud of you, and so are all of we! I love you all for the sake of Allah!


"But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring" -Al Quran (87: 16)


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

PERFECT WISDOM FROM PROPHET MUHAMMAD (sal)




This beautiful Hadith really has all the answers to our questions. Perfect wisdom and advice from our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallahu 'alayhi wa sallam)! May Allah inspire all of us with such beautiful qualities. 

Khalid Bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) narrated:

A Bedouin came one day to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) and said to him:
"O Messenger of Allah! I have come to ask a few questions about the affairs of this life and the Hereafter."
"Ask what you wish", replied the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam).

"I would like to be the most learned of men."
"Practice piety and fear Allah, and you will be the most learned of men."


"I wish to be the richest man in the world."
"Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world."


"I would like to be the most just man in the world."
"Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men."


"I want to be the best of men."
"Do good to others and you will be the best of men."


"I wish to be the most favoured by Allah."
"Engage in Allah's praise in abundance, and you will be the favoured by Him."


"I would like to complete my faith."
"Practice good manners, you will complete your faith."


"I wish to be among those who do good."
"Adore and worship Allah as if you see Him. And though you do not see Him, He sees you. In this way, you will be among those who do good."


"I wish to be obedient to Allah."
"Observe Allah's commands, you will be obedient."


"I would like to be free from all sins."
"Bathe your body from impurities and you will be free from all sins."


"I would like to be raised on the Day of Judgment in the Light."
"Do not wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the Day of Judgment in the Light."


"I would like Allah to bestow His Mercy on me."
"Have mercy on yourself and on others, and Allah will grant you Mercy on the Day of Judgment."


I would like my sins to be very few."
"Seek Allah's forgiveness profusely, and your sins will be very few."


"I would like to be the most honourable man."
"Do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honourable of men."


"I would like to be the strongest of men."
"Put your trust in Allah, and you will be the strongest of men."


"I would like Allah to enlarge my provisions."
"Keep yourself pure, and Allah will enlarge your provisions."


"I would like to be loved by Allah and His Messenger."
"Love what Allah and His Messenger love, you will be amongst their loved ones."


"I wish to be safe from Allah's Wrath on the Day of Judgment."
"Do not lose your temper with any of your fellow creatures, you will be safe from the Wrath of Allah on the Day of Judgment."


"I would like my prayers to be responded."
"Avoid forbidden actions, your prayers will be responded."


"I would like Allah not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgment."
"Guard your chastity, and Allah will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgment."


"I would like Allah to provide me with a covering on the Day of Judgment."
"Do not uncover your fellow creatures faults, and Allah will provide you with a covering protection on the Day of Judgment."


"What will save me from sins?"
"Tears, humility and illness."


"What are the best deeds in the eyes of Allah?"
"Gentle manners, modesty and patience in adversity."


"What are the worst evils in the eyes of Allah?"
"Hot temper and miserliness."


"What assuages the Wrath of Allah in this life and in the Hereafter?"
"Concealed charity and kindness to relatives."


"What extinguishes Hell's Fire on the Day of Judgment?"
"Patience in adversity and misfortunes."


Imam Al-Mustaghfiri said:
"I have never heard a hadith more comprehensive of the beauties of the religion, and more beneficial than this hadith. It collects all the good things of Islam but is not put to use."

Related by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

Friday, August 17, 2012

MY RAMADHAN RESOLUTIONS- WHO'S WITH ME?




After awaiting the beautiful month of Ramadhan with so much of anticipation, we just have a few hours/days left. Subhanallah, how time has flown! It seems as though it was just a few days back that we sighted the crescent moon to mark the beginning of Ramadhan, and now, it's almost over. There's one thing looking forward to Ramadhan, and there's another dreading its end....

We made so much of plans for Ramadhan, made so much of Dua, changed ourselves, our attitudes, our way of thinking and behaviour, and I know that keeping it up is going to be difficult. I know that we've been able to achieve so much because the Shaytan have been chained up, but can we continue it afterwards? Can we be what we have been this Ramadhan for the rest of the year?

- We stayed away from watching movies this Ramadhan. 
- We stayed away from listening to music.
- We lowered our gazes.
- We wore the proper Hijab.
- We recited the Qur'an more.
- We prayed on time, together with the Sunnah Mu'akkadah.
- We prayed Tahajjud.
- We prayed Witr.
- We listened and obeyed our parents.
- We helped each other out.
- We cared for the less fortunate and shared our meals with them.
- We learnt to control our Nafs (desires) and gave preference to pleasing Allah and following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam). 
- We stayed away from hurting others, arguing, slandering and backbiting (to an extent at least).
-We made Dua to Allah.

The list goes on and it's great to know that we've managed to do things that please Allah Alhamdulillah! Question is: Can we continue it? Can we lower our gazes as much as we did in Ramadhan? Can we avoid music and movies just as we did in Ramadhan? Can we obey our parents as much as we did in Ramadhan? It sounds easy to type all these down, but to put into practice... May Allah help all of us!

So, In Sha Allah, let's all promise that we will TRY as much as we can to continue our good deeds outside Ramadhan as well. Let's all show Shaytan that we aren't weak. Let's show Shaytan that we give preference to Allah over his whispers. Let's show Shaytan that he isn't strong! 

Who's with me?

Note: Please do make Dua for us to carry on with our resolutions, not to lose heart and for us to do only what pleases Allah and His Messenger (Salallahu alaihi wasallam)

Saturday, August 11, 2012

A BEAUTIFUL HADEETH ABOUT RAMADHAN


This is a BEAUTIFUL Hadith about Ramadhan that everyone should read In Sha Allah. It's really over-powering MashaAllah, especially the part that in Italics. Love it, MashaAllah!
Ibne Abbas (radhiyallahu anhu) says that he heard our Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) say: "Jannah (paradise) is made fragrant with the sweetest perfumes in Ramadhaan. From the very beginning of the year till the end, it is brightly decorated for the coming of this blessed month.
And when the first night of Ramadhaan appears, a wind blows from beneath the Arsh (Throne). It is called Mutheera and causes the leaves of the trees of Jannah to rustle and door handles to vibrate, thus giving forth such a melodious sound as had never been heard before. The dark-eyed damsels of jannah then step forth till they appear in the centre of the balconies of jannah, exclaiming, “Is there anyone praying to Allah for us that Allah may join us in marriage with him?” Then these damsels call out: “O Ridhwaan, Keeper of jannah! What night is this?” He replies: “Labbayk, it is indeed the first night of Ramadhaan, when the doors of Jannah are opened to those who observe the fast from among the ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).”
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) further said: Allah says, “O Ridhwaan, open the doors of Jannah and O Maalik (Keeper of Jahannam), close the doors of Jahannam for those who fast from among the ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). O Jibra’il, proceed down to the Earth and bind all the rebellious shayateen (devils), put them in chains, cast them in the oceans, so that they make no mischief, to spoil the fast of the ummah of My beloved Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)”.
Allah commands a caller from the heavens to call out three times on every one of the nights of Ramadhaan: “Is there anyone begging of Me that I may grant him his desire? Is there anyone repenting to me that I may turn in mercy to him? Is there anyone begging my forgiveness that I may forgive him? Who is there who shall give a loan to the One whose wealth does not diminish, and the One Who duly pays back without any deductions.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said further: Every day at the time of iftaar, Allah sets free one thousand souls from the fire of Jahannam who had previously been found deserving Jahannam. On the last night, He sets free as many more as had been set free throughout the month. On the night of Laylatul Qadr, Allah commands Jibra’il to descend to the earth with a large group of angels. They descend carrying a green flag, which is then planted on top of the Kaa’bah. Jibra’il alayhis salaam himself has one hundred wings, two of which are spread out on this night only. He spreads out these two wings so that their width extends from east to west. Jibra’il (alayhis salaam) then sends out the angels in all directions to offer salutation to anybody they find standing in prayer or sitting, performing salaat or celebrating the praises of Allah. They shake hands with them and say Aameen to all their du’as (prayers) until dawn. When dawn comes, Jibra’il (alayhis salaam) calls out: “Depart O Angels of Allah, depart.” 
The Angels then inquire: “O, Jibra’il, what did Allah do regarding the needs that the faithful ones from among the ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) put before Him?” Jibra’il (alayhis salaam) replies: “Allah looked at them with Mercy and pardoned them all, except four kinds of people.”Thereupon, we the Sahaabah inquired: “Who are they, O Rasulullah?” Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied: “They are the ones who are addicted to wine, those disobedient to their parents, those who cut themselves off from their near relatives, and those who harbour ill-will against their fellow beings and break off relations with them.”
And then the night of Eidul Fitr, the night that is called Laylatul Jaa’izah, (the night of prize giving), comes along. On the morning of Eid, Allah sends down the angels to all the lands of the Earth, where they take their positions on all the streets and lanes, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except men and jinn: “O ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), come forth from your houses towards the Lord, Who is Noble and Gracious, Who grants abundantly and pardons the major sins.”
When they proceed for their Eid salaat, Allah says to the angels: “What indeed is the reward of that employee who has rendered full service?” The angels reply: “O our Lord and Master, it is only right that he shall receive his reward in full for his services.”
Allah then says: “I call you to witness, O My angels, that for their having fasted for Me during the month of Ramadhaan, and for their having stood before Me in prayer by night, I have granted to them as a reward of My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness. O My servants, ask now of Me, for I swear by My Honour and Greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of Me this day in this assembly of yours for the needs of your Hereafter, I shall grant you; and whatever you shall ask for your worldly needs, I shall grant what is to your advantage. By My Honour do I swear, as long as you shall obey My commands, I shall cover up your faults. By My Honour and My Greatness do I swear, that I shall never disgrace you in front of the transgressors and disbelievers. Return now from here; you are forgiven. You have indeed pleased Me, and I am pleased with you.”
The Angels, on seeing this great reward bestowed upon the ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on the day of Eid, become greatly pleased and happy.
This really is a gift of a Hadeeth for all of us. May Allah accept all of us!

(Source: Al-Targheeb)

Friday, August 10, 2012

SINCERE WORDS FROM MY HEART




Dua was what saved Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) from being burnt from the fire.Dua was what saved Prophet Yunus (PBUH) from the belly of the fish.
Dua was what brought victory to the Muslims in the Battle of Badr.

Then why is that we still despair in the power of Dua?
Why is that we refuse to believe that Dua can change everything? Why is that we are so miserly when it comes to make Dua? It doesn't cost us anything does it? Then why dont we spend more time making Dua from Allah? Why don't we understand that Allah is not in need of our Dua but it's us who can never do without it.

Have we ever spared so much as a minute to imagine what the Muslims in Burma, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Irna, Afganistan and Africa are going through? Have we ever made the effort of making Dua for them, for asking Allah to ease their worries and give them peace and security? If we can follow every step of a celebrity or sportsman, why is that we cannot follow what is happening to our Muslims brothers and sisters? Why is that we cannot spare a few minutes shedding our tears and crying for the state they are in? Have our hearts become so hard that praying for a fellow Muslim is a burden on us? Subhanallah!

Remember my sisters and brothers in Islam, our Duas can be the means of salvation for the Muslims sufferings and our tears can be the means of victory and peace to them from Allah. Nothing can be too difficult to be answered by Dua and nothing can be impossible when you cry to Allah with sincerity and ask of Him only. During these last few days of Ramadhan, allocate at least five minutes to pray for the state Muslims are in. After all, can't we do at least this much of our fellow Muslims. Are we not after all one family? Should we not feel the pain of another Muslim or are we so preoccupied with our ownselves that making Dua for them is not worth it?

Remember, you're not doing this as a favour for the Muslims. You're doing it because you have to. 

If you consider yourself as a follower of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), make Dua for all Muslims just as our Prophet (PBUH) made Dua for all of us, cried for us when we weren't even born and prayed for us more sincerely than we pray for our ownselves. Be a Muslim and pray for all Muslims.